Fitting catflap in UPVC door

[andywhy]

Hi

I have a customer wanting a cat flap fitting into a UPVC door

Now, I would have no problems doing this in a timber door, but am wondering if there are any considerations when doing this in a UPVC door.

In particular I am wondering what the construction of the panel consists of - i.e. is it hollow?? or am i ok just doing as i would do in a timber door - drilling holes and jigsawing

Just need some answers to set my mind at ease. I am pretty competent (handyman) but just havent actually had to do this particular task yet so am (only v. slightly) apprehensive

Thanks in advance, much appreciated!

Andy

 

[dextrous]

No difference in my (limited to be fair) experience.

 

[churchilldog]

Some have a thin metal (steel?) plate in the panels, so you may need an HSS drill bit and metal jigsaw blade.
It may be easier for you to remove the panel and cut, especially if there is glass in part of the door, to prevent any accidents with vibration!

 

[RF Lighting]

And you might want to cover the panel with masking tape first to stop your jigsaw scratching the PVC surface around where you are cutting.

 

[Thermo]

i used to do these for a local pet shop when i first went out on my own. I found the easiest way was to drill a hole in each corner once the template was marked, then use a stanly knife and a steel straight edge to cut a line between them. Used to to take a few goes to cut the line, but it was neat. went through a few blades to do each panel. A jigsaw just rips the stuff, or risks cracking it. Easy then to use a pad saw to cut the insulation away.

 

[masona]

If you don't want to ruin the appearance of the door, another option is to have a cat tunnel box section though the wall if possible, done loads!