The Ideal 900 Series "Energy Saver" Pet Patio Door
includes dual pane, insulated glass as well as a dual vinyl flap assembly using a brush-type weather strip and magnets to improve the seal. This 7/8" thick, metal-framed design makes it appropriate for 4 season use in all but the very coldest climates. It is specifically designed for metal-framed sliding glass doors only.
Adjustment Range
The unusually broad adjustment range of 5" is achieved with a spring-loaded height adjustment panel at the top. This panel must be fastened in place with sheet metal screws. Since these screws must be removed to remove the pet door, it is a "semi-permanent" type of installation.
Locking Choices
A very important advantage of this panel is that if your sliding glass door lock assembly protrudes from the edge of your sliding glass door, then there is a very good chance that this panel will mate to your existing sliding door lock. If the lock on your sliding glass door is mounted on the inside face, then it will not mate and the more traditional dead-bolt or "pin-type" lock must be used (supplied with the panel).
Since this patio pet panel may very well be locking directly to your sliding glass door, there must be provision made for the panel to be fastened rigidly in place. If not, then it could simply be pulled to one side and the lock would have no value. (Note: This isn't so for the pin-lock approach which does not rely on the panel for security).
In the past, the only method for making semi-permanent panels fixed in place has been to "toe nail" sheet metal screws through the pet door at both the top and the bottom. While this method is effective, it requires drilling at an angle, which can be somewhat difficult, and the screws are visible after the installation.
The Ideal 900 Series, however, uses a different approach and one that is very similiar to the VIP Panel also manufactured by Ideal. Two hooks are fastened to the jamb of your sliding glass door frame. The panel then is lifted onto these hooks. When the height adjustment is fastened in place, the panel can no longer be lifted up and off of the hooks! This ingenious method completely hides the hardware needed to prevent the patio panel pet door from sliding to one side. Some accurate measuring is required to place the hooks.
Insulation Values
Since there are two flaps with a dead air-space between them, this panel will provide better-than-normal insulation and wind resistance. The fuzzy weather-strip along the flap edges and between the magnets serves to greatly reduce the inflow of air when cold weather causes the flaps to shrink (as all flexible flap materials do). These flaps are similar to the familiar Hale Pet Door design which is simply flap sections cut from sheets of vinyl and with metal "strikes" fastened to the edges to provide grip for the magnets.
Shipping
Ground shipping only on all Ideal panel pet doors.
