Ideal "Fast Fit" Patio Pet Door

The Ideal "Fast Fit" Patio Pet Door Insert

The Ideal "Fast Fit" Patio Pet Door Insert is a "spring load" patio panel pet door which requires no tools for installation (except for the included pin lock). Flaps are relatively light weight, clear flexible vinyl. Locking covers are plastic. Use a broomstick in the track to avoid having to drill a hole for the pin lock.

Glass is 1/8" clear tempered. Don't look for the old "large" size; it's been discontinued by Ideal.

 Be sure to carefully check your track height compared with 'Adjustment Range' to be sure of a fit. If your measured track height is not covered by one of the standard adjustment ranges, you may purchase a special height extension panel to make the height suitable for your sliding glass door track.

What height should the extension be built to? Here you must supply a height in inches. Calculate it by subtracting the maximum height of the adjustment range of the panel you've chosen from the measured height of your sliding glass door track and adding 2 1/8". So, for example, if you measure your track height at 88" exactly, you'd subtract 80 1/4" from 88" equals 7 3/4" and add back 2 1/8" = 9 7/8". You'd specify 9 7/8" in the dialog box offered.

The maximum over-all height you can achieve in this manner is 106".  Because the height extension panel is built to your custom dimension, it is not returnable though the panel itself is.

Weather-stripping is included but only for one side of the panel. This should go between the panel and the sliding door. You'll probably benefit by adding additional weather stripping for the other side which can be purchased on this site or from any hardware store.

One exclusive feature of the ideal Fast Fit is the outside keyed lock option. If you leave your home by the patio door then you'll want to lock up from the outside. Adding the keyed lock option to the Fast Fit allows this. Note two things here: First, you must specifiy which way the sliding glass door opens when inside the house looking out. This choice is on the drop-down menu for the keyed lock option. That specification enables the factory to mount the keyed lock on the correct side of the panel. Second, plan to fasten the pet door securely into the track using sheet metal screws. If you don't, the lock won't work and the whole unit will just pull to one side. Since this option is built to order, allow about 1 or 2 days extra for delivery. Please note that the keyed lock is a custom option and the pet panel cannot be returned.

There are two other ways of solving this problem that we should mention. You can probably move the stationary glass panel to one side and install your pet door against the opposite jamb. That allows you to continue using your existing lock and also avoids having to make any adjustments to an alarm system if you have one.

The other possibility is to purchase an 'in the glass' pet door that has the pet opening go right through the glass of your sliding glass door. That also avoids any locking or alarm problems. You'll find this type at the sliding glass door category page. (If you want an electronic sliding glass pet door go to the electronic patio pet doors category page).

There are quite a few details that might be important for you to think about in purchasing any panel pet door. Begin with Key Points to get a quick overview of the most important issues. Then study the comparison chart and read the information on the Patio Panel FAQ page which cover the fine points of patio pet doors.

Frame thickness is 5/8". Draft stopper is included.

Most, but not all, Ideal Patio Panels include a plastic frame immediately around the flap. On occasion these frames break. Don't buy a whole new patio pet door! We carry the replacement flap assembly (see Flaps & Parts/Replacement Flaps & Related). But, If you happen to have metal framing immediately surrounding the flap, you'll probably only need a replacement flap. Be sure to get the 'Deluxe' version in that case.