Thermo Panel 2e with Microchip Cat Flap (One Piece) - Installation Instructions

Installation Instructions

Click to view the Thermo Panel 2e Microchip Cat Flap Sectional Instructions

Difficulty Easy

Steps 16

Time Required 1 Hour

Sections 04

Flags 03

Parts

Panel Pet Door
SureFlap Microchip Cat/Pet Door
Foam Weather Strip
C-Clamp Lock
Center Post Weather Seal Draft Stopper

Tools

None

Please read instructions & notes thoroughly before installation.

You will need to do a few extra steps to install your SureFlap Microchip Pet Door, Cat Flap, or DualScan through your panel. The SureFlap ships in a separate box, and before you open it you should first test to make sure your panel will work in your door or window.

Remove your SureFlap from its box, and follow the directions included to program the pet door. You can then proceed with the instructions below:

Sectional Panel

Step 1 PREP THE PANEL AND SUREFLAP DOOR

After testing the panel to make sure it works in your window or door and testing that the SureFlap will work with your pets, you are ready to attach the pet door to the hole in the panel.

Step 2 LOCATE THE SCREWS

Find the middle-length screws in the SureFlap box. The Pet Door version uses 4 screws, while the Cat Flap and Dual Scan will only utilize 2 screws.
Thumbscrews should be on the same side as the controls of your SureFlap. Installing your SureFlap with the controls on the outside of your home will damage the pet door and void SureFlap’s warranty.

Step 3 ATTACH THE SUREFLAP DOOR TO THE PANEL

The trim frame and screws will go on the outside of the panel. Place the side with the locking controls on the inside of the panel. The controls will need to be on the same side as the thumbscrews.
Screw the two halves of the frame into place.

Step 9 Assemble Patio Panel

The following steps are for assembling your patio panel"
Align the aluminum connectors extending from the bottom flap panel section with the top glass panels section.
Press the aluminum connectors into the holes at the bottom of the top glass panel section.
Ensure that the locking cover and thumb screws are on the same side.

Step 10 Attach the Pieces

Gently tap the bottom surface of the panel against the ground to completely insert the connectors. Protect hard surfaces to prevent scratching.
The components of the panel are designed to slide together very tightly.

Step 11 FASTEN THE SECTIONS

Fasten the two panels together using the fou flat head screws found in the panel packaging.
Use the included flat head screwdriver to tighten screws so the two halves of the door are pulled together.
Please note that the screw holes may look misaligned. This is intentional to ensure a tight fit. The panels will squeeze together as the screws are tightened.

Step 12 ADJUST TOP PIECE

The rest of the steps are for how to install your panel into your door track.
Loosen the thumbscrews at the top of the pet panel. This allows the spring mechanism to move freely up and down.

Step 13 TEST-FIT THE PANEL

To insert the panel into the top track, push up against the spring mechanism and swing the bottom of the panel up and over the threshold.
Seat the panel on top of the small guide rail in the track. If you can’t quite get it in the track, try swinging in from the outside as the outside track wall may be shorter.
You want to put the pet door in your track before applying any weather stripping to ensure it fits.
If the panel fits well, proceed to the next step. See the FAQs if you have trouble.

Step 14 APPLY THE WEATHER STRIPPING

Once you’re sure the panel fits, remove it from the frame and lay it on its side on the ground.
Apply the foam weather-stripping by peeling back the paper and exposing the adhesive. Unroll it along the edge of the panel, pressing to ensure it adheres. Install on both sides, trim it fit with scissors.

Step 15 SECURE THE PANEL IN THE TRACK

After installing the weather stripping, reinstall the panel into the slider track and tighten the thumbscrews to secure it.

Step 16 INSTALL THE DRAFT STOPPER

The center post weather seal strip (draft stopper) should be installed on the inside of the home. It can install on either the back edge of the sliding door panel or the leading edge of the stationary panel.
This strip prevents air from leaking between the sliding glass door and the stationary panel.
Trim with scissors as needed. Clean the edge of your patio door with rubbing alcohol before installing to assure a good seal.

LOCKING YOUR DOOR

Since you cannot lock your sliding glass door to your panel pet door, we have provided you with an alternative locking method to secure your home.

Installing the Sliding Door Clamp Lock:

The clamp has a thumb screw which tightens by hand to prevent the sliding door from moving beyond the clamp’s placement. For doors manufactured with the glass slider on the inside track, the lock can usually be installed on the door’s raised track.

If you aren't able to use the lock that comes with the panel:

A great alternative to locking your sliding glass door is a charley bar or dowel in the track. Both work off the same concept - they block the slider from opening. When engaged you cannot pull the sliding door away from the pet door panel. It’s a fancier version of the classic broomstick handle in the track method!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if my panel is slightly too tall?

You can trim up to 3/4” off the spring- loaded adjustment piece at the top. This can be done by removing the adjustment pieces with a #2 Phillips head screwdriver and cutting down the flanges. Be careful not to cut too low or you will not be able to put the top back on.

What if my panel is slightly too short?

We offer height extensions that will add 3/4” to the top of the panel that you slide into the channel at the top. These are made from the same aluminum as the panel so you can match the color.

You can also make your own extension out of nominal 1” wood (which is 3/4” thick), such as a 1x3, if you need more than 3/4" in height. Cut it to the same width as the panel and slide it into the channel at the top. Paint the wood to match your frame color. If the extension makes the panel feel unstable, you can secure it with screws.

What if the panel is wobbling slightly back and forth?

If your track is wider than 1” you can use small wooden shims or extra weather-stripping to fill in the gap inside the top and bottom tracks. By placing the material inside the tracks you won't be able to see it, but it will stabilize the panel.

What if hardware for the locking latch is preventing the door from sealing properly?

You might be able to remove the hardware, as in some cases they are only held in place with a couple of screws. If you are not able to remove it you can try installing the panel on the stationary side as mentioned below. If neither of those choices works, you can try to shim the panel out so that it is even with the face of the lock. Depending on how far it sticks out you might be able to use a thicker foam weatherstripping or a small piece of wood between the panel and wall jamb.

My slider isn’t closing evenly against the panel?

Your slider may not be level, which can happen in older houses. In that case, you may be able to adjust the wheels on the slider enough to line it back up. It will depend on your door, but you should be able to adjust a screw near the bottom of the door.

Turning the screw will adjust the wheels slightly. If the slider is level then it could be an issue with the metal thumbscrew at the top of the panel.

If the thumbscrew is hitting the edge this can mean that the bottom of the panel is going further into the jamb than it can at the top. A gap appears that gets wider as you go down the panel. You can use wood shims or weatherstripping in the jamb to push out the bottom of the panel.

What if I have an alarm system?

Install the panel on the stationary side as mentioned below. The alarm company might be able to come out and move the sensor for you. So instead of one part being on the door and the other on the jamb, you would end up having one side on the panel that matched up with the one on the sliding door. As there are many different types of alarm configurations we would recommend that you always consult the alarm security company first to discuss your options.

OTHER INSTALLATION OPTIONS

Semi-Permanent Installation:

You might choose to secure the panel in your track with screws. This can be done by drilling screws at an angle in the top and bottom tracks. We recommend doing this from the outside to minimize damage to the sliding glass door frame. One-way screws will prevent tampering or removal of the panel from the outside.

Stationary Panel:

Some stationary sliding door panels can be unfastened and moved over to one side so that you can install the pet door panel between the jamb and stationary panel.

Avoid damaging your sliding glass door by checking that your door can move and that you can reinstall it properly before trying to uninstall the unit.

You will still lose space in your slider to move through, however, you will be able to use your existing sliding door lock to secure your home. Installing your pet door this way is also great in that you already have an alarm system in place.

If your sliding glass door slides on the outside track, using an alternative lock might not be possible, so this allows you to still lock your door.

NOTE: You can do the stationary panel install with the regular spring actuator method – no need to screw it in.