Is this the same as the Thermo Panel 3e?

This is very similar in that it has the same height ranges, flap sizes, and Low-e glass. However, this vinyl panel is specifically made to fit better in the wider vinyl slider tracks. Read about the differences between vinyl and aluminum pet door panels here.

Will it fit all vinyl sliding glass doors?

This panel fits doors that have a recessed track at least 1-1/2" wide, with a rail in the bottom that is about the size of a pencil. The panel is made with a small channel that will case over that little rail

Does it lock?

We do include a c-clamp lock to lock the panel in place in your slider track. However, the panel does not mate with your existing sliding door lock. You can also use a Charley bar or wooden dowel for additional security.

Can an intruder remove it from the outside?

The thumbscrews are on the inside of the house so you cannot loosen them from the outside.

Does the flap lock?

The severe weather vinyl sliding door panel comes with a secure locking cover to block access to the flap when needed.

Does this panel insulate well?

Yes, it insulates very well. The flap is lined with magnets on three sides to stay shut in winds up to 50mph. The glass in the panel is Low-E for maximum insulation.

How do I measure for it?

You will want to measure from the deepest part (down past the little metal rail) in the bottom, then all the way up to the deepest part inside the top track for your track height.

Does it come in any color other than white?

No, but the vinyl can be painted to match your home.

What if my track is wider than 1-1/2"?

It will still work if your track is wider, but if the channel in the bottom, top, or side measures less than that you will not be able to fit it into place properly.

Does your door have to be vinyl?

No, this can work for aluminum sliders with tracks at least 1.5" thick.

Is the flap flexible?

It is flexible, but since it is two pieces sandwiched together it is a little stiffer and heavier than the more economical vinyl flaps.

Is the flap clear?

It is a little foggy, but it is see-through so it's easy for pets to use.

Will this form condensation like the aluminum panels?

Nope! One of the benefits of a vinyl panel is that it won't "sweat" in cold weather the way aluminum panels can.

My sliding door track has a triangular guide rail. Will this pet door still work?

Some sliding glass door tracks have a triangle-shaped guide rail instead of a cylindrical pencil rail running along the middle. This pet door panel has an arch along the bottom that is designed to sit on top of a cylindrical pencil rail. Pencil rails are shorter in height than triangular guide rails, which means that the pet door panel would wobble on top of it rather than sitting flush with the rest of the track. To accommodate the pet door panel you will need to build up the sides of the triangular guide rail so that the tip is less than ¼” tall. Please reach out to customer service if you have any questions about this process.

Will this panel work if my sliding glass door has a buried track?

Some sliding glass doors have buried tracks. Since this panel has an arch along the bottom that is designed to sit on top of a pencil rail, it will not be secure in a slider with a buried track without modifications. We recommend securing the panel to the track wall with L brackets or toenailing it to the track wall. Toenailing is the process of fastening the panel to the track by driving a nail at roughly a 45-degree angle into the panel and through the track wall. Please note that these modifications result in a semi-permanent installation. If you needed to remove the panel in the future you would first have to remove the L brackets or nails. Additionally, please note that this process would leave holes in the pet door panel and it would no longer be returnable. Please reach out to customer service to further discuss your options for a buried track.

I have a hurricane patio door. Will this pet door work for me?

Hurricane door track styles vary widely, so they are case-by-case. Please reach out to customer service to discuss your pet door options for your sliding door.

Will this pet door work with Anderson and Pella sliding doors?

Anderson and Pella sliding glass doors have an inner track wall but no outer track wall. Additionally, the pencil rail is on the outer edge of the track rather than in the middle. Since this pet door panel is designed to sit between two track walls and on top of a centered pencil rail, it cannot be installed in Anderson or Pella doors without modifications. We recommend building out your track and using L brackets or toenailing to secure the bottom of the panel to the inner track wall. Building out the track means adding a piece of wood or vinyl that is the same height as the pencil rail to the space next to the pencil rail. This creates a flat surface for the pet door panel to sit on. Next, you will need to secure the panel to the track wall. To do this, you can use L brackets or you can toenail the panel into the track wall. Toenailing is the process of fastening the panel to the track by driving a nail at roughly a 45-degree angle into the panel and through the track wall. Please note that these modifications result in a semi-permanent installation. If you needed to remove the panel in the future you would first have to remove the L brackets or nails. Additionally, please note that this process would leave holes in the pet door panel and it would no longer be returnable. Please reach out to customer service to further discuss this process or different options for an Anderson or Pella sliding door.

What do I do if my sliders meet in the middle?

You can install your panel in the middle and anchor one of your doors to it and leave the other one functional; essentially turning your two-door slider into one.