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Home > Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e (1-Piece) - Installation Instructions

Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e (1-Piece) - Installation Instructions

Installation Instructions

Installation icon Printable Version
Installation icon Difficulty Easy
Installation icon Steps 09
Installation icon Time Required 0.5 hours
Installation icon Flags 02

Parts

  • 1 Panel Pet Door
  • 1 Foam Weather Strip
  • 1 Center Post Weather Seal Draft Stopper
  • 1 Sliding Door C-Clamp Lock
  • 1 Flathead Screwdriver

Tools

  • Flathead Screwdriver

Please read instructions & notes thoroughly before installation.


One-Piece Panel

Step 1 Adjust the Step Over (Optional)

  • The Endura aluminum sliding door panel has a patented Adjustable Step-Over feature which allows you to adjust the height of the flap to the most comfortable fit for your pet.
  • Adjusting the step-over requires tools that are not supplied. You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver, and we recommend using a power tool if available, as the screws were tightly installed to hold the panel together during shipping.
  • The top of the flap should be positioned to be at least 1” above the top of the pet's shoulder.
  • If the factory setting is not suitable, please adjust it before proceeding. Otherwise, proceed to the Installation Instructions section.

Step 2 Adjust the Screws

  • Lay the entire panel on a flat surface.
  • Using the Phillips-header screwdriver, or selected power tool, remove the bottom side-screws and loosen the upper side screws.

Step 3 Adjust the Spacers

  • Once the bottom screws have been removed and the upper side-screws loosened, the Pet Door Assembly and spacers can be removed by sliding the sections down and out of the panel.

Step 4 Replace the Spacers

  • Replace the spacers and the Pet Door Assembly by sliding them back in a different order to achieve the desired height. You can move the spacer below and above the flap to raise or lower the flap height.
  • It is critical that the bottom piece is placed at the base. This is the designated attachment point for the screws.
  • Make sure that the locking cover side of the flap frame is on the same side as the height adjustment locks.

Step 5 Tighten the Screws

  • When finished, replace the bottom side-screws and tighten the next upper-side screws.
  • A lower step-over height is easier for pets to navigate. However, if the top of the flap is low enough that the pet needs to crouch to get through their pet door, they can injure themselves and possibly cause the pet door to malfunction. If your pet door does not sit at a comfortable height for your pet, you may need a larger flap size.

Step 6 Unlock Spring Mechanism

  • Loosen the height adjustment locks at the top of the pet panel with the screwdriver. This allows the spring mechanism to move freely up and down.

Step 7 Test Fit the Panel in Your Track

  • 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 Troubleshooting Section if you encounter difficulties.
  • 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.

Step 8 Apply the Weatherstripping

  • 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 9 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.
  • Repeat step two to install the panel in your track.

Lock Details

a lock can secure your slider in place

Since you cannot lock your sliding door to your panel pet door, we have provided you with alternative locking methods to secure your home:

Installing the sliding door clamp: This clamp has a screw that 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.


use a charley bar or dowel in the slider track to secure your door

Variable Magnetic Resistance

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.

you can screw your panel into your slider for a more permanent installation

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.

What if my panel is slightly too tall?

The spring-loaded adjustment piece at the top can be trimmed by up to 3/4". Remove the piece using a Phillips-head screwdriver, and shorten the flanges with a hacksaw or suitable tool. To maintain proper panel installation, do not exceed a 3/4" trim.

What if my panel is slightly too short?

Height extension pieces are available, adding 3/4" to the top of the panel that slides into the upper channel. These extensions are made from matching aluminum for consistent color.

For those DIY enthusiasts requiring extensions beyond 3/4", you have the flexibility to create your own using readily available 1-inch nominal wood, which measures 3/4" thick. A 1x3 piece provides a practical and cost-effective solution.

For a clean fit, cut your DIY extension to match the panel's width, then slide it into the top channel. A matching paint job will blend it seamlessly with your frame. To ensure stability, especially with larger extensions, secure it with screws.

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

You may be able to remove the hardware, as it is sometimes secured with just a few screws.

If removal isn't possible, try installing the panel on the stationary side, as described here.

If neither option works, you can shim the panel to align it with the lock face. Depending on how far it protrudes, consider using thicker foam weatherstripping or a small wood spacer between the panel and the wall jamb.

My slider isn't closing evenly against the panel?

If your slider isn't level—a common issue in older homes—you may be able to adjust the wheels to realign it. Most doors have an adjustment screw near the bottom that allows you to raise or lower the wheels slightly.

If the slider is level but still misaligned, the issue could be with the metal height adjustment lock at the top of the panel. In some cases, you can use a rubber mallet to straighten out any slight curves.

If the height adjustment lock is hitting the edge, it may indicate that the bottom of the panel is seating deeper into the jamb than the top, creating a widening gap as you move downward. To correct this, use wood shims or weatherstripping in the jamb to push the bottom of the panel outward.

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 weatherstripping 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. You might also try semi-permanently installing the pet door.

The slider is on the outside track? How do I lock it?

If you're trying to lock the door, this can be an issue since a clamp lock, Charley bar, or dowel in the track may not work effectively. In this case, a foot lock is a good alternative, though it requires drilling into the front end of the stationary panel frame and a small hole in the sliding door frame.

Depending on your slider's handle design, you might be able to position a Charley bar between the handle and the edge of the stationary panel. This would allow the slider to press against the pet door, preventing it from being opened.

Alternatively, consider installing the pet door between the stationary glass and the wall for added security.

My pet is having difficulty with the large step-down going out or coming in.

In this case, you can use a ramp or small steps to reduce the height of the drop. Ensure that the distance between the top of the flap and the ground is enough for your pet to pass through comfortably without ducking or brushing against their back.

What if I have an alarm system?

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.