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Dragon Pet Door for Aluminum Sliders (Sectional Panel) - Installation Instructions

Installation Instructions

Click to view the One-Piece Sliding Glass Pet Door Panel Instructions.

Installation icon Difficulty Easy
Installation icon Steps 06
Installation icon Time Required 0.5 hours
Installation icon Sections 03
Installation icon Flags 02

Parts

  • Top Glass Panel Section
  • Bottom Flap Section
  • Foam Weather Strip
  • Center Post Weather Seal Draft Stopper
  • 4 Flathead Screws
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Screwdriver for Adjustment Locks
  • Sliding Door C-Clamp Lock

Tools

  • Flathead Screwdriver

Please read instructions & notes thoroughly before installation.

Two-Piece Panel

Step 1 Adjust Step Over Height (Optional)

  • The 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.
  • 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. If the current setting is suitable, proceed to the “Installation Instructions” section.

Step 2 Rearrange the Pieces (Optional)

  • Simply slide the pieces up and out from the bottom half of your panel to rearrange.
  • Loosen a bottom screw if the pieces are too snug to move.

Step 3 Reconnect the Pieces (Optional)

  • 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 or above the flap to raise or lower the flap height.

Step 4 Screw the Pieces Together

  • The order of the pieces is important! The piece on the bottom needs to always be at the bottom, as that is where the screws attach. You can now assemble the patio panel!

Step 5 Align the Connectors

  • Remove the 2 flat head sectional connector screws from the exposed part of the connector on each side.
  • Align the aluminum connectors extending from the bottom flap panel section with the top glass panel section.
  • Press the aluminum connectors into the holes at the bottom of the top glass panel section.
  • Ensure locking cover & height adjustment locks are on the same side!

Step 6 Tap the Pieces Together

  • 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 7 Secure the Sections

  • Fasten the two panels together using the four flathead screws.
  • Use the included flathead screwdriver to tighten all four flathead screws so the two halves of the door are pulled together.

Step 8 Adjust Spring Mechanism

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

Step 9 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 FAQs if you have trouble.
  • 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 10 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.
  • Repeat step two to install the panel in your track.

Step 11 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.

Dragon Locking Details

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 Clamp Lock

  • 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.
install sliding door clamp

Locking the Flap

  • The Dragon Pet Door comes with a secure locking cover to block access to the flap when needed.
  • The locking cover is a great perfect for keeping pets inside at night, or for blocking access to the flap when you're away.

Alternative Locking Method

  • 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.
charley lock in door

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.

spring loaded adjustment piece

The dark area marks where you can trim:

where to trim adjustment piece

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.

height extension on door panel

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.