May 29th 2020
MaxSeal French Door Pet Door Installation Variations
A SAFETY REMINDER!
Always wear eye protection and gloves when appropriate.
There are several scenarios for the installation of a MaxSeal French Pet Door. Please be sure to read instructions entirely to determine procedure that is most appropriate for your situation. If you have any questions, please Call Moore Pet Supplies at 1-800-829-7876 for assistance.
Basic French Door Installation
The basic method for installing a MaxSeal French Door Pet Door is the same in principal in all the following variations.
Below is a simplified overview
Step 1 Remove the molding that surrounds this pane of glass very carefully, and remove the panel of glass. (Figure A,B)
Step 2 Remove the pane of glass and re-attach the molding back into position. We recommend using a strip of cardboard to fill the gap in between the molding that previously held the glass pane. (Figure C)
Step 3 Install the custom made MaxSeal French door unit. Pet door sandwiches opening from both sides, compressing opening for a tight, solid fit. (Figure D)
Please take special notice of the type of French door you have. Often in newer constructed homes you do not find true French Doors. Newer designed French Doors have a single pane of glass for the entire door and faux partitions that give the French Door look. A MaxSeal French Door Pet Door will only work with 'True' French doors. These are doors that have individual panes of glass. It is by removing one or more of the panes of glass that one can install a pet door.
Special Notice: All glass in doors in the USA is safety tempered glass. If you attempt to cut a single pane of glass, it will shatter your entire door.
Basic Pane Replacement Installation
Note: Make sure that the resulting pet opening will be adequate for your pet(s).
Step 1 Remove Molding 
Using care, remove the molding surrounding the pane of glass that will be removed for the pet door. Often times you will see finishing nail heads or attaching staples that hold the molding into place. A Putty knife works well when trying to lift the molding away from the glass. If you still are having problems, insert one putty knife under a section of molding...then another putty knife on top of the first. You can then use a flat tip screwdriver inserted between the two putty knives and gently twist. Always exercise caution during this part of the procedure.
Step 2 Prepare opening for Pet Door Installation
After the molding is removed, remove the glass panel form the door. You may find that the glass panel is secured with some adhesive, but with care, you will be able to remove. After the glass pane is removed, you will want to put the molding back into place using the finishing nails or staples that originally were securing the glass panel. With the molding back into place, use cardboard strips to fill the void between the molding where the glass was previously. By reattaching the molding, before installing the pet door, you will eliminate any slop or shifting of the pet door.
Step 3 Pet Installation
Separate the pet door into two halves. Insert the interior frame (Frame with security panel) into the opening and then sleeve the exterior pet door frame into place so that the two halves compress together. You will notice pilot drill holes on the sleeve portion of the pet door. Using the drill bit included with your door, continue these pilot holes and follow with the included screws. Take notice not to drill into any adjacent panes of glass.
Special Note:The procedure for installing a pet door replacing two panes of glass is the same procedure as noted above. The only difference is that you will want to remove the perimeter molding around the two panes of glass selected for the pet door.
The Expanding Pet Opening Installation most often uses standard sized MaxSeal Door Mount models.
Of course Custom French Pet Doors are available as well for this when achieving a certain dimension or size. This method of install does not allow the removal of the pet door in the future and restoration of the French Door.
Often a single pane of glass is not large enough or positioned correctly for your pet and replacing two panes of glass result in too large of a pet door. When this is the case, you may find it advantageous to expand one of the panes of glass dimensions by cutting into the side door frame or bottom footer of the door. many times a Custom made pet door is not necessary. You will want to pay particular attention to the rough cut and exterior dimensions of the standard sized doors.
Variation to Basic Install: When determining the size of pet door you would like to use, continue the dimension of the glass pane when planning the resulting rough cut dimension. Reminder - exposed pane of glass corresponds to the rough dimension on a Basic Install. By continuing this dimension out in the desired direction you can plan on the size of appropriate pet door needed.
Special Note: Make sure to stay at least 3 inches away from the door edges;
sides and bottom with any cut. Cutting any closer may affect the doors structural integrity.
Full / Partial Pane Installation
This method of installation uses a full glass pane and a partial portion of another. This installation is more involved than other approaches, but the advantage over the Expanding Pet Opening option is that one would be able to remove the pet door at a future time and restore the French Door. This type of install uses either the standard MaxSeal Door Mount models or the Custom French Pet Door units.
The Full / Partial Pane Installation uses a full pane of glass and part of another pane for the pet door. Customers will either use a piece of Plexiglas for the partial pane or work with a local Glazier (Glass supply store), to acquire the partial piece needed.
Variation to Basic Install: When determining the size of pet door you would like to use, continue the dimension of the one glass pane into the other adjacent glass pane when planning the resulting rough cut dimension. Reminder - exposed pane of glass corresponds to the rough dimension on a Basic Install. By continuing this dimension out in the desired direction you can plan on the size of appropriate pet door needed.
Special Note: You will have to modify slightly the molding to encompass the new resulting partial piece in your French Door. Upon taking out the pet door and restoring the French Door, you may need to purchase new molding to match the existing.