Give your furry family members the freedom they deserve with a professionally installed pet door. At Ace Glass, we’ve been helping Richmond pet owners since 1996 create convenient access solutions for their dogs and cats. Whether you need a dog door, cat door, or doggie door installed in glass, we have the expertise to make it happen safely and beautifully.
Why Choose a Glass Pet Door Installation?
Installing a pet door directly into glass offers several advantages over traditional wall-mounted or door panel options. Glass installations maintain the full functionality of your existing door, preserve natural light flow, and provide a clean, professional appearance that enhances rather than detracts from your home’s aesthetic.
Unlike aftermarket panel inserts that can reduce usable door space, a pet door installed in glass keeps your entryway fully accessible for furniture, wheelchairs, strollers, and everyday use. You won’t sacrifice convenience for your pet’s independence.
Types of Doors We Install Pet Doors In
Our professional glass technicians can install pet doors in virtually any glass door in your home:
- Patio Sliding Glass Doors: The most popular choice for pet door installation. We replace one pane of your dual-pane sliding glass door with custom tempered glass that includes a built-in pet door. Your door maintains its original frame, lock system, and security features.
- French Doors: Both single and double French doors can accommodate pet door installations. We can work with the stationary or operating panel depending on your layout and preferences.
- Entry Doors: Storm doors and entry doors with glass panels are excellent candidates for pet door installation, giving your pet access while maintaining your home’s curb appeal.
- Garage Doors: For homes where the garage provides the best access to a fenced yard, we can install pet doors in garage door glass panels.
Standard vs. Electric Pet Door Options
When planning your pet door installation, you’ll choose between traditional manual doors and advanced electric options.
- Manual Pet Doors: These feature flexible flaps that your pet pushes through. They’re reliable, require no power source, and work well for most pets. Modern manual pet doors include magnetic seals for energy efficiency and weather resistance.
- Electric and Automatic Pet Doors: For enhanced security and convenience, electric pet doors offer impressive features. These motorized doors open automatically when your pet approaches wearing a special collar sensor, then close securely behind them. Electric options prevent unwanted animals from entering your home and can include programmable timers, smartphone controls, and custom access settings for multiple pets.
Popular electric pet door systems use RFID collar technology or microchip detection to grant access only to your pets. Some models even feature motorized panels that lift completely out of the way for older or arthritic pets who struggle with traditional flaps.
The Professional Installation Process
Installing a pet door in glass requires specialized skills and equipment. Tempered glass cannot be cut after manufacturing, which is why this work must be done by professional glaziers like our team at Ace Glass.
Here’s what the installation process involves:
- Precise Measurement: We carefully measure your existing glass pane dimensions, including width, height, and thickness. These measurements must be exact since all in-glass pet doors are custom-made to your specifications.
- Custom Glass Fabrication: We order dual-pane, tempered, argon-filled glass with your pet door pre-installed. You can choose from standard clear glass or upgrade to Low-E glass for improved energy efficiency.
- Professional Installation: Our technicians remove your door from the frame, carefully extract the old glass, and install the new custom pane with the integrated pet door. Everything is sealed properly and the door is reinstalled in your door frame.
The entire process typically takes just a few hours, and you’ll have a pet door that looks like it was part of your original door design.
Choosing the Right Size Pet Door
Pet doors come in various sizes to accommodate different animals. Small doors work for cats and small dogs, medium sizes fit most standard breeds, and large or extra-large openings accommodate bigger dogs up to 100 pounds or more.
Measure your pet’s shoulder height and width to determine the appropriate door size. The opening should allow your pet to walk through comfortably without needing to crouch or squeeze. For growing puppies, plan for their adult size.
Energy Efficiency and Security
Modern pet doors in glass maintain excellent energy efficiency. Dual-pane glass with argon gas fill provides insulation, while high-quality flaps feature magnetic seals that prevent drafts. Some models include additional weather stripping and locking covers for maximum energy savings and security when the pet door isn’t in use.
Electric pet doors offer the highest security, with automatic locking mechanisms that engage when not actively in use. These systems ensure your home remains secure even with a pet door installed.
Why Choose Ace Glass for Pet Door Installation
With our A+ BBB rating and recognition as Richmond Magazine’s “Best Glass Shop” every year since 2018, Ace Glass brings unmatched expertise to pet door installations. Our mobile service comes to you, or you can visit our newly renovated facility on Busy Street with its comfortable customer lounge.
We understand that your pets are family members, and we treat every installation with the care and precision it deserves. Our technicians stay current with the latest pet door technologies and installation techniques to provide you with the best possible solution.
Get Started Today
Ready to give your dog or cat the freedom to come and go safely? Contact Ace Glass at 804-379-3368 for a consultation. We’ll discuss your needs, recommend the best pet door solution for your home and pets, and provide expert installation that will serve your family for years to come.
Whether you’re looking for a simple cat door or an advanced electric dog door system, Ace Glass has the experience and skill to make it happen. Trust Richmond’s glass experts for all your pet door installation needs.
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