Are wooden doors the best choice for the exterior of your home, or is it fiberglass doors? Really, the answer depends upon who you ask.

How, then, should you decide on the right type to install? Visiting a local supplier or scheduling a free, in-home consultation is the best plan. That way, you can explore all of your exterior entry system options – not just wood and fiberglass.

In the meantime, however, to learn more about wooden doors and fiberglass doors, read the following guide.

Advantages of Wooden Doors

For many homeowners, wooden doors are the only choice – other entry systems pale in comparison.

While that’s a matter of opinion, wood does have several advantages:

• High-end, natural beauty

• Resistant to wear and tear and unlikely to dent

• Easy scratch repair

• Ability to be stained or painted for a different look

In addition, wooden doors can be easily sanded or planed for a perfect fit at installation. For older homes and customers who want to use their existing frames, making small adjustments is often essential.

Advantages of Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors are a popular choice, as they’re just as attractive as wood and have a similar warm, natural feel.

Aside from aesthetics, fiberglass offers several other advantages:

• Optimal energy efficiency

• High-level insulation

• Unmatched durability

• Resistant to dents and scratches

Plus, fiberglass doors require very little maintenance – less, certainly, than wood. For some homeowners, this benefit gives fiberglass the edge.

Other Exterior Entry System Options

Wooden doors and fiberglass doors are not your only options.

Steel offers greater strength than wood and fiberglass, and exterior entry systems made of this material are exceptionally secure and endure for decades with little maintenance. Steel provides excellent insulation, and it’s also highly fire-resistant.

You can also choose a composite entry system. Made of a blend of ingredients selected for specific strengths and performance qualities, composite doors are energy-efficient and require minimal maintenance. They’re also strong, durable and long-lasting.

Remember, too, that material isn’t the only decision you’ll need to make. Exterior entry systems come in many different designs and styles, and you might want additional features like an adjustable threshold or glass inserts.

Custom Exterior Entry Systems

When shopping for an entry system, you might not find one that’s absolutely perfect for your home – and that’s not a problem.

Some entry system suppliers provide customization. Going the custom route is easy, and you can decide on every detail, including the material, finish, color, hardware and molding.

Are you ready to choose an exterior entry system? Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, based in Orem and serving homeowners throughout northern Utah, provides a vast selection of high-quality products from the world’s leading manufacturers. We’re known for stellar customer service, and we can accommodate any budget.

If you live in Salt Lake City or anywhere along the Wasatch Front, contact Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation for expert help deciding between wooden doors and fiberglass doors or to discuss our steel, composite and custom entry system options.

Is now the right time for window replacement?

Even high-quality designs that are professionally installed don’t last forever. The average lifespan is 20 years at best – and many builder-grade windows only last for 5 to 10 years.

However, when it comes to deciding when to replace yours, age is not the only factor involved. If you notice any of the following warning signs, it may be time to put window replacement at the top of your home improvement project list.

No. 1: Your Windows Are Damaged or Broken

For some types of minor problems – like deteriorated weather stripping or a broken latch, for example – repair is an option. However, in cases of warping, significant damage or other major problems, replacement is usually the wisest course of action.

No. 2: Your Windows Don’t Open and Close Easily

As the years go by, single- and double-hung models often grow more and more difficult to operate. If yours aren’t easy to open and close, you may want to schedule window replacement before they become completely jammed or start abruptly falling closed.

No. 3: Your Home Is Getting Drafty

Older single-pane styles frequently produce uncomfortable drafts years after installation. However, even high-quality windows with double-pane construction can develop broken seals or air leaks that make your home feel quite drafty. If drafts are a problem, window replacement is the solution.

No. 4: Your Windows Are Fogging Up

Do you have dual- or triple-pane windows? Fogging, condensation and mildew are signs that their seals are broken – which means they’re no longer efficiently insulating your home. Put off replacement, and you’ll end up wasting money on heating and cooling.

No. 5: Your Energy Bills Are Rising

Maybe you haven’t noticed a draft, and you see no signs of broken or damaged seals. Don’t assume you’re in the clear – if your energy bills are higher than they used to be, window replacement could help you stop overpaying the utility company.

No. 6: Your Home Could Use a Makeover

Does your house look dated? Replacing your windows could be the ideal home improvement project, boosting your curb appeal while also creating a more comfortable interior and improving airflow throughout the rooms. With the wide selection of styles and shapes – and the many newly available features – installing new windows may just make your property the envy of the neighborhood!

Are you ready for window replacement? If you live in northern Utah, explore your options with the professionals at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors. We represent many of the most highly-respected manufacturers in the world, including JELD-WEN, Miligard, AMSCO, Lincoln and Win-Door Systems. With our wide range of options, we can plan installations to fit any budget.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors offers free, no-obligation consultations and estimates to homeowners in the greater Salt Lake City area and all along the Wasatch Front. To discuss window replacement with our friendly team, contact our Orem office today.

Multi-slide and folding door systems from Win-Dor are a great way to expand your views of the breathtaking northern Utah scenery. They also provide a highly effective way to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor living.

These high-tech door systems provide the perfect balance of aesthetics, energy efficiency, security and ease of use. And, when you trust Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors for your replacement door installation, you can rest assured that you’ll get the results you seek at a price your budget will love.

View of dining table set decorated with flowers and open slide door to walkout deck

Win-Dor Multi-Slide Door Systems

Multi-slide doors are the perfect alternative to traditional sliding doors (“Arcadia doors”), allowing you to open up an entire wall to the outside. Even when they’re closed, the low-profile frames barely cut into the expansive view these doors allow.

Sometimes known as stacking doors, the panels essentially stack together to open. You have countless finish choices, including wood cladding for a truly high-end look and feel.

Available with both dual- and triple-pane glass, this system is highly energy efficient, strong and structurally sound. Easy to open and close, the multi-slide system stood up to performance, load and forced-entry testing, time and again.

Win-Dor Folding Door Systems

Another great alternative to sliding glass or pocket doors, these versatile systems are perfect both inside your home and on the exterior.

The secret to Win-Dor’s highly acclaimed folding door system is the combination of aluminum and vinyl materials used in the design. And while neither of these materials works well on its own, the combination offers the best of both worlds.

The design means they will never corrode, crack or peel, and they require virtually no maintenance. You won’t believe how easy these systems are to use, and you can see in this three-panel folding door demonstration.

These systems are incredibly strong and beyond versatile, allowing you to choose the size and configuration that best suits your needs. You can choose from dozens of finish options, including a paint-grade option that lets you match the system to the rest of your home’s design scheme.

Choosing the Right Folding & Multi-Slide Doors for Your Utah Home

The biggest challenge customers face with choosing their Win-Dor systems is narrowing down their options.

You can read more about the Win-Dor multi-slide and folding door systems but, for personalized assistance with your selection, the Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors team is standing by to help.

We are based in Orem, but we assist clients throughout the Salt Lake City area and all along the Wasatch Front. We can show you the many options of Win-Door systems or, to expand your horizons, we can show you similar systems from JELD-WEN and Panda Windows and Doors.

Whatever your needs may be for new construction and replacement doors and windows, you can count on the Rocky Mountain team to provide the exceptional customer service experience you deserve. Contact our office today to learn more or to request a personalized cost estimate for adding folding doors or multi-slide doors to your Utah home.

When you’re looking for a Utah window installation service to provide your new or replacement windows, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Utah is home to literally hundreds of window contractors, all competing for your business. How can you possibly choose?

Certainly, price is important, but a reputable contractor will offer transparent pricing that is not significantly higher or lower than others in the industry. To help narrow down the field, start by looking for a window contractor that meets these basic criteria.

workers at window installation

Look for an Established, Local Window Installation Service

How long has the company been in business in northern Utah? Are they locally owned and operated? How long have the principals of the company been in the industry?

Many startup companies don’t last long in this highly competitive industry, especially if the company owners and managers don’t have a strong background. Locally owned companies rely on word-of-mouth and community support to stay in business, and they help keep your dollars in the local economy.

Look for a Window Installer with a Wide Variety of Options

Some installers only offer one or two brands of windows, often ones you’ve never heard of. This may be a red flag, especially if you can’t find any positive customer reviews of the company or its products.

To provide you with the options you want in your new construction or replacement windows, look for an installer who represents multiple window manufacturers – particularly those manufacturers that you’re familiar with. Well-known manufacturers stand behind their products with comprehensive warranties and satisfaction guarantees.

Look for a Window Installation Company Committed to Service & Quality

Every window installation service will tell you they’re committed to the customer, but how do they prove it?

Look for the company who will take the time to answer your questions and help you find the ideal windows for your home. Ask if they will come to your home and measure your windows by hand, to ensure a perfect fit. And, most important choose an installation contractor that will work with you to find the best windows that work within your budget.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, located in Orem, Utah, has been in business since 1994. We are locally owned and operated, and our company’s founder has been in the industry for almost 30 years.

We are Utah’s authorized rep for some of the finest window and door manufacturers in the world, including Jeld-Wen, Milgard, ThermaTru and Lincoln Wood Windows. We received the “Outstanding Workmanship” award from the Utah Valley Parade of Homes and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau of Utah.

We treat every customer like they’re members of our family. We have established an exceptional reputation in the community, thanks to the praise and word-of-mouth of our many satisfied customers. We will come to your house and measure your windows (doors too), to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for. We represent high-quality products at every price point, so you can rest assured we will respect your budget.

Call on Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors when you need a new or replacement window installation service in Salt Lake City and throughout northern Utah.

Wood windows have been around since people started adding glass openings into their homes.

This material is as beautiful and timeless as any building material you can name and, for that reason, wood windows are still highly prized in home construction and renovation. In Utah, however, homeowners often express concern about the maintenance and durability challenges this material can experience when exposed to our sometimes harsh and ever-changing weather conditions.

Fortunately, Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors can help you with this challenge.

Why We Love Wood Windows

For natural beauty and warmth, nothing compares to the aesthetics of wood window frames. They can enhance the character and visual appeal of your home as well as its value.

Wooden frames, if made from renewable species, is considered by many to be more environmentally sensitive. This material also does a good job of insulating your home, reducing your energy use and improving indoor comfort. Wooden frames, when they are made and sealed well, are also excellent for soundproofing, cutting down on the intrusion of traffic sounds and other outside noise.

You can choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, designs wood species and stain colors, which provides a virtually limitless opportunity to customize your frames to your liking.

How Do Wood Windows Compare to Other Frame Materials?

In addition to wood, you can also select vinyl, fiberglass or aluminum frames for your new or replacement windows. So how do these materials compare?

Aesthetically, these alternative materials may not compare – depending on your personal design tastes. However, if your concern is durability and ease of maintenance, vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum all score a bit better. Wood requires periodic sealing, staining or painting. It’s also highly susceptible to rotting and warping if not properly sealed.

Vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass can all provide effective insulation and soundproofing, depending on the manufacturer and design you select. They also offer a fair amount of finish options to help achieve the look you want.

Get the Best of Both Worlds with Wood-Clad Windows

What if you could have the best of both worlds? You can, if you select wood-clad windows.

You get the aesthetic benefits of wooden frames combined with the strength, durability and low-maintenance benefits of fiberglass, aluminum or vinyl. You may see these frames described as aluminum-clad (or vinyl-clad or fiberglass-clad), this design bonds the synthetic material of choice to the exterior of the frame.

You can choose wood-clad designs for both new construction and replacement windows for your Utah home.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors represents many of the most well-respected manufacturers in the world, including Lincoln, JELD-WEN and Milgard. For more information or to request a personalized estimate for your new or replacement wood windows for your Utah home, call the experts at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors today.

Your interior doors have a substantial effect on the way your home’s interior looks and feels – perhaps more than you realize.

Just as changing out the front entry door can make a substantial impact on your home’s curb appeal, updating your doors can make you feel like you’ve done a complete interior remodel – but at a fraction of the cost.

Are Your Interior Doors Dating Your Home?

One of the most compelling reasons to consider this update is if your current doors are in poor condition. Sticking, ill-fitting and damaged doors, especially if they were not originally of the highest quality, are all good candidates for replacement.

Another good reason to consider an update is if your interior doors are mismatched. You live with them every day and, consequently, you likely don’t even notice the lack of cohesion. But, as any interior design professional will tell you, this dichotomy significantly disrupts the flow of your interior design and detracts from the aesthetic value of your home.

Finally, if the existing designs are dated or of poor quality, you’re due for an update.

Choosing the Best Designs to Improve Your Home’s Style & Value

When you see the many (many) options you have to choose from, you may develop a case of “analysis paralysis.” But, by establishing a few parameters, you can quickly narrow down your options.

Start with these qualifiers:

• What is the architectural style of your home?

• What is your overall interior design theme?

• What do you hope to achieve with your project?

• What is your budget for your replacement interior doors?

So, for example, if your home’s architectural style is modern, your interior design is contemporary and you want to reduce sound transmission through the house, you might prefer a solid wood design in warm cherry or mahogany, like this one from Jeld-Wen.

Are You Ready to Update Your Interior Doors Now?

If you’re like most Utah homeowners, you have a laundry list of home improvement projects you’d like to tackle. So, how do you know if it’s the right time to update your doors?

At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we are committed to helping our customers get the most from their home improvement budget. As a part of our exceptional customer service commitment, our team will work closely with you to ensure you get the doors you’ve dreamed of, in the designs and materials you love, while helping keep you within your budget.

We custom measure every opening to ensure a perfect fit. Our experienced installation team will be in and out in no time, with a commitment to minimize the disruption in your home as much as possible.

And, if you’d like to cross off another project or two in the process, we can help you explore replacement exterior doors and replacement windows as well.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors is Utah’s preferred new and replacement window and door contractor, and we’d like to show you why. Contact us today to learn more, or to request your custom quote for replacement interior doors in your Utah home.

If you’re thinking about vinyl replacement windows for your Utah home, you probably already realize the many benefits new models will provide.

Not only will you improve your home’s curb appeal and value, but you will also reduce your energy use (and cost) and improve the comfort of your home. Vinyl windows also require virtually no maintenance, and they can retain their like-new appearance for decades to come.

Measuring for replacement windows can be a little tricky, to make sure your new ones fit correctly. Measure wrong and you could end up with a big problem on your hands.

How Are Replacement Windows Installed?

New windows get installed during home construction, before the interior and exterior wall surfaces are finished and the builder still has direct access to the studs. Consequently, their design is radically different than that of replacement models.

Replacements are designed such that they can be installed from the inside of your home without tearing out any drywall or exterior finish materials. Consequently, the replacements must fit the openings exactly, or they won’t work.

That’s why careful measurement is critical to ensure the success of your project.

How Are Replacement Windows Measured?

No matter how competent your home’s builder was, you’re likely to discover that some or all of your window openings aren’t necessarily level, plumb or square. This means you’ll have to take multiple measurements of each opening – in both directions.

To determine the width, measure from side jamb to side jamb at the top, bottom and middle. For the height, measure from the sill to the top of the casing or opening at the left side, right side and center. In both cases, use the smallest of your three measurements.

When you note your measurements, use the order of width x height to avoid confusion.

You must also measure the depth of the opening to ensure that it can accommodate the size of your replacements. Most vinyl windows require about 3.25 inches of depth. To do this, measure from the interior vertical surface to the exterior wall.

Consider Letting a Pro Handle Your Replacement Window Measurement

If you choose to have a professional window and door contractor handle your project, you can forget about having to measure anything.

For every project we do, one of the Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors team visits your home and measures each opening by hand. We order your windows individually to specification and they are each fabricated to match your needs.

This means that, when its time for installation, we can minimize the time and disruption required to remove the old windows and install your new ones. You can have full confidence that they’ll fit perfectly and look better than you ever imagined.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors sells and installs vinyl windows for customers throughout Utah. We represent some of the most well-respected manufacturers in the world, including Jeld-Wen, AMSCO, Milgard and Win-Door Systems. Contact us today to request a personalized price estimate for your vinyl replacement windows today.

Both folding and multi-slide doors offer an effective solution for making a small space feel more open and expansive.

Here in northern Utah, these movable walls of glass also open up your view to the breathtaking landscapes that surround us. By letting in more natural light, you can dramatically improve the look and feel of your home. And, when you open your folding doors to the outside, you create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.

Sliding & Folding Doors Create the Illusion of More Square Footage

If you consider the old-style sliding (Arcadia) and French doors, you will quickly realize that these tiny doors pale in comparison to the wall of windows you can achieve with multi-fold and multi-slide doors.

Now imagine having a stacking glass door fills a large portion of that wall, opening it to sweeping views of the great outdoors. The extra light this allows in naturally makes the space feel more open and welcoming, while the enhanced views draw the eye outward.

Standard doors take up floor space to allow for an inward swing. Multi-slide and folding doors provide for much more flexibility, allowing you to arrange your furnishings in flexible configurations that take full advantage of the newly expanded views.

Multi-Slide & Multi-Fold Doors Open Up the World of Outdoor Living

Today’s families are tired of being constrained to indoor living. Consequently, the concept of outdoor living spaces has begun to drive contemporary home design.

Even production home builders have begun incorporating folding and sliding door systems that help families open up their home to the outdoors, seamlessly transitioning between indoor and outdoor living.

This concept, used in temperate climates such as southern California and Hawaii for decades, has become popular in Utah due to our stunning natural scenery and many months of favorable weather each year.

Affordable Folding & Multi-Slide Doors Makes Improve Your Home’s Value

Even a few years ago, movable door systems carried a high, often inaccessible price point. Today, however, the cost of these door systems has come down substantially. In fact, folding and sliding door systems are within reach for most Utah homeowners.

And, for the amount of your investment in one of these systems, you can expect to recover some or all of the cost through increased value and salability of your home.

Meanwhile, the exceptional quality and energy efficiency of systems manufactured by WinDoor, Panda, MiWD and others could cut your energy use and cost while improving the indoor comfort of your home.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors helps homeowners throughout Utah select the best new and replacement doors and windows for their needs and budget. Call us today for a complimentary consultation and cost estimate, so you can see just how affordable it can be to add folding or multi-slide doors in your Utah home.

If you’re considering replacement windows for your Utah home, you may be weighing the pros and cons of this home improvement project. 

Here at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, our customers often ask our opinion on whether replacing their home’s windows would be money well-spent. As northern Utah’s go-to expert in new and replacement windows, we can tell you without hesitation that replacing your home’s windows is almost always an excellent investment.

Replacement Windows Cut Energy Use & Power Bills

Today’s windows are fabricated from high-quality materials using state-of-the-art technology. Dual- or triple-pane glass, variable glass thickness and advanced leakproofing techniques keep the conditioned are in while keeping drafts out.

This means that your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard or run as long to keep your home at the temperature you prefer. You will reduce your energy consumption and, as a result, lower your power bills – a lot, in many cases.

The amount of energy and money you will save depends on the type of windows you have now but, according to Energy Star, you could easily save several hundred dollars a year by installing replacement windows.

And, at the same time you’re saving energy and money, you will also improve the indoor comfort of your home.

Replacing Your Windows Improves Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Choose the right replacement windows and you can dramatically improve your home’s exterior appearance.

Depending on how old our existing windows are and the materials used to fabricate them, they may look old, tired, faded and even dented or scratched. Older designs can actually take on a dated look that you may not recognize, since you see your home through too-familiar eyes.

Today’s designs offer virtually limitless design options, including colors that compliment your home’s architectural style and color palette. Improving the curb appeal of your home, even if you don’t plan to sell for years, improves both value and salability.

Replacement Windows Provide a High Return on Investment (ROI)

When you are ready to sell your Utah home, you can look forward to recovering a large percentage of your investment in replacement windows.

According to Remodeling magazine’s most recent cost-vs.-value study for home improvement projects, a window replacement project (using vinyl windows) will return almost 75 percent of your investment at the time of sale.

Combine that ROI with your annual energy savings and you could break even on this home upgrade. If your window replacement project is eligible for any current rebate or incentive programs, you could actually have a positive return.

The professional team at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors can give you a better estimate of cost and discuss the potential cost savings with you for your Utah home. Contact our office today to request a site assessment and estimate for your replacement window project.

Do you need a window installation service for new or replacement windows at your Utah home? If so, you’ll have lots of companies to choose from.

So how do you select the best Utah window contractor for your project?

To help narrow down your options, consider the contractor’s experience, reputation and affiliations. Ask about their processes, warranties and customer satisfaction guaranty, and ensure you will get the level of personalized service that ensures your project’s success. Finally, ensure that the company offers a wide selection of windows from manufacturers that you know and trust.

Consider the Window Installation Service’s Experience & Reputation

The construction industry is rife with contractors who have little or no experience, or who have a potentially checkered past.

Choose a window installer that is well-established and duly licensed to do business in Utah. Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau and any affiliation with home builders’ associations.

Check out testimonials and customer reviews too, to see how past customers felt about their experience with their window installation projects.

Ask About Window Installation Warranty and Customer Service Policies

Window manufacturers provide guarantees on their products, to insure against defects in materials and manufacturing. Reputable window installation services should also provide a warranty for their installation and workmanship.

Don’t be shy about asking who you’ll be working with and how they handle measuring, sizing and installation of your windows. Do you have to work with standard sizes and configurations or does the contractor custom measure and order each window to fit your opening?

Having the flexibility to choose the sizes, configurations and designs you want – and that fit your home’s specifications and design style – will provide a more custom look and feel and add value to your home.

Choose Your Window Installation Service by the Company They Keep

Even the best window installation contractor can’t give you the quality and results you deserve if they only offer sub-standard products.

Before you make the decision to hire a window installer, ask which brands and manufacturers they represent. And, before you conclude that high-quality, reputable manufacturers equate to high price tags, understand that the best brands offer their products at a wide range of price points – from builder-grade windows to high-end custom products.

In northern Utah, Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors is your go-to window installation service.

We have been in business since 1994 and, with more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, we know what it takes to make your project a success. Every customer received the benefit of our personalized attention and we measure and custom fabricate to your exact specifications.

We also happen to represent the finest window manufacturers in the United States, including Lincoln Wood Windows, JELD-WEN, Milgard, AMSCO and MI Windows & Doors. Our amazing selection and range of options are topped only by our commitment to your unconditional satisfaction. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and we are the proud recipient of the Outstanding Workmanship award from the Utah Valley Parade of Homes.

Based in Orem UT, we provide new and replacement doors and windows to customers throughout the Salt Lake City metro area and northern Utah. Contact the Rocky Mountain team today and let us show you why we’re the right choice for your Utah window installation service.