If it’s time for replacement windows in your Utah home, you have some choices to make. Although you could select wood or wood-clad frames, most homeowners narrow their choices to vinyl or fiberglass.

Both of these materials provide proven benefits for Utah homeowners. However, each frame type has its own benefits and drawbacks. To determine which material you should choose for your home, weigh the pros and cons of each carefully.

If you’re confused or you can’t decide, Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors can help you sort out your confusion.

The Pros & Cons of Vinyl Replacement Windows

Vinyl windows are durable, low-maintenance and budget-friendly. They are impact-resistant and feature a long-lasting finish that will look new for years or decades.

Today’s vinyl frames are available in many colors, ranging from light to darker hues. These frames are also easy to install, making them a popular choice for replacement windows in Utah.

You can add coatings and other energy-efficiency upgrades to both the frames and glass. So, although this may increase the cost somewhat, you could see a big increase in your home’s indoor comfort as well as a reduction in your power bill.

The Pros & Cons of Fiberglass Replacement Windows

The two most impressive benefits of fiberglass windows are their durability and the amount of value they add to your home. They are also more environmentally conscious than vinyl.

Like vinyl, fiberglass requires very little maintenance, but this material is more resistant to warping. You can choose from a wide array of factor finishes and colors or you can paint them any color you like. Fiberglass is also better able to simulate the look of wood

Given a choice – all else being equal – many homeowners do tend to prefer fiberglass over vinyl for their replacement windows. But how do you choose what’s write for you, your family and your Utah home?

Which Material Should You Choose for Your Replacement Windows?

Comparing these two options side-by-side, it’s safe to say that both vinyl and fiberglass windows require about the same amount of maintenance and generally provide an equivalent capacity for insulating your home.

Fiberglass windows are stronger and they will last longer, but vinyl will cost less. However, fiberglass will increase the value of your home more than vinyl. Also, you can’t paint vinyl replacement windows so, if you opt for this material, make sure the manufacturer you choose produces their products in a color finish you can live with.

To help you weigh your options, Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors can provide you will all the information you need about both types of materials. Contact us today to request an estimate or to learn more about your countless options for replacement windows.

When you choose high-quality doors for your Utah home, you can increase your property’s value and curb appeal. You can cut your energy use (and cost) and increase the interior comfort of your home. You can also eliminate the need for regular maintenance and better ensure the safety of your family.

To choose the right new or replacement doors for your home, consider the interior and exterior look you prefer and which materials will best meet your goals for durability, security and upkeep.

What Is a High-Quality Door?

To determine the quality of any door, you have to look beyond the price.

Look for models that resist wear and tear as well as weather extremes. Maintenance requirements are also important because no homeowner wants to spend excessive amounts of time sealing, refinishing or repairing their doors. Energy efficiency is another indicator of quality. Look for Energy Star certified designs, which help cut energy use and cost by reducing heat transfer.

Security is a primary concern for every Utah homeowner. High-quality doors offer the latest security innovations to deter potential breaches. Even the most durable, energy-efficient designs won’t pass the high-quality test if they don’t look great. Look for exceptional designs that enhance the curb appeal of your home as well as your interior design theme.

Why Should You Choose High-Quality Doors?

The primary reasons that Utah homeowners prefer high-quality doors include:

• Improved Home Security
• Reduced Energy Use & Cost
• Enhanced Curb Appeal
• Increased Home Value

Investing in a high-quality exterior door package for your Utah home will pay off when you sell your home. In fact, according to Remodeling magazine’s cost vs. value data, you can recover an amazing 91.3 percent of the cost of a steel entry door in increased home value.

Which Doors Should You Choose for Your Utah Home?

Utah’s weather extremes put doors and windows to the test, month after month and year after year. This means you have to choose designs that can stand up to rain, snow, harsh winds, extremes of heat and cold as well as our intense sun.

Assuming you’re not into doing a lot of maintenance, you’ll want a design and material that requires little or no maintenance. Fiberglass and steel designs are resistant to wear and don’t require a lot of maintenance but, ultimately, wood doors stand the test of time in value, durability and design.

If you would like help choosing the right doors for your home, contact Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors. Throughout Utah, we help homeowners with new and replacement doors and windows from some of the finest manufacturers in the United States. Call today for a free consultation and cost estimate for high-quality doors for your Utah home.

If you’re considering installing a skylight in your Utah home, you may already understand and appreciate how much value and livability it can add.

What you may not realize, however, is that you have lots of options for your skylight’s size, shape, design, materials and accessories. To help our customers determine the best options for them, we always recommend they ask themselves these three questions.

What’s the Difference Between a Skylight, Roof Window and Sun Tunnel?

We use the term skylight to refer generally to any type of window installed on the roof of a home or commercial structure. Today, however, you have a variety of designs to choose from, all of which are designed to bring more natural light in from above.

Sun tunnels – or solar tubes as they were once known – are energy-efficient tubular skylights from Velux, designed to bring light into smaller spaces. These designs are durable, easy to install and include a comprehensive 20-year warranty.

Skylights, designed to bring natural light into larger spaces, have the appearance of a traditional window. You can choose between fixed and operable designs, with operable models providing the added benefit of letting in fresh air as well as light.

Roof windows are similar to skylights in many ways. However, the key distinction is that a skylight’s purpose is to let light (and, optionally, air) in. A roof window is designed to let light and air in and provide a view – and sometimes egress – to the outside.

Should I Install an Operable Skylight or Roof Window?

To answer this question, consider what your goals are for your new skylight. Do you only want to let light in, or do you want to have the option of letting in fresh air as well? If you want light and air, an operable skylight may be right for you.

If you want to let light and air in – and have a view to the surrounding landscape – you may prefer a roof window. If you want to use the opening to access your roof or to create a rooftop deck or terrace, a roof window is your best bet.

What Accessories Should I Add to My Skylight?

With the state-of-the-art Velux technology and flexible design, you have countless options for accessorizing your skylight or roof window.

You can choose from a variety of skylight accessories, including remote controllers – including a digital touch remote, interior trim kits and sunscreens. You can also choose glass upgrades for handling snow load and reflecting solar rays.

As for roof window accessories, you can add insect screens and steel security locks as well as options for glass upgrades.

Both roof windows and skylights offer the option of adding Velux blinds. You can choose from blackout blinds, light-filtering blinds and high style Venetian blinds. All Velux blinds offer motorization and remote operation capability.

To help you compare and contrast your options, call on the experienced team at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors. We assist Utah homeowners with new and replacement windows, doors and skylights. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and cost estimate for installing a skylight in your Utah home.

Replacing the interior doors in your home may not sound all that exciting, as home improvement projects go. And, in all fairness, it was a fairly mundane experience in years past. Today, however, we’re seeing a revolution in the replacement interior door industry and it’s pretty darn exciting if we do say so ourselves.

Throughout Northern Utah and across the U.S., homeowners are livening up their interior décor by choosing doors that make a statement, rather than blending into the walls. If you’re ready to trade your home’s boring doors for something more exciting, we’ve got three on-trend options for you to consider.

No. 1: Check Out Multi-Panel Replacement Interior Doors

Most Northern Utah homes feature either flat (no raised panels) or traditional archtop panel doors. When you’re ready to replace your doors, kick these tired designs to the curb and consider a sleek, modern shaker style.

Multi-panel doors are arguably the most popular interior door trend. Specifically, designs with at least five equal, rectangular panels. This design works just as well with a double configuration as it does with a single.

Also, be sure to check out three-panel craftsman-style designs that feature a square panel on top with two parallel rectangular (vertical) panels below.

No. 2: Incorporate Interior Barn Doors

If your home doesn’t quite have that “open concept” layout that you like, you can create that feel by trading your hinged interior doors for sliding interior barn doors.

Despite the name, sliding interior design styles do not have to evoke a trip on the farm. You can choose interior barn doors in virtually any material, color, configuration and style you like. You can add glass – clear or frosted – to let natural light through, even when the doors are closed.

The other significant benefit of this style is that it requires to floor space for swinging open or closed.

No. 3: Choose Contrasting Colors for Interior Doors

For decades, the dominant interior design style meant choosing a door and trim paint color that was the same as the wall color. Even the most daring designers would specify a contrasting shade that was very close to the wall color.

Today’s trends have turned that style on its ear. To jazz up your home’s design, choose a rich, dark paint color for your replacement interior doors. Stick with neutral shades that have a gray undertone to create a professional interior design look and feel. To really make this look pop, use a light, complementary shade on the walls and paint the casings and frames vibrant white.

Finish the look with square, stainless hardware for an updated look you’ll love.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors helps Utah homeowners with all kinds of new and replacement doors and windows. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation with one of our replacement interior door specialists.

Utah homeowners often find that builder-grade windows fail to provide the level of comfort, energy efficiency and noise filtering they expect in their home.

When you purchase a new construction home, you expect the materials to be durable and high-quality. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, especially when it comes to the windows.

Builder-grade windows, also known as contractor-grade windows, look great when they’re new. But, if the builder used lower quality windows and poor installation techniques, you might find that you start having problems when your home only five or ten years old.

What Are Builder-Grade Windows?

“Builder-grade” is the term typically used to describe inexpensive windows made from low-grade materials. These materials help builders cut construction costs, minimizing the home’s cost and maximizing builder profits. Although builders typically offer upgrade options, most new home buyers don’t elect to add that extra cost at the time of purchase.

In addition to the problems posed by low-quality materials, new construction windows are typically not installed by an experienced window contractor. Instead, they’re installed by the framing contractor who puts a few screws into the flange and moves on to the next window. The windows are often not squared or leveled and, in many cases, they don’t add any insulation, flashing or caulking around the opening to seal out drafts.

How Long Do Builder Windows Last?

Contractor-grade windows are only designed to last for a short time, especially as compared to higher quality products. Many only last for five to ten years before the frames start to degrade and the hardware begins to fail. Faulty locks, levers that don’t engage and broken seals are some of the most common complaints.

You may notice moisture between the two panes of glass of an insulated window. This is the result of seal failure and the problem can only be addressed by a having professional replace the glass or by having the entire window replaced.

Is it Time to Replace Your Utah Builder-Grade Windows?

From a Utah homeowner’s perspective, contractor-grade windows can significantly affect your energy costs and the interior comfort of your home.

When you upgrade your home with secure and energy-efficient replacement windows, you will cut your energy costs and improve your home’s comfort year around. They will enhance the curb appeal of your home and increase your property’s value, all while requiring little or no maintenance.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors has been providing new construction and replacement windows to Utah homeowners for more than 20 years. We represent some of the finest manufacturers in the world, offering you a wide range of options to fit any budget.

Contact Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors today to schedule a complimentary, no-hassle consultation to talk about replacement of your builder-grade windows.

If you’re considering new doors, should you choose a style that has the blinds already built in?

Although doors with built-in blinds (also known as integral blinds) have been around for decades, they’ve had a surge in popularity in the past few years. This integral design offers a host of benefits to Utah homeowners, but they have a couple of drawbacks too.

The Facts About New Doors with Built-in Blinds

Several door manufacturers offer the option to add built-in window coverings within the glass panes of patio and French doors as well as entry doors.

Some designs have manual operating controls while the more high-end models have mechanical controls. You can choose from a variety of materials, including vinyl, wood, wood clad and composite.

These designs have all the design choices you will find in a regular door, including your choice of colors, finishes and hardware.

Pros of New Doors with Blinds Between the Glass

The biggest benefit our customers notice is that you’ll never have to dust or clean your blinds – which is a biggie for many homeowners. Because dust and debris can’t build up, many customers report an improvement in their allergies too.

These designs are also totally kid- and pet-safe, as you’ll have no dangling cords they can get tangled up in. The mechanisms that operate the blinds are easy to use, so opening, closing and tilting the blinds is a breeze. Many homeowners love the sleek look of integrated window coverings, particularly the absence of unsightly, tangled pull-cords.

Because the window coverings are safely protected between the panes of glass, they also offer a high level of durability and a long life.

Cons of New Doors with Internal Blinds

The most obvious drawback of this design is that, if you want to replace them with a different type of window covering – or if the blinds break – you might have to replace the door. A few styles do have a removable glass pane that allows for repair or replacement, but not every manufacturer offers these. Fortunately, the manufacturers represented by Rocky Mountain Doors & Windows all provide a comprehensive warranty for their products.

Doors with blinds between the glass also tend to be less energy efficient than standard dual-pane glass doors. This is especially true for those that provide a way to access the inside – which means these integral blinds can also accumulate some dust.

Manually controlled designs tend to be more reliable than the mechanically operated models, simply because the mechanical styles have more moving parts and pieces that could fail.

You can browse some new doors with blinds between the glass from Therma-Tru and this wood sliding patio door with built-in blinds from JeldWen.

If you’re interested in learning more about these and other options, contact the Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors team today. We offer a comprehensive line of new and replacement windows and doors for customers throughout Utah. We look forward to helping you select your new doors with blinds between the glass, or whatever options you prefer.

Adding French doors to your home is an easy and affordable way to enhance the style and appearance of any interior space. But this popular upgrade also offers a myriad of practical benefits as well.

These doors can make your home appear larger, lighter and brighter, allowing you to define spaces while still allowing light to flow through. French-style doors add grace and elegance, improving the appearance and livability of your home.

And, because you can choose virtually any size, style and design you like, you can customize your doors to suit any space.

What Are French Doors?

Although this term is commonly used by homeowners and industry professionals, what we’re really talking about are glass panel doors. Although you can choose a single door, usually we refer to a pair as “French doors.”

The glass normally spans most of the door surface. And, although the glass is often a single, uninterrupted pane, it can also be broken up into individual panes or “lites.”

You have an almost limitless range of choices for interior French doors, including different wood species, panel designs, finish options and glass types. You can select a standard hinged style, bi-fold designs, pivot operation and even pocket style designs.

Where Can You Use French Doors in Your Home?

When used inside your home, this door design offers privacy and a way to separate or close off a space while still maintaining visual and light flow.

Some of the most common applications include home offices, craft rooms, kids playrooms, media rooms, utility rooms and for separating the dining room from the living room. However, you are limited only by your imagination.

If you want more privacy, you can add frosted or textured glass, window coverings or even integral blinds.

How to Choose the Right French Doors to Achieve Your Goals

You can choose standard sizes and designs to fit an existing opening or you can order a custom size and configuration to fit almost any space.

To choose the right design for your home, consider your design preferences, available space and budget. Do you prefer a natural wood tone or do you want to paint the new doors to match your existing interior design and color palette?

Do you have room for the doors to swing in your preferred direction? If so, you can choose a standard hinged design. If your space is limited, you can choose a pocket, sliding (“barn door”) or bi-fold design.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors offers a variety of glass panel door options from manufacturers like JELD-WEN and Woodgrain Doors. We can show you your options and help you select the ideal designs for your home. We will measure your door openings by hand and ensure that your order is custom fabricated to fit perfectly. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and price quote for adding French doors to your Utah home.

Choosing new or replacement vinyl windows for your Utah home is a budget-friendly way to improve your home’s comfort, value and appearance.

But, because you can choose from many different types of windows – including aluminum, wood, wood-clad and composite materials – it is important to understand the features and benefits of each type. That way, you will have all the data you need to make an informed choice.

Vinyl windows are arguably one of the most popular choices for both homeowners and builders in Utah. Are they right for you, your family and your home?

How Long Do Vinyl Windows Last in Utah?

In Northern Utah, you can comfortably assume that your vinyl windows will last for at least 20 years, potentially as long as 30 or 40 years.

And, even better, they will retain their appearance along the way; whereas other materials can begin to look faded and tired after only a few years.

Fixed windows (those that do not move or operate) tend to last longer than operable windows, simply because they have no moving parts or pieces. The lifespan of your windows will vary based on how much you use them and how much abuse they take. However, today’s high-tech designs and fabrication methods help to ensure that your windows will serve you well for many decades to come.

What Type of Maintenance Do Vinyl Windows Need?

One of the most popular aspects of vinyl is just how little maintenance this material requires.

Fabricated from an advanced composite PVC material, these frames will resist the harsh and ever-changing Utah weather, from sunlight and rain to freezing wind, ice and snow. Frames use an integral color technology, so they resist chipping, cracking and fading. This means you will probably never need to worry about painting or repairing the frames.

If you’re like most homeowners, the only maintenance requirements are a thorough cleaning two or three times a year.

Will Vinyl Windows Help with Comfort and Energy Use?

This material provides a high level of energy efficiency. If your current windows are older, worn out or not designed for maximum energy efficiency, you may be surprised at what a difference replacing them will make.

Energy efficient vinyl replacement windows will reduce heat transfer, keeping your air conditioning inside where it belongs in the summer. In the colder months, they will keep out those cold drafts that make your home uncomfortable and force your heating system to work harder.

You will also see the benefits in your power bill, as you will use less electricity to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we represent some of the best manufacturers in the industry, including AMSCO, Milgard, MI Windows and Doors, JELD-WEN and Win-Door Systems. Every product we offer comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty – some as long as 25 years – so you won’t have to worry about replacing them again anytime soon.

We help homeowners throughout Utah with all of their new and replacement door and window needs. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experts. We can answer all your questions and help you determine if new or replacement vinyl windows are right for your Utah home.

If you install new patio doors on your Utah home, will they help you reduce your energy use – and the bills that go with it?

If you have an older sliding door leading to your patio, you absolutely can cut your energy consumption and costs – but, wait, there’s more! You will also improve the comfort and livability of your home.

And, while you’re enjoying your reduced power bills, you will also enjoy an increase in your home’s value and aesthetic appeal.

Sliding Patio Doors & Energy Efficiency

Home builders spent decades installing sliding doors on their houses. Even today, many builders choose this option, even though it’s the worst possible option for energy efficiency.

As fate would have it, sliding patio doors are the most cost-effective and space-saving option. This means that many Utah homeowners either choose to install this design or they have no choice, based on space considerations. The good news is that, today, sliding exterior doors are significantly more energy-efficient than ever before.

The key is to reduce air leakage at the “seam” where the panels bypass each other. You can choose from many manufacturers and designs today that maximize the energy efficiency of sliding doors.

Improved Energy-Efficient Designs for New Patio Doors

If you have the space to accommodate a swinging door, you will maximize the energy efficiency of your home with swinging (hinged) designs, such as French patio doors. You have a virtually limitless number of choices for materials and design.

Folding patio doors, lift-and-slide doors and multi-slide patio doors are all good options for reducing your power bills and improving the comfort of your home. The best part about these revolutionary designs (besides their energy-saving features) is the view they provide – both when they’re open and closed.

Sure, you will spend a little more for any of these designs – at least as compared to sliding doors – but you will improve the value of your home as well as saving money on your power bills.

Choosing Patio Door Materials to Reduce Utility Costs

For the most energy-efficient design, choose a patio door design with Low-E glass and double or (better) triple pane glass. You can choose designs with integral blinds, textured glass or special coatings to help resist the sun’s intensity.

Aluminum patio doors will provide the lowest level of energy efficiency in most cases. Vinyl, wood, and wood clad designs will do a better job of separating your indoor comfort from the ravages of the Utah seasons. However, you will find a design that meets your needs and energy savings goals, whatever your budget may be.

Whatever materials you choose for your doors, you can look forward to little or no maintenance and years (or decades) of durability. You can choose from many standard colors or, if you prefer, we have options that you can customize to match any color you choose.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors provides new and replacement doors and windows to homeowners throughout Utah. Contact us today to learn more about how new patio doors can save you money on your power bills while improving your home’s comfort and appearance.

You’ll know it’s time for replacement windows when yours start to give you trouble, or require more maintenance than you have the time or patience for. Other good indications that it’s time include feeling a draft through the frames and seeing condensation between the panes of glass.

When that day comes, you may struggle to determine which type of replacement windows are best for you. You have to think about style, color, energy efficiency, manufacturer and, of course, your budget.

Fortunately, all these decisions are easy when you choose the right Utah replacement window contractor.

Selecting a Replacement Window Style

Most Utah homeowners have the flexibility to choose from a variety of different window styles – rarely must you choose the same style as your existing models.

Homebuilders traditionally install single-hung or slider style windows. If you like the style you have now, you can replicate that with your replacements. But if you want something with more (or different) functionality, you can choose casement or awning styles, double-hung windows or even a tilt-and-turn window design.

Choosing Your Replacement Window Materials

You have a wealth of material options to choose from, depending on your goals, including aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, wood-clad or composite materials.

Aluminum offers a sleek, low-profile frame that works exceptionally well with a modern or contemporary home design. Vinyl is cost-effective, flexible and virtually maintenance-free. Fiberglass is as energy-efficient as it is durable.

If you like the classic, elegant look and feel of wood, wood-clad windows may be the best option for you. With an exterior cladding of aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass, you will enjoy the highly sought-after visual appeal of a traditional wood design with a durable, low-maintenance exterior.

Choosing a Replacement Window Contractor

Before you start your search for new windows, seek out a Utah replacement window contractor to assist you.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors has been assisting Utah homeowners with new and replacement doors and windows for more than 20 years. We represent some of the finest manufacturers in the world, to offer you the most comprehensive range of options available today.

We have high-quality options available at every price point, from manufacturers such as Lincoln, Jeld-Wen, Milgard, AMSCO, WinDor Systems and more.

We also provide new construction and replacement doors and skylights, if you would like to consider handling all of your renovation work at the same time. Our experienced, professional team will come to your home and hand measure each opening. Your windows then will be fabricated specifically for you to ensure a perfect fit.

When you’re ready to upgrade your home with secure and energy-efficient replacement windows that look great year after year with minimal maintenance, call on the Rocky Mountain Team.