Are you thinking about getting skylights for your Utah home? At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we’re experts on all things windows, and that includes skylights. With so many types of skylights serving different purposes, it can be hard to tell which one is right for you and your home. That’s why we put this guide together to help you find your perfect skylight solution.

Using Skylights for Natural Light

Skylights are a great way to let a little bit of extra natural light into your home, so you can turn off some of those headache-inducing fluorescent lights and save on your electricity bill along the way. We install skylights made by Velux USA, and their fixed skylight models are perfect for those who want more natural light. In addition to the classic fixed skylight, we also offer a model that features solar powered blinds. Customers who purchase solar models may be eligible for a federal tax credit.

Velux USA’s Sun Tunnels are great for adding natural light in rooms where a skylight on its own wouldn’t work because the other side of the ceiling leads to an attic rather than directly to the outdoors. Sun Tunnels look like a normal skylight in your roof, but they have a hidden prefabricated tunnel that carries natural light through the attic and into the room below.

Depending on the placement of the window relative to the place where you want light to come in, we can install either rigid or flexible Sun Tunnels. If there’s nothing obstructing the window on the roof, a rigid Sun Tunnel will provide the best, brightest light to the room below. If there are obstacles, however, a flexible Sun Tunnel can maneuver around the obstacles to deliver natural light to your home.

When you get a Sun Tunnel in your home, an installer will start by taking measurements in the attic for where the roof and ceiling holes will go. From there, your installer will head to the roof, where they will cut a hole and install the upper portion of the Sun Tunnel. Finally, the installer will finish up inside the room where the Sun Tunnel will lead to, cutting a hole in the ceiling and installing the remaining portion of the tunnel before connecting the two holes, sealing the seams, and adding the trim ring and diffuser. From there on out, anytime the sun is out you’ll be able to light up the room without using electricity.

For our customers who can’t get enough natural light, we offer SkyMax. This model of fixed skylight is larger than any of our other models at up to 10 feet in length or 32 square feet. To get all of this natural light, you don’t even need to sacrifice energy efficiency — our skylights are specially designed to prevent air leakage.

Using Skylights for Ventilation

We all know that hot air rises, but how can you use this natural phenomenon to your advantage with a skylight?

First, it’s important to understand the stack effect. The stack effect is an airflow phenomenon in which warm air rises to the top of the house, creating positive pressure in the upper floors. The warm air at the top  of the house will leak out of whatever openings it can find, whether that be through attic vents, chimneys, or skylights. As air rushes out of the top of your house, this creates negative pressure at the bottom of the house. This negative pressure pulls cool air from outside through any openings, creating a cooling effect throughout the house.

On a summer night, the air in your house may be hotter than the air outside. Opening the windows certainly helps, but with skylights you can use the stack effect to cool down your home much more efficiently. When you have a skylight open at the same time that you have first floor windows open, the hot air quickly rushes out of the skylight, pulling cool air in through the open first floor windows. This also allows the whole house to fill with fresh air, rather than the stale air that’s been trapped in the house all day.

Skylights will help you save money on cooling and ventilation because the use of the stack effect eliminates the need to run the air conditioner or fans at night or on a mild day.

When you select a skylight for the purpose of ventilation and cooling, you should make sure that the skylight is able to seal properly during the winter. While the stack effect helps you save on air conditioning in the summer, in the winter that same effect can pump the hot air you paid for right out through the top of your house. If this is a concern for you, ask us about Energy Star-certified and No Leak Velux USA skylights.

The Best Skylights in Utah for Airflow and Cooling

Now that you know how to cool your home using airflow, all you need to do is get a skylight installed and open it up. In addition to traditional, manual skylights, we can install Velux USA’s high-tech choices as well. If you qualify for a federal tax credit for solar, you may want us to install Velux USA’s solar powered skylights. During daylight hours, the solar panel will collect energy for the battery that provides power to open and close the skylight. This model also features a rain sensor that will close the window automatically. You can also get add-ons like a pre-installed solar shade, smart home automation, voice control, and automatic control.

If you’re not interested in solar power, we can install a model that has all the same features but runs on electricity from an outlet rather than on energy from the sun. Both models can be controlled through a remote.

For ultra energy efficiency, Velux USA’s E-Class model might be for you. It’s made with Energy Star-certified glass and runs on solar power as well.

When you choose Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors to install skylights in your home in Utah, you know you’re getting the best services and products. Whether you want more natural light, better home ventilation, or both, Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors has something for you.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25% to 30% of residential cooling and heating energy use comes from heat gain and loss through windows. That means that if your windows are old or in poor condition, you might be paying for air conditioning that is leaking through the windows rather than optimizing the temperature of your home. Luckily, Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors wants to help you with window replacement in Utah so you can stay cool in the summer, keep warm in the winter, and save on your energy bill.

How Do You Know When It’s Time for New Window Installation in Utah?

If you want to cut back on your energy bill by getting your windows replaced, first you’ll want to check to see if the windows are the problem. If you have the heat on at home, approach a window and see if the air feels colder there than in other places in the room. You can also put your hand on the glass to see if it feels cold. These are good ways to tell if your windows are cooling down the warm air that is supposed to be circulating throughout your home.

Drafts are another tip-off that it’s time for new windows. But just because you can’t feel a draft with just your hand doesn’t mean there isn’t one. You can double check for a draft by lighting a candle and holding it along each edge of the window. Even the slightest draft will cause the smoke and flame to move and flicker. If you feel or see a draft, that means cold air is blowing into your house, and you are overpaying for heating. It also means that in the summer, you’re losing precious cool air to the outdoors.

You may also be able to tell visually if your windows are in rough shape. Wooden window frames are a classic look, but they also begin to decay when exposed to too much moisture. This creates the perfect environment for mold, which is unsightly at best and dangerous at worst.

Speaking of moisture, keep an eye out for condensation if you have double- or multi-paned windows. Condensation that forms between two or more window panes means that your windows’ seals are not working properly and your windows could soon become leaky. At this point, if your windows contained insulating gas for energy efficiency, it has now leaked out.

Finally, if your windows aren’t providing much noise protection, they probably aren’t sealed correctly. Whether the noise bothers you or not, this is a sign that your air conditioning is probably leaking out.

What Types of Windows Are the Most Energy Efficient?

Windows with the ENERGY STAR label will most likely have the highest energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR is the U.S. government certification for energy efficient products. ENERGY STAR windows lower residential energy bills by an average of 12%. With Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, however, your new ENERGY STAR certified, expertly installed windows with high-tech coating will save you at least 15% on your energy bill.

While the industry standard today in the residential window installation industry is double-paned windows, you can take energy efficiency to the next level with triple-paned windows. Triple-paned windows have two chambers in which to insert energy-saving gases, while a double-paned window has only one. Argon and krypton are two slow-moving gases with higher density than the air we breathe. Because of these properties, the addition of argon and krypton gas between window panes helps to mitigate heat transfer from the outside of the window to the inside, helping you save on your air conditioning bill in the summer.

Low emissivity glazing can also help you save money on air conditioning. This window treatment, also known as low-e, filters out much of the ultraviolet and infrared light that makes sunlight feel hot. And the best part is that low-e is completely transparent, so you won’t be sacrificing any sunlight. With low-e-treated windows, you can enjoy a sunny summer day without spending extra on air conditioning. Low-e also helps reduce heat loss from the inside in the winter.

Regarding window frame material, the option that’s best for your home’s energy efficiency depends on your climate and budget. Vinyl windows are perhaps the most budget-friendly energy efficient option. The material itself is less expensive, and when installed properly using insulated glass, vinyl windows will help reduce your energy bill.

Aluminum window frames are not the best insulators, but for coastal homeowners, these are the strongest and most practical in the face of hurricanes and tropical storms. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you may want to reassess whether energy efficiency is worth the risk of installing windows that can’t handle the weather.

Wooden window frames, on the other hand, while known for their ability to insulate well, have a shorter lifespan than vinyl window frames. Wood is vulnerable to decay and mold growth, so if you live in a humid or rainy climate and want wooden window frames, be prepared to shell out additional cash for upkeep.

Wood-clad windows combine the features of a few different types of window frames. On the outside of the house, the material is made of aluminum or vinyl, which are largely weather-resistant materials. The inside of the window is made from wood, so you get maximum insulation with minimal upkeep. However, it should be noted that without certain waterproofing precautions, wood-clad windows are still susceptible to rot, especially in wetter climates.

How Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors Can Help

If after reading this article you are ready to embark on saving on your energy bills by making your windows more energy efficient, Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors can help. We offer today’s most energy efficient products, ENERGY STAR certified. Our windows come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and colors, so you can ensure that your new energy efficient windows have the look you want. Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors is your go-to window installation in Utah.

When getting a home ready to sell, experts say to focus on projects that improve the exterior – and front door replacement is definitely a worthwhile endeavor.

Few projects offer as big a boost in curb appeal, and a new entryway could help ensure your northern Utah home doesn’t sit on the market for long. Plus, replacing your front door can help put more money in your hands at the time of closing.

First Impressions Matter to Home Buyers

Home buyers scroll through property listings, and they’ll pass by yours if it doesn’t pass muster. An outdated front door isn’t going to attract much interest, let alone strong offers.

You only have a few seconds to grab someone’s attention. A new entryway, one that coordinates with the architectural style and color scheme of your home, can make a great impression. The property will appear more welcoming, more secure and more worthy of purchase. Price it right, and you can look forward to a quick sale.

A New Front Door is a Good Investment

Front door replacement isn’t the cheapest home improvement project, which may lead you to wonder about the return on investment. The truth is, a new entryway outpaces most other projects in terms of resale value.

According to research from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of REALTORS® Research Group, homeowners recoup 74 percent of the cost of fiberglass door installation at the time of sale. For a steel door, the return on investment is 75 percent. However, some Utah home sellers who opt for front door replacement see higher returns – and with the right entryway, you could recoup more than your initial investment costs.

Shop with a Local Door Supplier

If you’re thinking about installing a new entryway – regardless of whether you’re selling your northern Utah home – you’d be wise to work with a local door supplier.

Shopping locally makes it easy to get expert answers and advice on entryway replacement. Go online or to a national chain, and you won’t get much help when it comes to figuring out which exterior door is the right choice for your home. And if you want the project to really pay off in curb appeal and home value, you’ll want guidance.

At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, a locally-owned door supplier, we’re happy to provide the assistance you need. We’ve been helping homeowners in Salt Lake City, along the Wasatch Front and throughout northern Utah for more than 25 years, and we offer an unconditional customer satisfaction guarantee. Contact our Orem office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss front door replacement today.

Barn doors, made extra popular by their frequent exhibition on Tiny House Nation, are so versatile and stylish that they’re turning up in homes all over Utah. At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we sell a wide selection of barn doors appropriate for all types of décor, and we even install them for you!

What Are Barn Doors For?

Barn doors are a fun way to add style anywhere in your home, but they are often chosen for their space-saving properties.

The hallmark of this type of door is how it’s installed in your home. Barn doors can be put on hinges and swing open and closed like French doors, but they more often are mounted on rods on the wall above the door’s opening. Homeowners slide the doors back and forth over the rods to close a room off or open it back up again. These rods are often made of wrought iron, brass or another type of metal. They can be made to be a predominant part of the design, or they can blend into the background.

This method of mounting saves precious space that you will no longer need to leave clear for a door to swing out or in. Common usages for barn doors include for closets in small bedrooms; in a laundry room, pantry or another small space like a linen closet; on a shed; for windows instead of shades or even to cloak a large-screen TV. They block out light better and may even help you save energy if your windows are old.

Rustic Barn Doors

You may think a barn door is inherently rustic, but that’s not always true. Many barn doors in Utah are made of barnboard, or at least they’re made to look like barnboard. That means fairly wide planks held together by z-bars and stained to look rough and weathered. A similar look is achieved by painting the barn doors and then wiping the paint off about a half-hour later for a weathered, antique look.

Here in Utah, rustic barn doors are all the rage, as many homeowners enjoy decorating in a Western style. Rustic barn doors are perfect in homes with lots of wood, exposed beams and maybe even a cowhide rug. Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors offers a range of real wood barn doors that show off a natural, knotty grain.

Modern Barn Doors

But just because barn doors have the word “barn” in them doesn’t mean you have to have a barn-style décor to use this versatile room diving solution.

You can get citified barn doors made of smooth, painted wood and frosted glass windows suitable for a bathroom door, reminiscent of the transoms in hotels in the 1950s. The purpose of a transom is to allow light in, and since they were placed over doors (the transom is actually the beam over the door) it’s the perfect way to preserve privacy while allowing in some natural light. Thus, these doors are perfect for bathrooms and even bathroom windows.

A metal barn door fits perfectly into a modern décor as well — with or without windows. As the years pass, if you get tired of the metal, simply paint it a fun color to give it a fresh, new look. The windows in your barn doors, whether you opt for clear glass, translucent or opaque, help deliver on the modern feel — and they provide a healthy dose of light, which can be especially important in an apartment.

Contemporary Barn Doors

You might be surprised by the fun styles you can find among contemporary barn doors. We offer more than a dozen design patterns for your barn doors, including x, z and chevron.

Imagine high ceilings with tall, dark wood doors, translucent window inserts and shiny, nickel-plated door handles. Another striking contemporary barn door style is a set of doors made of four glass panels each, surrounded by stainless steel frames.

Glass is a great feature in barn doors for both light and style, and Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors uses a supplier that offers many different types of glass for your barn doors. Depending on the door you select, your texture options may include clear glass, water (a blurry effect), reeds (a striped effect), rain (looks like droplets running down the glass) and cloud (opaque). Choose the privacy level you’re most comfortable with.

Mirrors are also an option for your barn doors — it’s the perfect spot to add a square, rectangle or full-length mirror. Another option on some doors is a blackboard panel. Use it to make grocery lists, or let your kids go to town with a box of chalk.

Barn Door Care in Utah

Most of our modern and contemporary-looking doors are made with MDF, which is a fairly heavy material that works well to keep out sound. If you opt for glass in your MDF doors, they will be a bit lighter.

MDF is easy to care for — simply wipe clean with a damp cloth. Clean the glass and mirrors as you ordinarily wood, being careful not to overspray if you’re using a bottled commercial cleaner.

Real natural wood doors should simply be wiped with a soft cloth to remove dust — no cleaning products are necessary. While commercially sold furniture “polishes” may not do any harm to your doors, they are unnecessary and may build up over time, affecting the look of your barn doors.

Barn Doors at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors

Installing barn doors might be a fun DIY project, but it can also be frustrating if you don’t have the right tools and experience. Rely on Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors to install your barn doors, and get a warranty on the work and craftsmanship.

Contact us today to find out more about getting barn doors installed in your Utah home.

Are you remodeling your Utah home? A quick search for door suppliers will provide you with a seemingly endless list of sources for new entryways. Since so many companies supply interior and exterior doors, deciding where to get yours may not be easy.

You need a reliable door supplier who can meet your needs. To narrow down the list and choose a company to assist with your remodeling project, take the following factors into account.

Available Services

First of all, think about what services you require from your Utah door contractor. Some companies only sell interior and exterior doors – and if you want a professional to handle the installation, you’ll need to turn elsewhere. In addition, not every supplier offers delivery and repair services. Therefore, before browsing a company’s selection of doors, you’d be wise to look at the services they provide.

Variety of Brands

Whether you know what type of entryway you want or not, you’ll want to choose a Utah door supplier who offers many different brands. The greater the diversity of products, the better, as that makes finding interior and exterior doors that perfectly meet your needs much easier. With a contractor that promotes a single manufacturer, you may have to settle for less-than-ideal options.

Company Reputation

Reading what former customers have said about a door supplier is to your benefit, as reviews can help you determine whether or not a company is a suitable choice. A good reputation is like a warranty, assuring you of the quality of the products and services offered. To make sure a contractor is worthy of consideration, go the extra mile by asking for references and taking the time to contact the customers.

Why Choose a Local Door Supplier?

You could get new interior or exterior doors from a national chain operator, but you may want to consider local door suppliers. With a locally-owned company – like Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors in Orem, Utah – you can count on having a superior customer experience. Small businesses have more at stake than big-box stores, so they make a greater effort to make sure their customers are satisfied.

At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we have a vast array of high-quality interior and exterior doors from many of the world’s finest manufacturers. We offer sales, installation and repair services, and our team handles every remodeling project with extreme care. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional customer service – and we even offer an unconditional satisfaction guarantee.

The Rocky Mountain team works with homeowners in the greater Salt Lake City area, along the Wasatch Front and throughout northern Utah. For more information on our affordably priced entryway products, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the region’s leading local door supplier, contact us today.

Dedicated backyard spaces or a patio provide a convenient venue for friends, family and neighbors to gather and celebrate life’s little moments and milestones. No matter how careful you are, however, regular use can wear out your back door. When you need back door replacement, that’s the time to call Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors.

Our team not only supplies top-of-the-line windows and doors from the best brands, but we also have skilled professionals who can install your purchase for you. But you might be wondering, how do you select a suitable replacement? No matter what your priorities are, whether it be style or function, we have some tips for you that can help you narrow down your choices.

What Are the Types of Patio Doors?

In general, patio doors come in three major classifications: French (otherwise known as swinging), sliding and folding. The most suitable one for you will depend on the layout of your home and yard and the area’s design.

French — These are your typical entry doors that swing open and closed. Usually, they come with total view glass panels, but other configurations are also available.

Sliding — A crowd favorite, this is a common choice for back doors. Many homeowners are drawn to sliding doors’ simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Like the swinging door, it comes in various configurations as well, but it is commonly paired with a screen for more flexibility.

Folding — Usually reserved for exits to larger patios, folding doors add flair to any space. Their standard design is usually two to eight panels that fold like an accordion. The panels can be made of different materials such as composite, wood, aluminum or glass.

Things to Consider When Picking Replacement Back Doors

If you’re wondering how to pick a replacement, here are some things you should factor in when shopping around for new back doors in Utah.

Materials

When choosing a replacement door, selecting the material most suitable for your purpose is more important than aesthetics. The most common of these are vinyl, wood, metal, fiberglass and glass.

Vinyl is weatherproof and comes in different shades and finishes, making it one of the most popular and versatile materials from which to make doors. Wood is undoubtedly appealing and elegant, with mahogany, pine and alder as the most popular types used.

Metal is the most affordable and is quite durable too. Some metals have a protective coating to help withstand rust and corrosion. Similarly, fiberglass has the same qualities but is also lightweight.

As for glass, there are many ways to use it in a door’s structure and there are many types to choose from as well. For example, there is a special glass that is treated with UV protective material. Another type has a coating that allows it to disperse light better and help you conserve energy. Some are mainly for decorative purposes, while others are a functional addition to the entire assembly.

Locking Mechanism

Because patio doors double as entry points from the outside, durable and secure locks are a must. Ideally, if you use both a door and a screen, they should have a multiple-locking system to deter burglars from entering your home.

Some of the most common locking mechanisms are:

• Central rail key-operated lock, a multi-point apparatus attached to the middle part of the track where the doors meet
• Key-operated multi-point lock, which uses the rim locking system
• Key-operated lock, a simple top and bottom lock
• Deadbolt lock, typically found on exterior French doors

Visibility

If you’d like to see out into your yard while lounging around inside your home, you might want to consider a design that has a broader glass panel.

More Tips for Selecting a Back Door Replacement in Utah

Now that you know your options in terms of type, materials and security mechanisms, here are some other considerations that you should keep in mind when shopping for your door replacement.

• Dimensions — When purchasing ready-made assemblies, it is essential to measure the place you intend to install them to ensure a snug fit and smooth operation. Getting the correct measurements will also help you get the most out of the assembly’s life.
• Maintenance — Think of how much time and resources you are willing to spend on the upkeep of your doors. For some materials like aluminum, all it takes is some wiping to keep them looking pristine. But for others like wood, you may have to do more than that.
• Source — Naturally, you want to consider where you’ll be getting your products. Choose door companies that have established themselves in the business. They tend to be more particular with quality control and wouldn’t dare carry products that could tarnish their reputation.
• Cost — Your budget should be a consideration when looking for a back door. You wouldn’t want to spend more than you can afford, so having a set budget beforehand allows you to narrow down your choices and shop more efficiently.

Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors is well known for selling and installing high-end windows and doors in Utah sourced from the best brands from all over the globe. Each piece is handpicked and curated with the needs of the design-savvy homeowner in mind. From those who are willing to splurge to those who are budget-conscious, there are options available for everyone.

For your patio or back yard, we offer movable glass wall systems, different types of sliding and hybrid folding doors and French and exterior sash doors. Some of the brands we carry include Masonite, Simpson, WinDor Systems, GlassCraft, JELD-WEN, TermaTru and Lemieux.

secure locks now and let us help you bring your dream project to life. Once you see our premium selection and talk to our trained professionals, you’ll never look at door and window replacement in Utah the same way again.

High-quality windows can be affordable, but they do fall toward the higher end of the price scale. And if you’re in the market for new windows, you may wonder if the cost is worthy of paying.

The simple answer is yes – investing in top-of-the-line windows pays off in several ways. Here, the Rocky Mountain team explains why windows of the highest quality from industry-leading manufacturers are well worth the cost.

Energy Savings

High-quality windows are incredibly energy efficient, much more so than cheaper models. After installation, you won’t need your furnace or air conditioner to run nearly as often – and that translates to big savings in the form of lower monthly energy bills.

Boost in Property Value

Install top-quality windows, and you can look forward to a higher property value – and that means you can recoup a great deal of the cost when you sell your home. If you’re not planning to move anytime soon, you’ll benefit by building equity.

UV Ray Protection

Another way premium windows pay off has to do with the textiles in your home. Ultraviolet light degrades upholstered furniture, carpeting and curtains – and premium brands offer exceptional UV ray protection, keeping your belongings from fading.

Improved Home Comfort

When you install windows of the highest quality in your home, you’ll notice that your living spaces are much more comfortable. They’ll be toasty warm in the winter and refreshingly cool in the summer – and you won’t have to worry about drafts.

Increased Safety

Top-quality windows have impressive safety features. The latest models have highly secure locks that block intruders from entering your home, but are simple enough for your family to operate from the inside should you need to make an emergency exit.

High-Quality Windows for Utah Homes

When it comes to new windows, quality matters a great deal – and like other products, the better the quality, the higher the cost. However, you can find affordable models right here at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors.

We offer a range of top-quality windows at every price point, and we’ll help you find an option that meets your budget. With products from many of the world’s finest manufacturers – including Milgard, GlassCraft, JELD-WEN, Hy-Lite and AMSCO – we’re sure to have windows to suit your Utah home.

Our professional team has more than 25 years of industry experience, and we work hard to maintain our reputation for outstanding workmanship and superior customer service. Plus, every product we install comes at a fair, competitive price and with an unconditional satisfaction guarantee.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss high-quality new or replacement windows for your northern Utah home, contact us online or reach out to our Orem office today.

High-quality doors come in many different styles, with unique features that can boost both the beauty and the value of your northern Utah home.

Today’s residential doors offer flexibility in design, and you’ll have the choice of material, finish and decorative elements, such as glass panels and dentil shelves. Hardware for high-quality doors is also customizable, allowing you to create secure, functional and aesthetically pleasing entryways. Here, the Rocky Mountain team explains the various hardware options.

Knobs and Levers

Round doorknobs are a classic choice for both interior and exterior doors, and because they twist to open, knobs make it easy to childproof.

Lever handles are easier to operate, with no grabbing or twisting. As such, levers can be a better option for those with arthritis or compromised hand strength.

For the exterior, entrance handle sets offer an impressive touch. Full-plate and two-piece sets are available, with models featuring either round doorknobs or lever handles.

Locksets

Keyed entry knobs and levers are typically used with exterior doors. Entering from the outside requires a key, and the inside has a turn- or push-button lock.

High-quality doors can also be outfitted with electronic locks that open after inputting a numeric code or reading a thumbprint. Most include backup keys, and some electronic locksets unlock in the presence of a key fob or registered smartphone.

Hinges

Residential butt hinges are popular for exterior and interior doors. When closed, only the pin and joints remain visible. For heavier doors, however, lubricated ball bearing hinges allow for smoother and easier operation.

Spring hinges can be ideal for a back door or one leading to a garage, as they automatically come to a close once opened. In kitchens and dining rooms, doors featuring double-action spring hinges provide effortless access by swinging open from both directions.

Door Hardware Finishes

Homeowners have the choice of an array of hardware finishes. From polished chrome and satin nickel to matte black and more, the finish of the handles, hinges and locksets can easily compliment or even help define the look of any home.

Some finishes – including oil-rubbed bronze, antique bronze and polished brass — can change over time. Be aware, too, that while different manufacturers may use the same finish name, that doesn’t guarantee an exact match.

The professional team at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors supplies, installs and replaces doors for homes and businesses throughout northern Utah. We offer top-quality products from Simpson, Masonite, Lemieux, Krosswood and several other fine manufacturers. And we’d be happy to help you explore your hardware options.

For more information on our high-quality doors, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today.

When you know exactly what type of replacement windows you want, planning a kitchen renovation project is much easier.

Window suppliers offer a vast range of styles and options for over the kitchen sink. But while this means you can find one that perfectly meets your needs in terms of form, function and price, it also means that doing so may be quite a challenge. If you could use some assistance in making a selection, reading the following guide may help.

Considerations in Choosing an Over-Sink Kitchen Window

While personal preference should play a large role in your decisions on kitchen renovations, you need to be practical. To narrow down your replacement window options, look for models with these qualities:

• Easy operation – With the kitchen sink between you and the window, opening and closing it could be tricky.
• Air circulation – Whether you’re working at the sink or elsewhere in the kitchen, you may appreciate having a source of fresh air.
• Aesthetic value – You’ll want a replacement window that is visually appealing, from both the inside and the outside of your home.

In addition, you may need to consider the available wall space. Going with a larger size or different style than what’s currently in place could impact the amount of room you have for upper cabinets and kitchen storage.

Best Replacement Window Options for Over the Kitchen Sink

Now that you know what to look for in an over-sink replacement window, you can consider the styles that are best suited for the spot. A few of our top picks include:

• Sliding window – A classic single-hung or double-hung style offers good ventilation, and the smooth track allows for simple operation.
• Casement window – The crank handle is easy to reach and operate, and casements offer impressive air circulation.
• Awning window – Hinging at the top and tilting open from the bottom, this style can provide fresh air even when it’s raining.
• Garden window – The oversized sill serves as a miniature greenhouse, where sun-loving houseplants and herbs can thrive.

Schedule a Consultation with a Trusted Local Window Supplier

Whether you’ve decided what you want or still aren’t sure which type of replacement window is best, your next step is to consult with a local supplier known for affordable pricing and top-notch customer service. In Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah area, that’s Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors.

We’re licensed and insured, and we’ve been working with homeowners in the region for more than 25 years. We have an extensive selection of premium products from industry leading manufactures – including JELD-WEN, GlassCraft, Milgard and Amsco – and every window we install comes with an unconditional satisfaction guarantee.

Would you like to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and obtain expert advice on choosing the right replacement window for over your kitchen sink? Reach out to the Rocky Mountain team online or contact our office in Orem, Utah, today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on sliding patio doors and why you might consider purchasing them. One of two common patio door types, sliding doors compare in several ways with hinged patio doors, and are often the final two options homeowners choose between for their patio entryway.

At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we’re happy to provide a wide range of both these door options, from sliding choices like the multi-slide door to hinged selections like the folding door and several others. Today’s part two of our series will look at the hinged door and its varieties, plus give a final word on choosing between these two broad styles.

Hinged Door Basics

Of the two options, the hinged patio door is the more classic and traditional choice. They are hinged at their sides rather than running on a track, allowing them to swing either in or out depending on the other components of your space.

Generally speaking, hinged patio doors will come with either two operable doors that swing from both sides or a single hinged door. They can be crafted into several design styles, including those that are a bit more modern if this matches the aesthetic of the rest of your home.

Hinged Door Types

There are a few options for hinged patio doors available:

• Single-hinged: A single door panel that’s often used as a format entrance, or may link to a sunroom, deck or similar area. In many cases, a single-hinged patio door will be paired up with a large window or two to create a glass-wall aesthetic, one that opens up the space and makes it feel larger. Hinged doors will come with either a left or right sidelight, or both if you choose.
• Double-hinged: These options feature two panels that swing open from the center, often called French patio doors (not to be confused with sliding French options, which we went over in part one). These are both versatile and dramatic, with the option of an in-swing or out-swing depending on your needs.
• Folding: The folding, or bifold, patio door is one that’s both efficient and durable. It’s a multi-panel door that folds and stacks neatly to the side, blending the environment perfectly between outside and inside.

Making Your Choice

For traditional homes, hinged patio doors tend to be the more common choice; for modern homes, the sliding door is a staple. However, your choice will really come down to which you prefer and how your choice complements areas like aesthetics, functionality and overall home décor. Our pros will be happy to answer any questions about either style to guide you in the right direction.

For more on choosing between sliding and hinged patio doors, or to learn about any of our door replacements, window installation or skylight services, speak to the staff at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors today.