Category Archives: Blogs

Multi-Slide & Folding Door Systems Expand Your Horizons

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

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.

How to Choose a Window Installation Service

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.

Two male industrial builders workers at window installation

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.

Think Wood Windows When Only the Best Will Do

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.

coffee cafe window

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.

Update Your Interior Doors for a Quick, Affordable Style Boost

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.

Classic interior of a room with door and table

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.

How to Measure for Vinyl Replacement Windows

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

vinyl replacement windows
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.

Use Folding & Multi-Slide Doors to Open Up a Small Space

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.

multi-slide doors

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.

Are Replacement Windows a Good Investment?

If you’re considering replacement windows for your Utah home, you may be weighing the pros and cons of this home improvement project. Are Replacement Windows a Good Investment?

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.

How to Choose a Utah Window Installation Service

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.

How to Choose a Utah Window Installation Service

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.

Replacement Window Performance: Vinyl vs. Fiberglass 

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.

light kitchen interior,  chairs, desk, windows

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.

Finding High-Quality Doors for Your Utah Home 

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.

Finding High-Quality Doors for Your Utah Home 

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.