Pet Door Archives - Advanced Window Products

Summertime Home Maintenance That Can Save You Money

Posted on July 27, 2018January 18, 2026 by import

Owning a home can be expensive. Even aside from house payments, there are utility bills to pay, maintenance work to do, and repairs you have to make. Fortunately, there are also a lot of ways to lower your bills and reduce your long-term costs. Read on to find some of the ways to help you make your house more energy efficient and resistant to damage.

Keep the Gutters Clean

If your gutters are clogged, then you are probably getting a lot of extra water near your house’s foundation. Over time, this could lead to some very costly foundation repairs. Take an afternoon and save yourself a lot of trouble later!

Banish Incandescent Bulbs

Every time one of your incandescent light bulbs burns out, replace it with an energy efficient bulb. Sure, they cost a little more, but they last so much longer that they more than pay for themselves. This means you have to replace bulbs left often and you save more energy on your utility bill each month.

Plant Trees!

Take note of which windows get the lightest during the summer, then plant some trees to block some of that light. This will naturally shade your house during the summer, lowering your cooling bill. Not only that, it makes your property look better and increases resale value!

Check the Vents and Hoses

Make sure your dryer vent is kept clean. This makes it run more efficiently and use less electricity. You should also periodically clean the vent hose at the back of the dryer, for the same reason. While you’re at it, check that the hoses going into your washing machine are sealed tight as well, so you don’t waste water.

Stop Pet Door Leaks

Pets are wonderful, and many pet owners install pet doors to let their furry little friends get more exercise and stimulation from the great outdoors. The trouble is, warm air from inside leaks out through these pet doors during the winter, and cool air leaks out during the summer. We can install advanced, energy-efficient pet doors that let your pets have the freedom they enjoy without wasting all that energy.

Get Out the Caulking Gun

As time goes by, your house settles a little. This can make your door and window frames pull away a little bit from the walls. In the summer, cool air leaks out through these cracks. Seal them up with a little caulk and watch your cooling bill go down.

Insulate Your Home While Giving It a Makeover

If the paint is peeling on your house, or the siding coming off, then this is the perfect time to make your home more energy efficient while sprucing it up. We can install insulated vinyl siding that is so efficient that it can reduce your energy costs by 30%! This siding also reduces weather damage, minimizing the repairs you have to make. Not only will our insulated vinyl siding save you money, but it will also make sure that you never have to paint your house again.

Replace Those Old Windows

As windows get older, they may start to warp, pulling away from their frames and leaking air. We can inspect your windows for you, and replace them with newer, better fitting windows. The difference this can make in heating and cooling bills is amazing.

Better yet, replace those old windows. Ordinary windows just let in the light, but windows made with modern technology can do so much more. We can replace your old-fashioned windows with Low-E windows. These high-quality, low-cost windows utilize special coating and high-performance glass to let in the visible light while blocking both heat and ultraviolet rays. This keeps your house warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot, cutting down on heating and air conditioning costs. These windows soon pay for themselves.

Come by our showroom in downtown Salt Lake City or just call us to get a free estimate. We will show you how our green, custom made products can save you money while making your home more comfortable and better looking.

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Pet Door DIY: How to Install the Glass Insert Yourself

Posted on June 20, 2018November 12, 2025 by import

Adding a pet door to your home is one of those projects that sounds simple. However, when it involves glass, it’s a whole different ballgame.

Whether you want to give your dog or cat easy backyard access or just enjoy the convenience of fewer trips to open the door, installing a glass door with a dog door insert can make life easier for everyone. But before grabbing your tools, it’s important to understand the right way to do it safely and correctly.

Crucial Safety and Planning

Working with glass isn’t like cutting drywall or wood; it requires care, the right tools, and sometimes professional support. Here’s what to keep in mind before you start:

Safety First: Glass panels are heavy, fragile, and can cause serious injury if mishandled. Always wear gloves and safety glasses and never attempt to lift or install large glass panes by yourself.

The Unbreakable Rule: Tempered glass cannot be cut. Once it’s manufactured and tempered, it’s impossible to modify safely. This means you can’t take your existing patio door and “cut out” an opening for the dog door. Instead, you’ll need to order a brand-new insulated glass unit (IGU) that’s made specifically for your door size, with the pet door opening pre-cut at the factory.

Measurement Is Key: Accurate measurements are everything. You’ll need the width, height, and thickness of your current glass unit, as well as the air space between the panes. Any small error can lead to a poor fit or air leaks.

High-Level DIY Installation Steps

Step 1: Preparation & Ordering

Once you’ve confirmed your measurements, contact a manufacturer or installer who can create a custom glass panel with the pet door built in. Expect a lead time of several weeks since every piece is made to order. During that time, clear your workspace and gather tools like suction cups, screwdrivers, painter’s tape, and a stable work surface.

Step 2: Removing the Old Glass

Carefully remove the door from its track (if it’s a sliding unit) and lay it flat. Then, remove the glazing beads or trim that hold the glass in place. With a helper, gently lift the glass out of the frame using suction cups. Be mindful of sharp edges and never force the glass, because it can shatter suddenly.

Step 3: Installing the New Pet Door Insert

Set the new IGU with the built-in pet door into the frame, ensuring it’s aligned perfectly. Reinstall the glazing beads or trim, checking that everything sits snugly and evenly. If the fit is even slightly off, stop and double-check your measurements before proceeding.

Step 4: Final Touches

Reinstall the door into its track, test the sliding motion, and inspect the weatherstripping around the edges. Make sure the pet door flap opens and seals smoothly to prevent drafts. A dab of silicone around the corners can add extra insulation.

Contact Us Today for a Free Estimate and Let Us Handle Your Dog Door Installation

Installing glass isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Many homeowners begin this project with enthusiasm but soon realize how complex and risky it can be. At Advanced Window Products, we make the process safe, seamless, and guaranteed to last.

Our team designs, fabricates, and installs custom glass panels with precision-cut openings, so your door looks clean, performs flawlessly, and stays energy-efficient. Call 801-505-9622 or contact us online today for a free estimate.

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Benefits of a Pet Door for Your Cat

Posted on August 4, 2016 by import

It is fairly likely that you have heard of dog doors. Most people know that dogs like to go outside for a number of reasons, and pet doors make it so that people do not have to go to the door and let their dog out every time this happens. However, these doors can be beneficial to cats and their owners as well. Many cats like to spend time both indoors and outdoors, and these doors can serve the same purpose that they do with dogs, in that they allow the cats to go outside without you having to stop what you are doing and let them outside. Advanced Window Products is one company that offers these types of doors, and you can consider the types of doors they have available that can be of assistance to you and your cat.

The Benefits of Cat Doors

A pet door can go a long way in keeping your cat happy, and it can make your life easier as well. Cats will now have the freedom to come and go as they please rather than have to rely on you. Additionally, if you let them out and suddenly have to go somewhere, you could have some problems without a cat door, as they will not be able to come back in without you there to let them in. Cat doors solve these problems easily, as you do not need to be around for them to go in or out.

In cases of fluctuations of temperatures or weather conditions, your cat may want to come back in sooner than usual. With a pet door, they are able to come back in whether or not you are there. Otherwise, your pet could be left outside to suffer in extreme weather, which no one wants.

It is also good to keep in mind that this could be better for your house, as a pet that is trapped in a house is more likely to cause damage to the furniture and other items in the home. Most people would prefer that their dogs do their business outside rather than in the house and that their cats use a tree as a scratching post rather than the expensive couch in the living room.

The sliding glass pet door offered by Advanced Window Products is great for this purpose. We can replace either the entire door or just insert a glass panel in the door with the pet door built in. The door will function just like it did before, only now your pet will be able to come and go as they please. The cat door is made of insulated safety glass and will not cost you money by letting out warm or cold air like many pet doors do. The flap is soft and flexible, unlike other pet doors that could potentially injure your pet, and seals very quickly, as well as securely, after your pet comes back inside the house. This prevents the elements and wild animals from outside making their way in.

Cat Doors for Sliding Glass Doors

There are benefits to having pet doors specifically for cats. If you have a cat that used to be a stray, for example, they might prefer to do their business in the grass rather than in the litter box. Alternatively, it might be better for you to put the litter box outside rather than inside, and your cat can have access to it through the cat door. If you have more than one pet, these doors can make it easier to manage meal times as well, since they will likely not all be in the house at the same time. Additionally, many people do not want their pets in certain parts of the house, and these doors will give them somewhere else to go and can give you a way to prevent them from getting to those parts of the house that are off limits.

Sliding Glass Door with a Cat Door – Advanced Window Products

The sliding glass cat doors made by Advanced Window Products are high quality and offer you multiple options. You can choose to have the entire frame and glass panel removed and replaced, or you can simply have the glass panel removed in order to make way for this pet door. They also come in a variety of sizes for different pets, as well as different colors to match the current color scheme of your home. We also offer many different products that can improve windows and their appearances. If you are interested in a pet door or any of our other products, you can request a free bid here, or call 801-505-9622.

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