Sliding glass Doors Archives - Advanced Window Products

Composite Wood Siding vs Vinyl Siding

Posted on September 23, 2019March 13, 2026 by import

Vinyl siding or wood — which is best? Both offer their advantages. To determine which of the two materials is right for your home, consider cost, long-term performance, installation, maintenance, aesthetics, and other factors. Ask your builder or siding contractor which makes the best sense for your new construction or home improvement project. Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s comfort and energy efficiency or upgrade your property’s curb appeal, the place to start is comparing the vinyl siding and composite wood siding options. Here’s a comparison of these two popular home siding materials:

Composite Wood Siding for Homes

Composite wood siding for homes consists of small scraps of wood. The wood fragments have been compressed, and resins have been used to bond them together. The material is chemically treated to resist fungal growth and insect infestation.

Composite boards are available pre-primed for painting, or even pre-finished in one of many styles that have the appearance of beautiful real wood. You can select from various widths of composite boards for creative exterior designs, and you can use traditional horizontal, more modern vertical, or even highly stylized diagonal installation. Composite wood siding has a seamless finish, vs the typically unavoidable seam you see on vinyl-covered exteriors.

Composite wood provides a home’s structure with exceptional protection from wind, water, and high temperatures. This type of siding is available in a wide range of styles, textures and colors. High-quality composite wood siding can last up to 30 years.

Advantages of Composite Wood Siding

Authentic wood look

Superior structural protection

Durable (more durable than vinyl)

Cost-effective

Superior insulation value

Resists scratches, stains, mold, rotting, and swelling

Easily cleaned with soap and water

Gorgeous aesthetic

Seamless finish

Weighs less and is easier to install than regular wood

Can be customized

UV resistant

Low-maintenance

Resists splitting

Fade-resistant

Less expensive than regular wood siding

All-weather composite siding withstands extreme temperatures

Only needs painting every 5 to 10 years

Exceptional long-term value

Disadvantages of Composite Wood Siding

Takes a little longer to install than vinyl sheets

Requires more maintenance than vinyl siding

Costs slightly more than vinyl siding

Vinyl Siding for Homes

What is vinyl siding on a house? Vinyl siding is panels of manufactured exterior siding, made from a plastic resin called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which contains fillers and fibers and bonding materials. Vinyl siding resists damage from weather, wear, and insects. It’s fade-resistant and nearly maintenance-free, never requiring painting. It’s available in a wide array of colors, textures and patterns. From shakes, to lap siding looks. Vinyl siding has less insulative quality than composites. For insulated vinyl, instead of standard vinyl siding, add about 15% to the price estimate.

Vinyl siding is a practical solution for building or renovating where minimal maintenance is a priority. It’s a budget-friendly choice, compared to much more expensive exterior materials, like real wood or stone. Because vinyl siding is impervious to rotting and to insect infestation, it can last up to 40 years. One caveat is that although vinyl siding itself cannot rot or become infested, moisture can enter between siding sheets, promoting rotting and insect infestation of a home’s support structures.

Advantages of Vinyl Siding for Homes

Wide selection of colors, textures, and patterns

Durable

Very little maintenance

Easy to install

Easy to clean

Resists fading

Resistant to hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, and hail

Does not rot, scratch, or dent

Does not need repainting

Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding

Can crack in extreme temperatures

Impacted aesthetic, when vinyl siding panels overlap, causing an unwanted seam

Can swell from long exposure to moist environment, increasing potential for structural issues

Can leak between siding panels, promoting mold, rot and insect infestation

Susceptible to damage by strong winds (not the best option in areas with severe weather)

Compare Costs of Composite and Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding and composite wood siding costs are pretty similar. Both typically cost between $7,000 to $13,000 and up. Your actual cost will depend on the size of your home and the quality of the siding products you choose. For a more accurate price comparison, estimate the amount of material you’ll need for your siding project, based on the total square area of the exterior surface space to be covered.

For a finer cost estimate, add local and state sales tax rates for the siding purchase. Add the cost of other materials needed for installation, such as clips for composite siding, and add the total installation cost estimate for each of the two types of siding.

When comparing vinyl to composite wood siding cost, you are likely to discover that the two materials are available at prices that are similar enough that the purchase cost does not have to be a major consideration in choosing between them. Ultimately, you will probably find that it is more practical, all things considered, just to pick the siding you like best, based on other factors, like durability and aesthetics.

So, Composite Wood Siding vs Vinyl Siding — Which is Best?

Vinyl siding offers many highly appealing advantages over other kinds of exterior siding. It’s less expensive than wood, composite wood, and other types of siding. It’s more resistant to an array of deteriorating elements, such as weather, insects, and long-term wear. It’s also easy to install and clean, and it requires no periodic painting and very little other maintenance.

Composite wood siding offers an upgrade from vinyl siding, in terms of natural aesthetic and design options. It’s also arguably more cost-effective long-term, due to its more durable material, affording greater resistance to adverse elements and providing a more stable and robust protective shield for a home’s structure than vinyl. Composite wood siding has superior insulative properties as well. Overall, composite wood siding provides a more protective covering and, therefore, a stronger added value to a property.

Advanced Window Products Located in Salt Lake City, Utah

We are the leading Utah vinyl and composite wood siding, doors and
windows company. We provide top-grade, energy-efficient vinyl and composite wood siding, doors, windows, sliding doors and French doors at fair prices. Our installers are all AAMA, NFRC, Energy Star and lead-safe certified. We offer exceptional customer service. Manufacturing our own energy-efficient products and selling factory-direct to our customers eliminates mark-up and potential warranty issues. We make it easy to upgrade your doors and windows with:

Double Lifetime Warranty

Satisfaction Guarantee

0 down, 0% interest financing (with approved credit)

Part of Buy Local First Utah

We are a green business, and we’re committed to our community. Your business enables us to continue to support many important causes, including Habitat for Humanity and Make A Wish Foundation.

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For More Information About Composite Wood Siding and Vinyl Siding, Contact Advanced Window Products

Our experts can help you select the best exterior siding solution for your new home build or for your home improvement project. New vinyl or composite wood siding can improve your home’s appearance, protect its structure, and increase its value.

For more information about high-quality vinyl siding or composite wood siding, visit our showroom in Salt Lake City, or call Advanced Window Products, Salt Lake Cityat 1-800-246-9355, to schedule a free estimate at your home.

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Sliding Glass Pet Doors: A Gift of Independence for You and Your Pet!

Posted on January 25, 2016February 17, 2026 by import

How Do Sliding Glass Doors for Pets Work?

Pet-friendly patio doors will save you time and hassle while retaining the functionality and attraction of your sliding glass doors. Advanced Window Products can easily install replacement glass into your existing door in minutes! It will work exactly like your existing door, but contains a solid, secure, panel insert that is designed with the size of your pet in mind.

Independence for You and Your Pet

The days of planning your schedule around potty breaks and cleaning up after accidents are over. Don’t worry about hurrying home from work, getting out of bed at night, or stopping everything to let your best friend outside. Your pet can let himself out of the sliding glass door anytime, without waiting for help to go out or come back in. This door gives both of you comfort in knowing he will not have to “hold it” and can enjoy the outdoors anytime!

Stop Barking, Scratching, Whining at the Door

Finally, if your doors are all scratched up or your dog howls to get your attention, this door is the solution! Imagine eliminating noisy barking, destructive scratching, or whining at the door. Your dog can enjoy the view and stroll outside without having to get your attention first, allowing you to keep a scratch-free door and some peace and quiet for you and your neighbors!

Free Sliding Glass Pet Door Estimate

Watch your pet enjoy the outdoors at his leisure from the attractive windows without having to open or close the door. These doors provide peace of mind and save effort! Don’t interrupt what you are doing to open the door or worry about asking a neighbor or paying a pet sitter to come by when you are out. If you are ready to save time and eliminate the hassle of constantly letting your pet in and outside, contact Advanced Window Products at 801-246-9355 or complete the form on this page for a free sliding glass pet door estimate!

6 Reasons You’ll Love a New Sliding Glass Door

Posted on December 30, 2015March 5, 2026 by import

A new patio door can make a big difference in your home’s overall appearance. Whether you’re updating an existing door or choosing a door for a brand new patio, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. Before making your decision, consider the benefits that a sliding glass door offers for your Utah home.

1. Better Light and Visibility

Sliding doors with large panes of glass let in much more light, making your home brighter. The added light also makes your home feel more open and spacious. In addition, the glass gives you a convenient way to keep an eye on kids or pets when they’re outdoors. It also provides you with more scenic views of your yard.

2. Sliding Doors Help You Save Space

When you have limited room, sliding doors offer a way to save space. Since these doors don’t need to swing open, you don’t have to make sure the area around them is clear.

3. Sliding Doors Keep the Noise Out

Sounds from outdoors, such as lawn mowers, can make your home a noisy one. Sliding glass doors can help reduce the amount of noise you hear from outside. Doors made with certain types of high performance glass transmit less noise than regular doors, leaving you with a quieter home.

4. Sliding Doors Are Energy Efficient

Sliding patio doors that contain high performance glass can also make your home more energy efficient, leading to lower energy bills all year round. This type of glass helps keep heated air inside when it’s cold out and cool air inside when it’s hot out. We offer high performance glass with energy efficient features, such as the following:

low-E (low emissivity) to reflect higher amounts of heat
double paned glass for better insulation
U-factors that are ideal for Utah’s climate
Click here to learn more about reading energy efficient labels

We also have patio door frames that are weather-tight and able to improve your home’s efficiency even more.

5. Sliding Doors Increase Aesthetic Appeal

If you’re concerned about how sliding glass doors would look on your home, keep in mind that you can choose doors that match its architectural style. We offer sliding patio doors in wood or vinyl, so you can easily find a style that complements the surrounding exterior.

6. Sliding Doors Are Easy To Maintain

One of the biggest advantages of sliding glass doors is that they’re low maintenance. Once these doors are installed on a track system, all you have to do is keep the glass clean. Our patio doors even come with maintenance-free frames for added convenience. These frames are resistant to sun damage, so you can count on them keeping their original appearance for years to come.

Advanced Window Products is Utah’s Sliding Glass Door Manufacturer

Whether you need a new patio door that gives you more room in your home or a door that gives you great views of the outdoors, sliding glass doors are the ideal solution. We are a locally owned and operated business, that offers 0% financing on our doors and installation services. We’re committed to protecting the environment, so you’ll find that we have a wide selection of eco-friendly products.

Contact Advanced Window Products for more information on our selection of patio doors, and to get a free online estimate for your home.

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Sliding Glass Doors: A Homeowner’s Guide

Posted on September 10, 2014January 21, 2026 by import

Are you thinking about adding sliding glass doors to your home as an entrance or exit for a patio, the back yard, a deck, or a screened porch? Sliding glass doors make an excellent addition to any home. They are attractive and utilitarian at the same time. They can make your house more cheerful by letting in more light, and can even increase the value of your home if you decide to sell it. Here is everything you need to know about installing and using sliding glass doors at your house.

Measuring for the Correct Size of Sliding Glass Door

You will probably be installing your sliding glass doors in a pre-existing opening. This is the easiest way to do it. You can also cut out a custom hole in your wall or extend an existing doorway if that works best for your situation.

First–Determine the opening dimensions you will need to fit your doors. Do this before purchasing any doors. You may have to special order custom doors to fit the type of opening or space for an opening that is available to you.
Second–Measure horizontally across the top and bottom of the opening or space for an opening. You also must measure vertically on the sides. If you’re using a pre-existing opening, it might not be totally square or rectangular, and will need adjusting.
Third–Choose a set of doors that are approximately 1/4″ smaller than your measurements on all sides.

Sliding Glass Doors Frame Materials

Sliding glass doors move along a frame. The frame has tracks that the rollers on the doors can move across so the doors slide with ease. The two frame materials that are the most common with sliding glass doors are wood and vinyl.

Whether you use wood or vinyl is largely a personal decorating choice. You will also want to consider the ease with which the doors you select will move along the frame you choose. Vinyl is more durable. Wood is more environmentally friendly, and can be adjusted to go with rustic, vintage, and shabby chic decors.

The Glass in Your Sliding Door

When you are shopping for your sliding glass doors, take the type of glass you will be using into consideration. Believe it or not, not all glass is created equally. There is Low-E glass, for example, which is an energy efficient type of glass that will keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer, even when your blinds are open. It also protects the interior contents of your home from UV damage.

Single pane glass is the basic type of glass and is the cheapest. However, it won’t give you any of the special protections of other types of glass. If you are considering using single pane glass due to budget reasons, you should upgrade at the very least to double pane glass. This will give you extra protection from wind damage in storms and will keep direct sunlight from being too hot when it shines into the house. It is also more resistant to shattering in case of break-ins or freezing conditions.

Choice of Screens

You have a wide variety of screens available to you if you want to use screens. Some people choose to not use screens and have their doors open up to the outside directly. If you would like to open your sliding glass doors and allow some natural coolness in while you turn off your air conditioner, or would like to keep the doors open while keeping pets inside then you will want to use a screen.

Solar screens that protect from UV rays are popular. Pet resistant screens that your pet cannot scratch through are good for pet owners. Retractable screens are an excellent choice if you only want to use your screen sometimes, while going without it at other times. Just look for a screen with a very fine mesh, as this will keep out even the smallest of insects. This will allow you to enjoy your sliding glass doors to the fullest extent possible, any time of year.

Features of Sliding Glass Doors

The best sliding glass doors are strong and weather-resistant. You should also consider getting doors with hollow-core multi-thermal extrusion. This features increased the structural integrity of the doors, as well as their energy efficiency.

Benefits of Sliding Glass Doors

Not only are they attractive and useful, sliding glass doors have many other benefits, as well. Depending on the type you get, they may be energy efficient, which will reduce your heating and cooling costs (sometimes significantly). Saving money is always a good thing!

Sliding glass doors are also resistant to outside sounds. They will make the room or rooms where you keep them very quiet and peaceful, as you will not easily be able to hear all the traffic, barking dogs, screaming kids, arguing adults, loud music from nearby parties, or any other noises in your neighborhood. Your sliding glass door room or rooms will be an oasis of tranquility.

Further, sliding glass doors are resistant to most types of bad weather. With modern technology built into the glass, these doors will keep your home safe in case of nearly any undesirable outdoor weather situation. By making your house cheaper to run, plus quieter and safer, why wouldn’t you want sliding glass doors in all the rooms you can put them in?

Advanced Window Products and You

When you are looking for sliding glass doors for your home, you should never look farther than Advanced Window Products. We offer zero percent financing on doors and installation. Our products are environmentally friendly, as we maintain a commitment to providing earth-safe goods to the area. We are a locally owned and operated business here in Utah, so shopping with us will help improve the local economy. Plus, all of our products are handmade in the United States in our very own warehouse….no outsourcing to other nations! You will get the sliding glass doors you want at a price you can afford, and with a company you can feel good about using. It doesn’t get any better than that, so shop with us today!