Doors
The Right Door for Every Project
Homeowners and builders rely on our selection, specs, and pro
installation—from statement entries to
high‑performance patio doors.
MATERIAL TYPE BREAKDOWN
What are the main differences and qualities?
Vinyl
| Material | Vinyl |
|---|---|
| Best For | Great value and good thermal performance |
| Insulation & Efficiency | Good frames + multi-pane glass |
| Durability & Maintenance | Low maintenance |
| Look & Finish | Neutral, contemporary |
Fiberglass
| Material | Fiberglass |
|---|---|
| Best For | Cold/wet climates; wood look without upkeep |
| Insulation & Efficiency | Excellent with foam cores; stable in temp swings |
| Durability & Maintenance | Won't rot, swell, or dent easily; very low maintenance |
| Look & Finish | Realistic woodgrains or smooth paintable |
Wood-Clad
| Material | Wood-Clad |
|---|---|
| Best For | Low-maintenance exterior + real wood interior |
| Insulation & Efficiency | Very good with insulated glass and quality seals |
| Durability & Maintenance | Exterior cladding protects wood; long life |
| Look & Finish | High-end, timeless look |
Aluminum
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Best For | Commercial applications & (modern) optimized design |
| Insulation & Efficiency | Fair; needs thermal break to prevent condensation |
| Durability & Maintenance | Very strong; won't rust, rot, or warp; minimal maintenance |
| Look & Finish | Sleek, contemporary; narrow sightlines |
Steel
| Material | Steel |
|---|---|
| Best For | High value & security |
| Insulation & Efficiency | Good foam cores; low air leakage |
| Durability & Maintenance | Strong but can dent; maintain finish to prevent rust |
| Look & Finish | Smooth, clean; best painted |
Please feel free to contact us for more details and info
EXTERIOR DOORS
Built for Curb Appeal, Security & Year‑Round Comfort
From classic wood looks to low‑maintenance fiberglass and secure steel, we help you choose the right exterior door for your home, climate, and budget—installed the right way.
Local Climate Guidance for Northwest Montana
Climate Zone & Design Temps
Our area is IECC Climate Zone 6 (Cold/Very Cold), which means homes are heating‑dominated and benefit from highly insulated, air‑tight door systems. Nearby Kalispell design data shows winter design temps near −1 to −3°F (99% heating) and moderate summers, reinforcing the need for low U‑factors and tight weatherseals.
ENERGY STAR:registered: v7.0 targets:
For the Northern zone, typical targets are Windows ≤ 0.22 U‑Factor (prescriptive) and Patio Doors (>½‑lite) ≤ 0.26 U‑Factor. For exterior doors the criteria depends on glass area: Opaque ≤ 0.17 U, ≤½‑lite ≤ 0.23 U, >½‑lite ≤ 0.26 U (with SHGC requirements by product/exposure).
Glass strategy in cold climates
A bit more solar gain (higher SHGC) on south‑facing glass can help with winter heating—while still meeting overall ENERGY STAR and NFRC performance. We’ll balance U‑Factor (insulation), SHGC (sun), and air leakage for your exposure.
Overhangs & finish durability
To protect finishes and reduce thermal stress (especially with dark colors), plan roof/porch overhangs using D ≈ ½H as a baseline (D = overhang depth; H = height from door sill to overhang). In harsher south/west exposures or severe wet/dry climates, increase toward D ≈ H. We’ll advise case‑by‑case based on your orientation.
Wind & structural performance
Mountain valleys can see gusty events. DP/PG ratings should be selected for your site exposure and building height. We use the ASCE 7 Hazard Tool workflow recommended by the state to verify wind loads, then match products appropriately.
What this means for you: In our climate, insulated fiberglass or steel entry doors and triple‑pane glass packages for glass‑heavy configurations often deliver the best comfort, energy savings, and longevity—paired with a professional, well‑flashed installation.
Door Types & Configurations
Single Entry Doors
Most common; fit standard
openings; quick replacement.
Double/French Doors
Wider clear opening; elegant.
Sidelights & transoms:
Add daylight with privacy glass options.
Specialty Doors
Dutch, craftsman, modern
flush, oversized units.
PATIO & BIG DOORS
Hinged Doors
- Space-saving (no swing clearance required)
- Large glass area for natural light
- Modern, clean look
- Generally more affordable than hinged options
Bi-Fold Doors
- Creates seamless indoor-outdoor flow
- Maximizes opening width
- Great for entertaining
- Modern architectural designs
Pivot Doors
- Bold architectural statement
- Smooth modern movement
- Unique aesthetic appeal
Pocket Doors
- Clean, open wall appearance
- Maximum opening without visible stacked panels
- High-end builds
Multi-Slide Doors
- Expansive views
- Smooth operation
- Contemporary aesthetic
Sliding Doors
- Space-saving (no swing clearance required)
- Large glass area for natural light
- Modern, clean look
Lift-and-Slide Doors
- Superior insulation
- Smooth operation
- Very large glass panels
Our team of experts
are a call away, prepared to help
you with product selection and design!
INTERIOR DOORS
Transform your living spaces with beautiful and functional interior doors
View product line and
styles for your project
Compare ideas for your
vision with this tool!
HARDWARE & SECURITY
When purchasing a new door, the hardware is just as important to the design as material and color. Our team of experts are prepared to help you determine the best solution from a wide selection of available options.
Depending on the product line you’re interested in, explore the various hardware options they have available through that manufacturer.
Our Door Suppliers
As a long-standing and trusted company, Milgard is one of the top window and door manufacturers in the nation. They provide broad availability and options.
As a long-standing and trusted company, Milgard is one of the top window and door manufacturers in the nation. They provide broad availability and options.
Awake is a U.S.A. based manufacturer focused on creating innovative solutions to complex problems. Their company is founded on an admirable mission to make our world better.
As a historic industry pioneer, Andersen offers an extensive selection of styles that blend durability, energy efficiency, and enduring design.
Backed by decades of innovation, Therma‑Tru® exterior doors are designed to elevate the entryway with enduring beauty, energy efficiency, and thoughtfully engineered performance.
