How To Pick The Best Home Window Companies Near Me

If You Are In The Search For The Best Home Window Companies, Follow These Tips

Choosing a window company can be a bit intimidating. After all, we don’t replace windows nearly as often as we change our oil or get our hair cut.

Because windows are such an infrequent purchase, we aren’t as likely to know what a fair installation price is or what sort of quality guarantee to expect. We need to do some research prior to choosing a company.

As you do your homework and look into local companies, here are 5 important factors to consider:

Warranty On Products & Installation

A reputable company will provide a warranty on the installation and will use products which are supported by a manufacturer warranty.

Be sure to get a copy of the warranty policies for both the installation and the products themselves. Compare how long each company’s warranty lasts as well as what it covers and doesn’t cover.

At Chicago Window Guys, we provide a lifetime warranty on all of our products and installations.

Licensing & Insurance

Before allowing workers into your home, you will want to know what sort of licensing and insurance they have. Some states and municipalities require companies to be licensed while others don’t.

An unlicensed contractor may be less expensive, however, there is no documentation that they have the highest level of training and expertise.

All companies are required to carry insurance policies. Before hiring a contractor, confirm that they have both workers’ compensation insurance and comprehensive liability insurance. This helps ensure that you will not be held responsible for paying for any accidents that occur during installation.

Chicago Windows Guys is licensed and fully insured.

Price Match Guarantee

Pricing is an important factor to consider. You are looking for the best quality at a reasonable price. When you find a company you are interested in working with, find out what their pricing structure is and how it compares to other companies.

If you have seen a better price elsewhere but really want to work with a certain company, ask whether they provide a price match guarantee like Chicago Window Guys does.

Customer Reviews

When you search for “Best Home Window Companies Near Me” make sure you check the reviews. Customer reviews are the ultimate report card for a company. When considered as a whole, they paint a picture of the type and quality of service you can realistically expect.

If most other customers had a positive experience, chances are you will too. If you see warnings about poor quality products, shoddy work, or dirty sales tactics, odds are you should steer clear.

Sales Tactics

Trust your instincts when it comes to sales tactics. If you feel like a salesperson is being pushy, deceptive, manipulative, or disingenuous with you, you are probably right. Walk away.

Some companies are very fond of using dirty sales tactics to ensnare customers. They will quote you an extremely high price up front to give you sticker shock.  A few days later, they “lower” the price to a number that comparatively sounds reasonable.

Please know that those companies’ final numbers are often still higher than a reputable company’s first and final quote.

Chicago Window Guys promises to give you a fair and honest quote up front without all the mind games.

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Russell Armstrong's 7 Tips To Prepare For Window Replacement

  For all tips at https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/7-tips-to-prepare-for-window-replacement/ Russell Armstrong explain the 7 tips you need to know if you are going to be replacing your windows. These tips are based on years of experience and are intended to help you have a positive experience. One often overlooked aspect of the window replacement process is the prep work that you as a home or business owner can do to make the installation go more smoothly. By following our 7 simple tips, you will pave the way for a smooth and streamlined window replacement process.

How Long Does Home Window Installation Take?

You’ve chosen your windows and placed your order. You weighed the pros and cons of DIY installation vs hiring the experts and decided to go the expert route. You have read up on how to prepare for window installation.

The big question you have now as you plan for the experts to install your windows is, “How long does home window installation take?”

10 Factors That Impact How Long Your Window Installation Takes

There are a few factors which impact your total window installation time. They include:

Whether your windows are custom built or standard size

Custom built windows take less time to install than standard since the custom windows fit perfectly into the window opening.

The total number of windows being installed

No brainer here – the fewer total windows being installed, the shorter the overall installation time.

The size of the windows

Larger windows take longer to install than smaller windows. A larger crew may also be required for oversized windows.

Window material & required finishes

Wood windows can require extra time for priming, staining, or painting. Windows getting an aluminum capping finish added around them take significantly more time than windows without capping.

Whether there are exterior obstructions

If your house has a large tree, shrub, or delicate landscaping at the installation site, the crew will have to work around it.

Whether there are interior obstacles

As with exterior obstacles, if your home has unique features like a piece of built-in furniture that gets in the way or an awkward corner that the crew will have to navigate with the windows, that will cause the job to take a bit longer.

The condition of the structure surrounding the window opening

Once the old window is removed there is a chance the crew could find an unpleasant surprise like rot, mold, water damage, or termite damage to the surrounding structure. If that is the case, the installation will be delayed due to the need for repairs.

If the windows are being installed on a ground level or upper level

Ground level installations are faster than upper-level ones. It takes extra time to haul windows up to an upper level as well as to position and re-position exterior ladders.

The skill and experience level of your contractor

The more skilled and experienced your contractor is, the faster and more accurately your job will be completed.

Weather

The most challenging and uncontrollable variable to prepare for when you are planning your window installation is the weather. Of course, you don’t want to have a gaping hole in your house in the middle of a winter snowstorm or during a buggy summer night. Experts suggest that your best bet is to schedule your installation for late spring or early summer if at all possible to minimize the potential for inclement weather hindering your installation.

The Bottom Line

All 10 factors impact your total home window installation time, but if you are looking for a ballpark estimate, the average window takes about one hour to install and a small home can be completed in a single day.

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7 Tips To Prepare For Window Replacement

One often overlooked aspect of the window replacement process is the prep work that you as a home or business owner can do to make the installation go more smoothly.

By following our 7 simple tips, you will pave the way for a smooth and streamlined window replacement process.

Learn more here: https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/7-tips-to-prepare-for-window-replacement/

Your Guide to Choosing a New Picture Window

Do you have a beautiful view from your home that’s blocked by an obstruction or a window that’s too small?

You may be able to see the potential in what an incredible view could be but there are some things standing in your way. For starters, if you don’t have the right window, you won’t be able to capture the view no matter where you sit in the home.

Installing a picture window and removing any outdoor obstruction in the path of the view is the easiest way to get what you’ve been missing. Read on to learn more about how to select the right picture window for your room!

What Is a Picture Window?

Good question! A picture window differs from other kinds of windows for a few reasons. For one its larger. You can get them single paned, or they can come with other materials like wood, metal or vinyl that break up the glass, creating a pattern.

Because picture windows are large, you’ll need to be sure you want to get a lot of natural light wherever you decide to place it. If it’s a room where you don’t want streaming sunlight or glare on a television, this may not be the right space.

Picture windows are most commonly seen in living rooms or other spaces where there is a great view of the outdoors. This is essential when determining if a picture window is right for you because whatever is visible outside, will become even more obvious once this type of window is installed.

Keep in mind that picture windows don’t open so you want to be confident you don’t need air flow from the outdoors in that particular room.

Types of Picture Windows

There are several different materials you can decide between when purchasing your picture window. The most common material is wood although this is usually the most expensive.

An alternative to wood would be vinyl. This option is less expensive and it will require less maintenance. Both wood and vinyl options are energy efficient and can help you cut down on your bill once the window is installed.

The least expensive and also the least efficient type is aluminum. You may be saving now on the material and installation but you won’t be making up for it in terms of energy efficiency down the road.

Cost

Price on a picture window can vary depending on which company you select when purchasing the material and installation. You’ll also have to determine whether you want a custom picture window or will be selecting a pre-cut shape for your home.

A custom window will always be more expensive.

The number one factor when it comes to cost will be the type of glass you select and how energy efficient it is. The more efficient, the more costly. The glass fill and the number of glass panes you select will also factor into the overall cost.

Order Yours Today!

Now that you know the ins and outs of the picture window, consider if it’s the right choice for your home. It could be a great addition, elevate your space, give you the view you’ve always wanted, and decrease your energy bill.

For more information or to get a quote, contact us today!

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How Long Do Vinyl Windows Last?

What are the first two questions that come to mind when you imagine purchasing new windows for your home?

Question #1 was probably, “How much do they cost?” followed closely by question #2: “How long do they last?”.

Today we will tackle the answer to question #2 and give you some insight into the average life expectancy of one of the most common types of windows – vinyl. We will also provide some tips for ways you can maximize your windows’ lifespan.

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Vinyl Window?

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) conducted research and testing to determine the average life expectancy of various home components including windows.

When it came to windows, they found that with regular maintenance and under normal wear-and-tear conditions, vinyl windows could be expected to last an average of 20-40 years.

What Factors Impact How Long Vinyl Windows Last?

The average life expectancy of windows is given in a range for a reason. There are certain factors that can affect how long your vinyl windows last.

Climate

The climate in which your home is located can have a large impact on the lifespan of home components like windows. For example, the previously mentioned InterNACHI study determined that vinyl windows in coastal areas which are subjected to corrosive saltwater spray last an average of 10-30 years rather than the nationwide average of 20-40 years.

In Chicago, our windows must contend with the temperature extremes of hot summers and cold winters. This puts more stress on the windows than they would experience in a more temperate climate.

Sun Exposure

Windows exposed to higher levels of UV light from the sun will degrade faster than windows in a more shady area. If some of your home’s windows receive direct sunlight throughout most of the day and others are continually shaded, you may notice a difference in lifespan.

What Can I Do To Help My Windows Last Longer?

We may not be able to do much about the climate our homes are located in, but there are other steps you can take to maximize the lifespan of your windows.

Protect Your Windows From UV Damage

Vinyl windows on sunny sides of your home can benefit from the application of a protective sealant which mitigates the impact of UV rays. Think of it as a form of sunscreen for your windows.

You may also wish to consider installing awnings over sunny windows both to block the sun from damaging the windows and to help keep your home cooler during the summer.

Perform Proper Maintenance

Vinyl windows are relatively low-maintenance and don’t require a great deal of care. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.  Window maintenance generally includes a twice yearly gentle cleaning and inspection.

The cleaning prevents a buildup of dirt which can invite damaging mold growth and the inspection ensures that you catch any potential damage early so it can be easily repaired.

Taking these simple steps will help you get the most out of your window investment.

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How to Maximize Energy Efficiency in Your Chicago Home

When it starts to heat up in Chicago, you know that the energy bill tends to run high. The average central air conditioning unit uses about 3,500 watts of energy, which equals about $250 per month.

That’s a lot of extra money to spend every summer. Make sure your home is optimized for energy efficiency to try to save as much money as possible, without having to pump up the controlled air.

How to Upgrade your Home for Energy Efficiency

The average household spends about $2,200 on energy bills. Cut your bills with these energy efficient tips.

Seal Up Your Leaks

You may not realize it, but your duct systems can be a huge culprit of energy loss. About 80 percent of the loss of cooling in your home is actually due to your plumbing and ductwork.

The trim around your plumbing pipes could be releasing the cool air from your house. To fix the leaks, you simply need to identify them and patch up the connections that have holes.

Get Energy Efficient Doors

There are a number of different materials you can consider for your front door because warm air might actually be seeping in through the entrance to your home.

Doors with poor materials and textures can bleed your air conditioning to the outside without you even realizing it. Steel and fiberglass are great options when considering a door with high energy efficiency.

If You Have to Use Your A.C.

Turn your air conditioning off in the day. Run it only when there are people in the house.

You don’t have to worry about keeping your house cool when there’s no one using it because you’re afraid it will cost more to re-cool it. Running the air conditioning while no one is there to enjoy it is what’s really draining your pocketbook.

You may want to consider upgrading your air conditioning unit. If you’re using an old and inefficient A.C., the investment that you make in replacing it can end up paying for itself.

An energy efficient house is a more valuable house in general, so upgrading can be a long-term investment for your future.

Zone It

After you’ve made sure that everything in your house is patched up and not leaking air, try zoning for air conditioning use.

Cut off air to sections of the house that don’t need it. You can do this by closing A.C. vents in the house to rooms that aren’t occupied and funneling it into areas where you’re going to need the air.

Start Renovating

Don’t let laziness get in the way of making your home updated for energy efficiency. If you wait until the warmer season to do start fixing your home for keeping in heat, you’ll get more exhausted from the hot weather.

Start getting your home as prepared as possible by working with the Window Guys. They’ll let you know what types of windows and doors work best in your home, and they will help you answer all the important questions that will keep your home as cool as possible.

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