Can Hard Water Stains or Mineral Deposits Be Removed from Windows?
You’ve washed the window, dried it, and gone back over the same spot. The streaks are gone, but those cloudy little circles haven’t budged. Can hard water stains or mineral deposits be removed from windows? Often, they can. Minerals sitting on the surface may come off with a suitable cleaner, although older buildup can take […]
Do Energy-Efficient Windows Lower My Energy Bills Enough to Pay for Themselves?
Do you want to lower your energy bills? If so, you’ll want to invest in energy efficient windows. Are you comparing replacement window estimates? If so, it’s reasonable to wonder how much of that money you’ll get back through lower heating and cooling bills. Do energy-efficient windows lower energy bills enough to pay for themselves? […]
Do Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Really Make a Room Feel Bigger?
Everyone hates the feeling of a tiny, closed-in space. A room can have enough space for the furniture and still feel closed in. You notice it when the curtains are shut or when a small window leaves most of the wall dark. That’s often what gets homeowners thinking about larger, bright glass windows. Do floor-to-ceiling […]
How Can I Ensure My Windows Are Properly Sealed After Installation?
When you invest in new windows, you want to know that rain will stay outside and that you won’t feel air coming in around the frames when the weather turns cold. So how can you ensure your windows are properly sealed after installation so there are no gaps or breezy conditions? Some window seal checks […]
Which Window Brands Offer the Best Energy Efficiency?
Replacing windows in Chicago usually comes with one major expectation: the house should feel more comfortable when temperatures drop below freezing or climb into the 90s. That makes “Which window brands offer the best energy efficiency?” an important question, but the answer isn’t as simple as choosing one name from a list. Advanced Window, Climate Solutions, Pella, […]
What Are the Signs of Poor Window Installation?
You can buy a well-made replacement window and still end up disappointed if it is installed incorrectly. The glass may have excellent energy ratings and the frame may be built to last, but neither can compensate for an opening that was measured poorly, left out of square, or inadequately sealed. What are the signs of […]
How Do I Lubricate Window Tracks and Hardware to Prevent Jamming?
A window that suddenly takes two hands to open usually did not become difficult overnight. Dust settles into the track, small pieces of grit collect around moving parts, and old lubricant can eventually turn sticky. Add Chicago’s seasonal temperature swings, and a window that once slid easily may begin catching or jamming. So, how do […]
Are Double-Pane Windows Enough for Noise Reduction in Busy Areas?
Living near a busy Chicago street can change the way you use your own home. A bedroom facing traffic may never seem completely quiet. The television goes up a few notches when trucks pass, and the morning commute has a way of announcing itself before the alarm clock does. That leads many homeowners to ask, […]
Why Are My Double-Pane Window Seals Failing and Causing Streaks?
When double-pane window seals fail, moisture penetrates the airtight edge seal around the insulated glass unit. Humid air can enter between the panes and leave fog, cloudy areas, droplets, and permanent-looking streaks as that moisture condenses and dries. Homeowners will not be able to clean these marks from either side of the glass. Your seals […]
Do Replacement Windows Increase Home Value Enough to Justify the Cost?
Replacement windows should increase the value of most homes, but homeowners should not expect dollar-for-dollar recovery from resale value alone. Justification becomes much easier when new windows fix drafts, failed seals, difficult operation, exterior deterioration, and maintenance issues. Condition, market preferences, product selections, and installation quality all affect the financial return from replacement windows. For […]