McCann Window Northbrook Chicago IL

847-562-1212 | 346 Anthony Trail | Northbrook, IL 60062

by

The Heart of the Things We Do

 

“A house is made with walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Home” has many different definitions for many different people. But whether it’s a quiet sanctuary from a hectic world or the center of raucous fun and laughter—or both—for most of us, home really is where the heart is.

I thought about this in light of some recent projects of which I’m particularly proud.

One of our customers consulted with us on refurbishing the glazing trim on his windows. It was unique and had been beautifully done, but was definitely in need of an upgrade. We discovered the maker had gone out of business, but through diligence and a good deal of detective work, we could locate and provide the exact trim for our client.

We weren’t quite as fortunate with another hunt for unique window trim that was no longer being manufactured. But undaunted, we set our master carpenter to the task, and he was able to sand and shape our wood to faithfully recreate this lovely and important aspect of our customer’s home.

And sometimes, doing nothing is the best—and the right—thing. A customer consulted with us on making some renovations that weren’t necessary, so we advised him accordingly.

At McCann, we are fortunate to have both the skill and the capacity to not just do, but do right. As proud as I am of our work and craftsmanship, I’m proudest of our entire team’s real dedication to our customers. It is at the heart of what we do.

Home renovations, large or small, can be a bit daunting. Whether you’re consulting with other home improvement professionals or us, I hope you will expect, and demand, the high level of skill, creativity, and dedication that your home—the heart of your life—deserves.

All the best,
Kevin McCann

 

Would You Like a Free Consultation?

Schedule a convenient, informative consultation for your window, door or siding project. Schedule a Free in-home or virtual presentation.

by

McCann Window & Exteriors Earns 2020 Angie’s List Super Service Award

McCann Window & Exteriors Earns 2020 Angie’s List Super Service Award for their consistently high level of customer service

Northbrook, IL – McCann Window & Exteriors is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List in 2020.

“Service pros that receive our Angie’s List Super Service Award represent the best in our network, who are consistently making great customer service their mission,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks.

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2020 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include maintaining an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angie’s List and undergo additional screening.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For over two decades Angie’s List has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angie’s List provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

www.mccanwindow.com

by

Got Wet Windows? Don’t Sweat Condensation

 

Take steps to put a damper on dampness

Fogged windows are a fact of life, but frequent and lasting condensation on your windows can be a problem. It shows up in two ways. First, too much moisture inside your home encourages your window frame to rot and mold to grow. Second, ongoing condensation can be a sign that your house is not “breathing” properly and needs better ventilation.

Condensation happens whenever warm, moist air contacts a cool surface; we’ve all seen a drinking glass “sweat” on a summer afternoon. In terms of windows, condensation can happen either indoors or outdoors. Exterior window condensation occurs when humid air encounters cool window glass, such as when you run the air conditioner on a muggy summer night and wake up to drippy windows outside.  When the temperature drops, the first place you will see any condensation is on the windows.

The bigger—and more common—the issue is interior condensation. As winter comes on, the warm, moist air meeting cold window glass will be indoors. And that can mean water running down your windows and puddling along with window frames and windowsills. Interestingly, large windows may be more likely to show condensation than smaller windows, and so will windows protected from the wind. Also, new windows may have more condensation than old windows because they’re snugger and more airtight. (We’ll get into the ventilation thing in a moment.)

Some humidity indoors is unavoidable and absolutely necessary. Don’t get upset over the occasional foggy window. However, if you regularly have beads of water running down your windows, something could be awry.

Condensation on double-glazed windows. Is it bad seals or indoor humidity?

Before calling for a repair service, try this easy test. Run your finger through the area where the condensation is formed. If your finger gets wet and leaves a trail through the condensation, it’s on the room side of the glass. That tells you that condensation is forming because of excessive indoor humidity.

Consider taking steps if:

➢ The air in your home smells musty.
➢ You see mold, mildew or rot around your windows.
➢ Even after outdoor temperatures warm up, condensation clings to your windows.
➢ You notice damp walls, staining, peeling wallpaper, or blistering paint.

Time to Clear the Air – of Humidity and Pollutants

What to do? First, dry out. Ongoing condensation is a sign your humidity is too high. Lots of things affect indoor humidity—cooking, showering, running a dishwasher or humidifier—even your houseplants. (Plus breathing, as we know.) Other less common contributors are pets, fish tanks, and firewood you might be storing indoors. Note how many of these items are in your home and see what you can do to reduce their impact. If you use a humidifier, for example, try turning it down or running it less often. Use the exhaust fans in your bathroom or kitchen every time you shower or cook, and let them run for 15 to 20 minutes. If you have lots of plants sitting near your windows (so they get sunlight, duh), consider moving them to another spot where moisture from their leaves and potting soil won’t boost humidity near your windows. Also consider purchasing a dehumidifier or a prepackaged desiccant product like DampRid, if simpler measures don’t work.

Then, stir the air.

Good air circulation helps fight condensation. It’s possible your home isn’t “breathing” enough, especially if you’ve got newer windows and have thoroughly insulated and weather-stripped. Today’s airtight and energy-efficient windows may cut heating costs, but they also reduce air leaks, and so seal in humidity and contaminants. The easiest and quickest way to boost ventilation (although it won’t help your energy bill) is by opening the windows a little now and then. Another option is to run your ceiling fans. Stirring warmer air near the ceiling into cooler air near the floor can boost evaporation on your windows.

How Can We Help?

At McCann Windows & Exteriors, we don’t want you steamed up about foggy windows or excess condensation. Let us help you get clear on the best ways to keep you and your home in tip-top shape all winter, especially when it comes to windows, doors and exterior renovations. We’re ready to serve you and estimates are free! Please just give us a call at (847) 892-4071 or schedule a free consultation here. We’ll be right over.

Yours,
Kevin McCann

by

Prep for the Polar Vortex — Insulating Your Windows for Winter

Simple Tips to Keep Heat In, Cold Out

Like getting out of your comfort zone? Good! Winter’s coming. While I enjoy a cool breeze on my face as much as the next guy, I don’t like it when the cool breeze is in my living room, coming from a draft. And I don’t like opening energy bills that cause me to say words loudly.

But insulation can help. Insulation is any material used to slow or stop the transfer of energy—whether heat, electricity, or sound—between spaces. Nature’s laws say the heat will always flow from warmer to colder spaces. In your house, that looks like warmth leaking out your roof, walls or windows in the winter, and as sun battling your air conditioner for control of the indoor temperature in summer. Both can make your energy bills soar.

Fall is an excellent time to evaluate and improve your home’s insulation. While the ancient Greeks and Romans didn’t get energy bills, they still understood that insulation increases the comfort of home. They used natural materials such as stone and cork in their houses, while our pioneers relied on mud, straw, or wood shavings. Depending on its age, your home probably employs some form of natural fiber (such as cellulose) or synthetic fill (such as fiberglass, foam board or mineral wool) to manage temperature extremes.

Windows, however, are another story. Although glass is relatively inert with poor thermal conductivity, heat still escapes faster per square foot of glass than through any other surface in the home, such as floors, walls, roofs, etc.

So what can you do to keep heat indoors in the months ahead? Here are some choices for insulating your windows.

DIY Options with Caulk and Window Film

Start with the obvious stuff—gaps or cracks in the frames around your windows. Caulk works well here, and it comes in different forms. Rope caulk is actually a super-long string of putty that you unwind and press into cracks with your fingers.  Latex or silicone-based caulk comes in tubes requiring a caulk gun to install. While trickier to apply, it’s the longer-lasting solution.

Then there are the windows themselves. If you don’t mind losing your view (say, in the basement or attic), consider sticking bubble wrap to the inside of your window. Spray a thin layer of water on a clean window and push the bubble wrap into place. Then secure the edges with painter’s tape so you don’t mar the finish when removing the wrap in spring.

Plastic window films work the same way, but without impairing your view. Many home improvement and hardware stores sell kits containing double-sided sticky tape and plastic film pre-cut to standard window sizes. On the inside of your home, apply the sticky tape to the window frame; then press the plastic film into place. Heat the film with a blow dryer to shrink it and form a tight seal.

Another option is reflective—or low-emissivity (“low E”)—window film. Again, apply this product directly to the interior window surface. Instead of forming an air pocket, though, low-E window film blocks thermal energy from crossing a reflective surface on the film. This holds in heat during winter and reflects the sun away from your windows in summer, reducing solar gain.

Are Replacement Windows for You?

The most permanent solution, of course, is replacing old, leaky windows with new, energy-efficient ones. If you’re considering this route, here are three factors to weigh.

Window frames. The material surrounding your window contributes to its overall energy efficiency. At one end of the continuum are metal frames, like aluminum, which conduct heat rapidly. This makes them poor choices as far as insulation. In the middle of the continuum are frames made of synthetic materials such as fiberglass or vinyl. Not only are these materials less conductive; they may also come with air cavities or hollows that can be filled with insulation. Best from an insulation standpoint, though, are wooden frames, as long as they aren’t clad in metal, since wood is poor at conducting heat.

Window glazing. Windows today often come with more than one layer of glass, precisely because of the energy efficiencies involved. Double-glazed windows incorporate two panes of glass in the frame, while triple-glazed windows have (you guessed it) three panes. It’s not uncommon for inert gases to be sandwiched between panes for greater insulating properties. (See below.)

Insulating gases between glass layers. Inert gases are substances such as argon or krypton that are chemically non-reactive. Because they are non-reactive, sealing these gases inside double-and triple-paned windows minimizes heat transfer and increases insulation properties. While more expensive, these gas-filled windows also have the best insulating properties.

How Can We Help?

At McCann Windows & Exteriors, we want you snug as a bug in a rug all winter. Let us help you figure that out by evaluating the fit and energy efficiency of your home’s windows and doors. We’re ready to serve you and estimates are free! Please just give us a call at (847) 892-4071 or visit us at https://mccannwindow.com. We’ll be right over.

Warmly yours,

Kevin McCann

 

1  “Insulation,” Merriam-Webster online dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulation.

2 Mike O’Hara, “The Story of Insulation: A Tale to Warm More Than Your Heart,” accessed Sept. 15, 2019: https://www.insulatekansascity.com/insulation-blog/story-insulation-tale-warm-heart/

3 “Types of Insulation,” Department of Energy, accessed Sept. 15, 2019: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation/types-insulation.

4 Sarma Pisupati, “Windows and Heat Loss,” EGEE 102: Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection, Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, accessed Sept. 16, 2019: https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee102/node/2017.

5 Dwayne Hogan, “5 Ways to Insulate Your Apartment Windows for Winter,” Move.org, updated Dec. 18, 2015: https://www.move.org/5-ways-insulate-apartment-windows-winter/

6 Ibid.

7 Lee Wallender, “How to Insulate Windows,” The Spruce, updated Feb. 8, 2019: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-insulate-windows-4159324

8 Hogan, “5 Ways to Insulate Your Apartment Windows for Winter”: https://www.move.org/5-ways-insulate-apartment-windows-winter/

9 “Window Types and Technologies,” Department of Energy, accessed Sept. 16, 2019: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/window-types-and-technologies

1o “Window Types and Technologies,” https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/window-types-and-technologies

11 Ibid.

by

Want Better Health? Use Windows to Bring More Nature Into Your Home

Windows Boosts Wellbeing by Connecting the Indoors and Outdoors

Windows are good for you. Really.

Here’s why: They connect you with nature—with sunlight, with views of sky and trees, with fresh air and with changing the weather.

It turns out that connection is very important for your health. Even though today we spend most of our time indoors, human beings evolved in close proximity to the out of doors. So our environment still affects us profoundly. Research shows that patients in hospital rooms with windows that look out on nature heal faster and need fewer painkillers. Similarly, office workers in buildings with views of trees and greenery do better at managing stress, reporting lower blood pressure and heart rates, better emotional functioning, and better levels of concentration.

Windows, it seems, makes us better people.

Biophilic Design Explained

Actually, windows aren’t the only things that are good for us that way. So are plants, water, fire, animals, and natural materials like wood and stone. All are elements of the environment that we respond to in positive ways, often without realizing it.

This emotional and physiological response to nature is behind a hot concept in building called “biophilic design.” The term “biophilic” combines the Latin words for life (“bio”) and love (“philia”). So biophilic design honors our love of living things. And it seeks to introduce more such elements into our spaces. Think: A soaring atrium in an office building, an inner courtyard landscaped with trees, a plug-in fountain that gurgles on your desk, green roofs, fireplaces, even a cat snoozing near your chair.

And windows! Because if a biophilic design works in commercial settings, it definitely works at home, too.

Windows Connect Us With Nature, Safely and Beautifully

Windows are powerful tools in biophilic design because they blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor worlds. Windows allow us to connect strongly with nature in numerous ways while still staying warm, safe, and dry.

The first way windows connect us with nature is visual. We like to look at the natural world: Homes that look out on pleasing views tend to command higher prices. While you maybe can’t change your home’s location to improve the views, you can still use windows to frame existing perspectives in attractive or dramatic ways. Opening up a wall with windows or glass doors that overlook a balcony, deck, landscaped yard or porch suddenly brings nature much closer. Or, add a skylight to a dark corner, dim hallway, or closed-in bath to transform a space with natural light.

Another way windows connect us with nature is through sound and air. You may have all the light that you already want coming in through your windows. But if some of those windows no longer open, you’re missing a biophilic element that can enhance your health. Working windows let in fresh air and wholesome sounds. A breeze moving through the house not only feels and smells good; it also carries the soothing noises of rustling leaves, birdsong, or the patter of rain. These sounds calm us and improve our mood and functioning.

How Can We Help?

While we aren’t trained in biophilic design at McCann, we are expert in figuring out how to get more happiness into your home via windows. So let us take an inventory of what’s working for you and what could be better in your home’s design. We think your house should not only be the place where you feel comfortable, but also the place where you feel and are your best. Give us a call if you have questions about restoring, repairing or replacing your windows and home exterior. We’re ready to serve you and estimates are free. Just visit www.mccannwindow.com or call (847) 892-4071.

Naturally yours,
Kevin McCann

by

How Soundproof Windows Can Help You Sleep Better At Night

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone went to bed at the same time as you?

Unfortunately, it’s a 24/7 world—which means your quiet time might be someone else’s busy time. And that can lead to unwanted noise.

Recently, we worked with a customer who owns a lovely newer townhome. It’s near a rail line; in fact, his bedroom backs right up to the tracks. Noise from passing trains was keeping him, as well as his children, up at night.

He brought us a question: Could we help him make his home more soundproof? It’s not the first time we’ve been asked that. Although his issue was train noise, in other communities customers have to deal with loud street sounds or highway hubbub or airplanes landing and taking off.

Let’s face it: Noise is noise. And if you can’t relax, you can’t relax.

Finding the Sounds of Silence

Historically, we’ve offered customers two options for noise reduction. One is a window using triple-pane glass; the other is a window with laminated glass. Both offer benefits, but both fall a little short of completely managing sound leakage.

In looking for an answer for this customer, we tried something new, at his urging. This client already had triple-pane windows installed, because that is what had come with the building. So we knew that wasn’t the answer. Fortunately, Pella offers window products with improved noise reduction features. It’s not just the glazing that affects sound transmission; it’s also the window frame. Pella’s Impervia Series features fiberglass frame construction, which deadens sound compared to metal frames. We then ordered double-hung Impervia dual-pane windows glazed with STC-rated insulating glass. Something to note: Each pane in these dual-pane windows is a different thickness. The exterior glass is 3mm thick while the interior pane is 5mm thick. That level of thickness makes a big difference in how much sound the windows stop.

What does that “STC” rating mean? The window industry uses two measures to evaluate sound permeability. One is Sound Transmission Class (STC). The other rating is Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC). STC ratings tend to look at higher-frequency noise, which is stuff like human voices, computer equipment, and so on. OITC ratings include lower-frequency as well as higher-frequency sounds. Noise in the lower-frequency band is much harder to screen out, but it’s also the stuff that can feel more intrusive, like construction equipment, traffic, and so on.

Currently, it’s not uncommon to see both ratings posted for a product. The OITC number was designed to classify acoustics in exterior applications, while the STC rating was intended to evaluate interior partitions. So the OITC number is probably going to be the standard number in the future. If you see it, it tends to be a few points lower than STC rating on the same product, but it’s still a good sign.

Silence May Be Golden, But That Doesn’t Make It Expensive

The good news? Ordering and installing these windows was no different than getting regular replacement windows. Having special STC glass in the frames only added a little extra to the price. Otherwise, these noise-reducing windows looked the same, worked the same, and installed the same as other replacement windows. In other words, homeowners don’t need to make a big whoop-dee-doo if they want to enjoy a higher level of peace and quiet in their homes. The products to help are readily available, no matter where they live.

How Can We Help?

At McCann Windows & Exteriors, we care about the beauty and functionality of your home. We also care about you, and how well your space is working for you and your family. After all, like you, your house should always look and feel great.

Please give us a call if we can be of service. We’re ready to help and estimates are free. We like solving problems such as helping you sleep better at night. Because when you’re a satisfied customer, we sleep better, too.

Please contact us here online or call (847) 892-4071.

by

Birds vs. Windows: Can’t We Just Get Along?

Make Your Windows Bird Safe

You know the sound. You’re sitting quietly in the house when you hear a sharp “thwack” as something hits the window. You look out, expecting to spot sheepish kids retrieving their baseball from your yard. Instead, no one’s there. 

Then you look down. Sigh. On the ground in front of your window lies a little bird, stunned or dying after smacking into your plate glass. 

Bird vs. window: It’s a long-standing conflict. About 1 billion times per year—yes, 1 billion—a bird accidentally crashes into the window of a home or office building. It usually doesn’t go well for the bird.

How come this happens so often?

During the day, windows reflect the sky, trees and greenery nearby. Birds get fooled by the reflection, thinking they’re heading for open space. At night, especially if the weather’s rainy or foggy, migrating birds often get disoriented by illuminated office buildings and miscalculate their flight path. And day or night, a smaller bird being chased by a predator can take a panicky turn that ends in a collision with your home.

Estimates vary on the number of birds who die each year from window strikes, but even the lowest numbers are in the millions. That’s a lot of beautiful, environmentally important creatures to lose unnecessarily.

What can you do?

Fortunately, homeowners have lots of options when it comes to preventing close encounters of the collision kind between birds and windows. Some involve the area around your windows and some involve the windows themselves.

 

Ironically, of course, we often put feeders, birdbaths and attractive landscaping near our windows because it’s fun to watch birds and we want to attract them. But ask yourself: Are you seeing regular collision patterns? If “yes,” think about moving items like birdfeeders closer to your windows, not farther away. The reason? It’s hard for birds to generate enough airspeed to hurt themselves if they’ve only flown a couple of feet before striking your window. And you’ll be able to watch your feathered friends even more closely.

Then, there are simple things you can do such as partly closing curtains or lowering shades halfway in unoccupied rooms during the day, or turning off lights at night in spaces where you don’t need them.

Your windows themselves can also become part of the solution with the help of certain products. 

  • Marking your windows with soap or tempera paint is an easy, inexpensive solution using materials most homeowners already have on hand. Creating a grid or other pattern on your glass will alert birds to the presence of this surface. Because they are relatively easy to wash off, soap and tempera markings are also more temporary.
  • Ornilux glazed windows are a proven bird-friendly glazing treatment. ORNILUX is tested in cooperation with American Bird Conservancy. Download the brochure.
  • One-way transparent films applied to your window offer a longer-lasting but still removable solution. Such films let you see out while making the glass appear opaque from the outside. Because they slightly reduce the amount of light coming in your windows, these films can also have a cooling effect you might like. Visit https://www.collidescape.org/ to learn more.
  • Also, visit the American Bird Conservancy for additional tips and products at https://abcbirds.org/get-involved/bird-smart-glass/
  • Window decals—in reflective materials, bright colors, or predator silhouettes—are easily applied to windows. Experts warn these are only effective if placed closely together, though.
  • Mylar balloons or strips of Mylar tape can be attached near problematic windows to scare off birds as well as other wildlife and are easily found at local grocery or hardware stores. Another inexpensive solution, you just have to not mind the appearance of fluttering Mylar near your windows. 
  • Screens and netting installed over your windows can be very effective in breaking a bird’s impact.  Mounting the netting into a frame makes for easier installation and removal with the seasons.
  • Acopian bird savers are closely spaced thin ropes that hang over windows. Also called “Zen Wind Curtains,” these simple and aesthetically pleasing devices are DIY or can be made to order. Learn more at https://www.birdsavers.com.

In spite of your best efforts, a bird may still smack into your windows this season. If that happens, here’s how to help:

  1. Cover the bird with a cloth and gently move her to a paper bag or cardboard box lined with paper towels. Don’t punch holes in the container. Do secure the lid or top with a clip or tape. If the bird can’t be moved, cover her where she lies.
  2. Let the bird rest in a quiet place that’s warm and dark. Don’t touch the bird and don’t try to feed or water her. Avoid checking in on her often, too, which only causes stress.
  3. After 30 minutes, or if she seems to be recovering, take the bird outside in her box or bag. Open it, step back, and see if she tries to fly. If she doesn’t, take her back inside and try again later.
  4. If the bird isn’t recovering but is still alive, consider calling a bird rescue facility, such as the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM), at (773) 988-1867. Learn more by visiting http://www.birdmonitors.net.

At McCann, we thank you for helping to care for our environment. Give us a call if we can be of help with your concerns regarding your home’s windows, doors, or siding. We’re ready to serve! Visit https://mccannwindow.com or call 847-807-1290.

Happy summer!

Kevin McCann

by

New Hardware Gives Doors a Turn for the Better

SA Baxter Architectural Hardware

You can upgrade your decor for minimal cost and effort just by installing new hardware — knobs, pulls and locks on your interior doors. You’ll also find many new hardware levers, which are easier for many to operate than the traditional knob. If you plan to stay in your home for the rest of your life, installing lever types is a great fix for long-term ease of use. Replacing door hardware is also a good idea if your house has basic door hardware but you want to bring more personalized style to your doors.

You will want to find hardware that is congruent with the architecture of your house. Brass and bronze tend to suit traditional architecture, while crystal knobs can be more specific to Victorian designs, for example. 

Style. Many of us are used to traditional brass hardware in the shape of a ball or flat round.

Cost: There are plenty of basic choices from $10 to $30. Of course, as with anything in home improvement projects, you can spend much more.

Coordinate. A suite of knobs, levers, and locks can coordinate your entire house (pictured above). These knobs begin at around $43, while the door handles begin at around $80. High-quality hardware like this typically must be bought through your professional.  SA Baxter Architectural Hardware.

Something different. This design functions identically to the brass knob in the second photo, but its lines and finish stand far apart with a sleek modern execution.

Finish. You will be shocked to see how many door hardware choices there are. This bronze knob (third, right) goes beyond the ordinary — note the variance in the bronze treatment.

Function. Notice the lever style is labeled “dummy.” These are used in locations where both sides of the door do not need a handle. For example, you might have a shallow linen closet with a full-size door; this type of handle is placed only on the outside of the door.

Lockability. A privacy lockset has handles on both sides of the door, and the ability to lock the door from the interior of the room.

Fancy. Doorknobs with more elaborate designs and higher-end materials and finishes, such as brushed nickel (bottom, right), can easily be double the price of simpler hardware. In the high-end world, manufacturers provide seemingly infinite finishes and spectacular designs for prices in the hundreds of dollars per set. Some brands may require the assistance of an architect or interior designer, as they are available only to the trade.

Examine the delightful variation in these doorknob designs from SA Baxter Architectural Hardware, and you see can that this is like choosing jewelry for your house. This is one thing you can really make personal and specific to you. These remarkable embossed designs come in several different finishes and begin at around $500.

First step: Whittle down choices before you start shopping by determining the categories important to you. I am finding that my clients are so overwhelmed by the vast range of products that it is better to narrow your search before you look at what is available. You can always expand your options once you start seeing things you like, but beginning with a focus will help keep you from being overwhelmed. I recommend Sheena Iyengar’s TED talk to better understand the implication of so many choices and to help you deal with this inevitable homeowner conundrum.

Checklist: Here is a quick list to consider when beginning your search for the perfect doorknob.

  • Set a budget per knob or lever.
  • Narrow down the finishes to a manageable few and become familiar with the variations of your favorites.
  • Determine if you want a knob or lever design.
  • Determine your home’s style: modern, Craftsman, Victorian, eclectic etc. Learn more.
  • Check what will work with your existing decor.

Ready to install a new exterior door? Contact us: We will help you with all the details.

Reprinted from Houzz: To read the entire article or check out products click here>

 

by

Our commitment to open, honest communication sometimes means saying, ‘You don’t need us’

At McCann Window, open and honest communication is at the heart of how we operate. And sometimes, that means telling a homeowner, “You don’t need us.”

Such was the case recently when I met with the owner of an 80- to 90-year-old home in Evanston. The home had the original muntin bar, or sash, windows.

The homeowner was thinking of selling, and he wondered if replacing the windows would enhance the value of the home and make it easier to sell. He asked his realtor, who referred him to us.

As I walked through the house with the gentleman, I talked to him and really listened to what he said. What I heard was that he didn’t really need new windows. And I told him as much.

Yes, the windows were old. But the frames weren’t rotted. They still opened and closed. The glazing was fine. The glass wasn’t cracked. There were no complaints about drafts, being cold or being concerned about safety. There was no compelling reason to replace them, and if the home were to be put on the market, there’s a good chance of finding a buyer who appreciates the vintage windows.

There are other window installers who would have happily taken this man’s money. But at McCann, that’s not how we operate. We take pride in making integrity a part of every conversation we have and every action we take. And we treat our customers as if they are our own neighbors who we will see tomorrow.

In this case, I was happy to do this homeowner the service of being honest with him and advising him to save his money.

Contact us a free consultation>

by

Rehabbing a house with McCann – one room at a time for 20 years

It’s like night and day. Our house is beautiful…like a new house. It was a magical transformation.

—Lourdes Ryczak, Chicago

The Ryczek family, longtime customers | McCann Window Northrbook, Chicago, Deerfield

Find out what a real homeowner like yourself says about working with McCann Window

Second in a Series: We don’t like to brag. Yes, we can talk all day about the benefits of choosing McCann to replace windows or doors. However, we would rather have real clients share real stories about what it’s like to work with us.

Choosing the Right Window

Lourdes Ryczek of Chicago first learned about McCann Windows 23 years ago in Evanston at the World’s Largest Garage Sale. “I was looking for a specific window manufacturer, which Kevin (McCann) happened to represent in his display,” she says. “We started talking to him about our needs as homeowners with our rehabbing projects. He explained how he could make what we want happen.”

They met for a consultation and hired McCann to install several windows. Then when it came to replace the dining room window, Kevin helped them choose a window that was not on their original list. “He helped us choose a more aesthetically pleasing window than I originally picked,” Lourdes says.

house siding exterior
The new siding was “like night and day” for the Ryczek’s home.

1 Rehabbed Room A Year for 23 Years

The Ryczek family continued to hire McCann for about 20 years, rehabbing about one room each year. Throughout the years, they got the window installation process down to a science.

“My husband would have the window framed,” Lourdes says. “Then Kevin and his crew removed the old window, put in the new window, and then insulate it. My husband would finish the job on the inside, and McCann would clad the window on the outside.” (Editor’s Note: When you hire McCann to replace your windows, you don’t have to do ANY of the work. In the Ryczek’s case, they chose to do some of the work because of the ongoing rehab in their home.)

Time for an Exterior Makeover

Four years ago, a hail storm damaged the siding on the Ryczek’s house. This was actually a good thing.

“We had been waiting 20 years to replace the most hideous green siding we’ve ever seen in our lives,” Lourdes says. “Because we had such a successful relationship with Kevin, we called him to give us an estimate for the siding. We also got other estimates, but we were confident that even if his price wasn’t the lowest, we knew we could trust him and he would provide us with a good job.”

ugly green siding pre siding project
Lourdes Ryczek says the house used to have “the most hideous green siding we’ve ever seen in our lives.”

Lourdes and her husband hired McCann for the siding project, and Kevin and his crew did not disappoint. For starters, Kevin offered a lot of useful information to help Lourdes and her husband choose the best siding. He recommended websites where they could look at ideas, and he suggested looking around the neighborhood for inspiration. His advise was: “When you’re driving somewhere, pay attention to what you like and don’t like on a house. He said it was important to take pictures, so we could show him the ideas we wanted to use for our own home.”

Kevin also recommended molded millwork above the upstairs windows to give the home a bit of an architectural accent. “This was a piece that I never thought I would need or want,” Lourdes says. “But aesthetically, it added more color and more dimension to the job.”

The Work Begins

House ready for new vinyl siding | McCann Window
Preparing the house for the new siding.

When it came time to begin the work, Kevin’s crew removed the green aluminum siding and took it away for recycling, which “was a big deal for me,” Lourdes says.

Underneath the aluminum siding, the house was covered in thick, wooden shingles, which also had to be removed. The final preparation step was to insulate the house before “the real artistry began.”

“Kevin’s workers came and didn’t just side at will. They set up scaffolding. They were as responsible as could be.” Lourdes says. “We had put on a deck before that process began, and they had to go around the deck. They were able to make that job look flawless, like it had all been done together. That was good for us because it looks like it was well orchestrated.”

The end result? “It’s like night and day,” Lourdes says. “Our house is beautiful…It was like a new house. It was like a magical transformation.”

Thank you for the Referrals

At some point in every rehab, you’re sort of done with the work, Lourdes points out. “I don’t have any more windows to replace, no more siding to do. But we’ve had several friends we’ve recommended to McCann. We were really glad we could extend [what we knew] to friends who were taking on a big project. It’s a big expenditure and you don’t want the risk of not having any information about your contractor.”

What Did Lourdes Love about Working with McCann?

“Kevin is incredibly honest and decent and somebody that you can trust. He’s not trying to take advantage of us,” Lourdes says. “When we didn’t know something, Kevin would explain it to us. His team provides quality work and they do a good job.”

Schedule Your Free, 60-Minute Consultation