Home Exteriors Archives | McCann Window Northbrook Chicago IL

April 27, 2022 by Kathleen Kearns

Patio Tips To Create Your Perfect Summer Retreat, Right At Home

Summer is in the air, and that means it’s time for America’s favorite pastime: Grilling on the patio!

When we host barbecues, our deck or backyard becomes part of the kitchen, as cooks and guests move in and out. When you’re trying to get to that grill with three full plates and a drink, you don’t want a door that sticks. You want your company to be able to move easily from inside to out with screens that glide like butter.

It’s not all practicality, either. Patio doors can be a beautiful addition to the interior of your home, too. The full glass allows lots of light in and connects you to the outdoors – while the screens keep the worst of the outdoors where it belongs. I’ve highlighted the most asked-after styles of patio doors we offer at McCann below, but if you’re looking for some style updates, call 847-852-4513 for a free consultation. We can help you create the ultimate summer retreat – right in your own backyard!

Hinged Patio Doors

Choose from two movable doors that swing open from the sides, one movable with one fixed door, or a single door for simple elegance.

Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding doors don’t swing open, so they require a lot less floor space. You can place furniture nearby and enjoy the view and natural light.

Lift and Slide Patio Doors

We might not be able to give you the view, but we can get you these beautiful doors in pine, primed pine, vertical grain Douglas fir, or mahogany.

Sliding French Patio Doors

Sliding French doors provide the elegant and upscale look of traditional French doors in a space-saving sliding design.

Spruce up your home for summer and save big with McCann Window & Exteriors.

FREE Consultation.

Choose the door option that fits your home and lifestyle with Pella’s variety of styles and materials. Define your home’s style and fit your architecture by choosing from hinged, sliding, bifold, or multi-slide doors.

Pella replacement patio doors. https://www.pellabranch.com/windows-doors/doors/patio-doors/

March 14, 2022 by Kathleen Kearns

Window style. Which is window replacement style right for you?

CREDITS: Originally posted by author Mark Mead on March 01, 2020, in Pella’s Global Blogs. Images courtesy of Pella.

Casement vs. Double-hung: Which Replacement Window Style is Right for You? The answer depends on your needs and the style of your home.

Each window style has unique benefits. Read on to explore the features and options associated with casement and replacement double-hung windows.

Increase the Amount of Light

One of the primary purposes of windows is to let light into the home. Both casement and double-hung windows achieve this goal, but there are differences. The casement windows utilize a single-window sash, whereas double-hung windows use two window sashes in the same size frame. As a result, a double-hung window will have a check rail where the two sashes meet, typically in the middle of the window. The check rail not only blocks your view but also cuts down on the light that will enter the home. If you are looking for more light, replacement casement windows may be the way to go.

Improve Air Ventilation

Most people like to open their windows to let the fresh air into their homes. Double-hung and casement windows both open, but a double-hung window can only open one-half of the total opening because the sashes slide up and down over each other. In comparison, the entire sash on the casement window cranks out, opening the whole window. The benefit of casement windows is that the sash can catch the wind and redirect it into the home when opened. That’s why it’s essential to hinge casement windows so they can catch the prevailing breeze. A plus for double-hung windows is that either sash can be opened independently of the other. For safety purposes, many people with pets and small children will lower only the top sash, allowing air in but protecting the lower part of the screen from claws and small hands.

Casement Windows Offer Optimal Airflow and Natural Light

Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward from the turn of a handle. Their uncluttered views and outward opening design allow optimal natural light and airflow.

Both modern replacement casement and double-hung windows are easy to open. Two things for homeowners to consider are the window placement and the interior window treatment, such as blinds or shades. If the window is over a sink or counter, it may be difficult for someone to reach over and lift a double-hung sash. A casement window with an easily accessible crank might be a better option. Conversely, if you have shades or blinds on the interior of your windows, they may hang up on the casement crank and not sit properly. A double-hung window without a protruding crank may be a better choice.

Cleaning Your Replacement Window

Modern casement and double-hung windows have cleaning features that make it easy to clean the glass from the interior. For example, Pella double-hung windows pivot into the home at the bottom of both the top and bottom sash. Likewise, when open, Pella casement windows have enough clearance between the sash and the frame to allow homeowners to clean the exterior glass from the interior.

The Aesthetics of Your Window Style

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but often the style of window we use is dictated by the architecture of our home. Although there are no concrete rules, a consensus is that double-hung windows are more traditional and historic, while casement windows are more modern and contemporary. This doesn’t mean that you can’t replace double-hung windows with casement windows, or vice versa. You’ll need to understand how the change will affect your home’s overall look and curb appeal.

Replacement Window Sizes

Double-hung and casement windows come in many different sizes and configurations, but some fundamental differences. Double-hung windows can typically offer much larger operable windows than casement windows. So, if you are trying to fill a large opening and want it to open, a double-hung is probably your best bet. If you choose casement windows for the same large opening you might need to put in two casement windows, adding to the cost and cutting down on visible glass due to the additional frame and sash.

Replacement Window Screens

Another difference between double-hung and casement windows is how the screens work. Double-hung windows have a screen, either full or half, that sits on the outside of the window, so it will cover the exterior, changing the aesthetics and cutting down on the visible light that enters the home. Replacement casement windows have a screen that sits on the interior of the window frame. This screen covers the opening, hides the window’s sash, and cuts down on the visible light that enters the home.

The good news is that Pella offers a retractable hidden screen on both double-hung and casement windows. These screens are available on select products. The screen is there when you need it, gone when you don’t. When the screen is retracted, more light enters your home, the beauty of your new windows is not hidden behind fiberglass screen cloth, and your screens are protected from dust, pets, and little hands.

A Few Last Things to Consider

Since replacement windows often go into older homes, homeowners often have to deal with existing conditions and limitations. For example, if the window you are replacing goes out onto a deck, you may want to use a double-hung because a casement window, when open, would swing out and potentially impede traffic on the deck.

Another issue is egress in bedroom windows. When replacing windows in a bedroom, homeowners will want to ensure as much clear opening as possible if someone needs to exit the room through the window. Depending on the shape and size of the opening, one type of window may be better than the other.

As you can see, double-hung windows and casement windows each have their differences and different applications. In the end, it is a combination of many features and benefits that will decide which window style you choose for your window replacement project. Although getting started with window replacement decisions may seem daunting, our expert consultants will be with you every step of the way.

Schedule your free in-home consultation, and our experts at McCann Window & Exteriors will review your needs and offer the best solutions for your home renovation project.

About The Author
Mark Mead is the President of Gunton Corporation, a Pella Window and Door distributor. He has been in the fenestration industry for more than 28 years.

[fenestration: the arrangement of windows and doors on the elevations of a building.]

March 14, 2022 by Kathleen Kearns

The Homeowner’s Severe Cold Weather Survival Guide

Homeowner’s Guide & Tips for when the temperatures drop, keep hazards at bay with these simple steps:

Inside the house

Keep your house heated to a minimum of 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 degrees might not keep the inside walls from freezing.
Check the location for the main water shutoff in your home. And refresh your memory on—or learn—how it works, in case you have to use it.
Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. In severely frigid temperatures, keeping water moving within the pipes will help prevent freezing.
Check those fireplaces, wood stoves and electric heaters are working properly. Make sure there are no combustible items near the heat sources and watch them closely.
Keep your fireplace flue closed when you’re not using it.
Ask a neighbor to check the house regularly any time you’re away. If pipes freeze or if there’s a water leak, quick action could mean far less damage.

Outside the house

The weight of snow could damage your roof. Backed-up gutters might allow water to seep into your house. Vigilance is key during severe weather—stay ahead of the potential hazards outside your home.

Keep sidewalks and entrances to your home free from snow and ice. You don’t want anyone to slip and fall.
Watch for ice dams near gutter downspouts. Ice dams can cause water to build up and seep into your house. Clear gutters of leaves and debris to allow runoff from melting snow and ice to flow freely.
Keep your garage doors closed. This will prevent weather damage to whatever’s stored in there. Plus, if your garage is attached to your house, the home entrance door from the garage is probably not as well insulated as an exterior door so this will keep more heat in.
Double-check for dead, damaged, or dangerous tree branches and have them removed. Even if they looked sound earlier in the year, trees can be affected by ice, snow, or wind. When stressed, branches can fall and damage your house or car, or injure someone on or near your property.

In the event of a problem

Sometimes the unfortunate happens—but homeowners that apply quick action can minimize the damage.

Don’t wait for frozen pipes to burst. If your pipes are frozen, take measures to thaw them immediately, or call a plumber for assistance.
If your pipes burst, first turn off the water. You know now where the main water shut-off is, right? Cut off the flow, then attend to the mess and …
Properly dry and repair any water damage. This will help prevent any potential problems with mold.
Call your insurance professional as soon as possible—before you call a repair service.

How Can We Help?

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.

Insurance Information Institute. Source: https://www.iii.org/article/tips-surviving-severe-cold-weather

September 5, 2018 by Kevin McCann

Will Energy-Efficient Windows Save You Money?

Facts vs. Fiction on Energy-Efficient Windows

Fall’s coming. That makes it a great time to think about home improvements that will keep you and your family cozy in the months ahead.

It’s a fact that windows play an important role in the snugness of your home. They can account for 25-30% of your home energy costs. But it’s a fiction that windows are your greatest source of heat loss and that you should rush to replace them. You lose far more heat through two other parts of your house.

The Top Heat Thief in Your Home
The biggest culprit for wasting warmth on cold days? That’s your roof, which can leak 35-50% of your heating energy, depending on your insulation. The next biggest heat thief is walls, which lose warmth through cracks, gaps around ductwork, electrical outlets, recessed lighting, and more. In fact, windows only account for about one-fifth of the heat escaping from your home.

Yet if windows aren’t the least energy-efficient feature of your home, does it still pay to be “energy smart” about them? It does. And there are some simple things you can do to be energy-efficient AND cost-efficient this winter.

One “fact” you might see out there is that new windows pay for themselves through savings on your fuel bills. They might—if you own your home long enough. But let’s look at the data first.

Weighing Costs vs. Savings
New windows will definitely make your home feel snugger, particularly if you have an older home with single-pane glass windows. Well-installed replacement windows will fit tightly, look great and be easier to operate and maintain.

But it obviously costs something to replace your windows. My wife may yell at me for telling you this, but the money you save on fuel bills from installing new, energy-efficient windows is not going to cover the cost of those windows near term. So it’s a fact that new windows can help cut your fuel bills, but it’s a fiction that they do it cost-effectively AND quickly.

If your windows are in decent shape, the most penny-wise thing you can do is improve their weather-worthiness. Caulking or weather stripping can go a long way toward eliminating drafts through cracks in the frame. Some folks also put up a layer of plastic film to help hold in warm air. All that helps.

R U Energy Wise?
If you’re still thinking about replacing your windows with more energy-efficient ones, there are several factors to weigh. Different glazing options offer different energy benefits—double pane, triple pane, reflective glass, gas-filled, and so on. The window frame material also makes a big difference. Wood, fiberglass, and vinyl frames all offer greater thermal resistance than aluminum, for example. We can walk you through the options.

If you want to do your own research on a product’s energy efficiency, look for information from these sources:
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To be labeled an ENERGY STAR, a product has to pass certain energy efficiency requirements. Learn more here: https://www.energystar.gov/products/how-product-earns-energy-star-label

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a nonprofit that’s established independent criteria for evaluating the energy performance of door, window, and skylight products. Learn more here: http://www.nfrc.org

Simply, the ENERGY STAR label says a product has been tested and deemed energy-efficient. The NFRC label then helps you dig deeper by comparing performance across certain criteria, so you can evaluate products against each other.

There are two more ratings to know: If you see an “R-value” on a product, that “R” is for “resistance.” It measures how resistant a glass product is to heat flow, or losing heat. A higher R-value indicates good insulating properties. Another number is “U-factor” or “U-value.” U-factor measures how quickly a glass product transmits heat between the interior and exterior spaces. A lower U-factor also indicates good insulating qualities. Simply, you want windows with high “R” numbers and low “U” numbers.

We Can Help
Like so many other projects around your home, the quality of the contractor you hire makes a huge difference in your experience. Bad window installations can leak, cause drafts, and lead to moisture damage. A great installation will add to the value, appearance, and comfort of your home while minimizing disruption to your life.

At McCann Windows & Exteriors, we believe in guaranteeing your satisfaction. And that’s a fact! Please give us a call with any questions. We’re ready to serve you and estimates are free. Just visit https://mccannwindow.com or call 847-852-4513.

Happy fall!

Kevin McCann

August 5, 2018 by Kevin McCann

Video Doorbells Offer Convenience and Security

I’ll See Who’s At the Door! Video Doorbell Systems Offer New Levels of Convenience and Security

Feel a little excited when the doorbell rings (making the dog bark hysterically, of course) or there’s a sudden knock?

I do. And maybe you’re also a little anxious, as in Yikes, who’s come to see me? And do I want to see them?

There’s a new tech-savvy answer to such front-door drama. It’s called the smart video doorbell. It’s an innovation for people who want the convenience of screening visitors without answering the door, plus the security of monitoring who’s on your property without installing a fancy security system. And you don’t need much more than a strong Wi-Fi signal near the door to make it all happen.

Imagine getting an alert on your phone when someone rings the doorbell, followed by a live video feed of your visitor. Or monitoring any activity near your entrances even if someone doesn’t ring the bell (for instance, if the mailman leaves a package). Imagine being able to see if your kids have gotten home safely from school—and greet them—or from a date, whether you’re simply upstairs or hundreds of miles away. Video doorbells are fantastic for creating the impression that you’re home even when you’re not.

DIY Doorbells

There are lots of DIY smart home security products on the market. The basic smart video doorbell system, though, includes a video camera, a microphone-speaker combo so you can hear and talk to visitors, motion sensors, and the physical doorbell that attaches to your house. As soon as someone sets off the motion sensor or rings the bell, an alert pings your phone or tablet. Tap the alert and the system will begin sending live video to your device, plus turn on the microphone. It also stores this video in the cloud so you can review it later. Does your child say he came straight home after school? Check out his claim by checking the video—and see if he had friends along, or just his books. (Expect to pay a monthly subscription fee if you want access to recorded video.)

Lots of manufacturers are getting into this field, so there’s an expanding range of products with a similarly wide range in product prices. The simplest devices start for under $30; the most deluxe smart doorbells go for more than $500. You can probably find a product you like in the $200 range. Best of all, if you’re even a little handy, you can install the device yourself. Some are battery-operated, while others connect to the existing wiring. Of course, if you have any doubts, be sure to hire a home repair professional to get set up.

The most important variable is a strong Wi-Fi connection near your door. Without it, you won’t get a reliable video or two-way audio. Make sure that your Wi-Fi router is close enough to your smart doorbell to give it a consistent, steady signal.

Motion-sensor Doorbells

Another variable is properly installing the motion sensors. Make sure they are aimed properly so you don’t get pinged every time the wind rustles the trees or a car drives by. More good news: Even at night, the cameras are sensitive enough to capture a recognizable image. And they can stand up to wind and rain.

Interested in finding out more? Here are links to two recommended manufacturers:

Skybell: http://www.skybell.com

Ring Video Doorbells: https://shop.ring.com/collections/video-doorbells

Amazon also offers a wide range of smart doorbell products: https://amzn.to/2vlDg3V

Smart doorbells can do a lot for your peace of mind—even if they can’t improve your knock-knock jokes.

At McCann Windows & Exteriors, we want you to enjoy your home and take pride in it. Let us know how we can be of service when it comes to replacing or upgrading your doors, windows, and exteriors. We’re ready to help and estimates are free. Just visit https://mccannwindow.com or call us at 847-807-1290.

Happy summer!

Kevin McCann

June 5, 2018 by Kevin McCann

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:

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.
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.
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.
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

May 8, 2018 by Kevin McCann

New Hardware Gives Doors a Turn for the Better

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>

March 30, 2018 by Kevin McCann

Plan Your Landscaping in Spring, But Don’t Rush It

Time to Landscape. Gardners Resist the Urge!

Tip from Maureen Taylor, Master Gardener, and Landscape Designer of Taylor Made Landscape Design in Chicago.

Plan Your Landscaping in Spring

After a long, cold, snowy winter like we’ve just had in Chicago, we gardeners are more than eager to get out and get to work landscaping, clearing, and cleaning, but I urge you to hold off a bit…for now anyway.

You should resist the urge to clean up your beds too early. Even though we are all anxious to see what is starting to grow, it is better to wait it out a bit. Hopefully, you kept the leaves from last fall in your flower beds. These leaves help regulate the temperature of the soil. Removing this organic cover too soon will expose the tender shoots to our unpredictable spring weather. The old leaves will decompose on their own and give essential nutrients back into the soil.

As consistently warmer weather arrives, (usually around mid-March or later) you can start to remove some the leaves to expose the crowns of the plants, but do not put the leaves in the trash can. Leave this material around the roots of the plants instead.

If you can live with the look of the decomposing leaves for a few extra weeks until the plant fully leafs out, your garden will thank you for it by being more productive!

Winter and early spring in the garden is a series of freeze and thaw cycles. These cycles create tiny air spaces called “pores” in the soil which are essential for healthy plants. Soil is a living organism and as such needs, oxygen to exist. Without adequate oxygen, it becomes waterlogged, and roots of plants will rot.

If you dig or even walk on your garden beds too early when the soil is wet, you will do a lot of damage to your soil by eliminating these air spaces. If you must walk in your garden, lay down a plank of wood and walk on that instead.

Maureen Taylor is a Master Gardener, Landscape Designer, past president of the Irving Park Garden Club and owner of Taylor Made Landscape Design. www.taylormld.com

**For more expert tips on Spring planning, check out Houzz Garden Guide.**

Or maybe you want to bring the garden indoors with a new garden window. Contact us for a free consultation.

November 17, 2017 by Kevin McCann

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

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 to happen.”

They met for a consultation and hired McCann to install several windows. Then when it came to replacing 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.

Rehabbing a house with McCann. house siding exterior — The new siding was “like night and day” for the Ryczek’s home.

One 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 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 advice was: “When you’re driving somewhere, pay attention to what you like and don’t like on a house exterior. 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.”

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Read HGTV’s article on selecting new windows.

May 15, 2017 by Kevin McCann

Why put new siding on your house? Here are 4 great reasons

Is it time to update your home? There’s plenty of time to get the job done while summer is here. McCann Window & Exteriors has four great reasons to give your home a summer makeover:*

The ease. The older your home siding is, the more maintenance it needs to stay clean and attractive. Replacing your siding gives you sturdier, less weather-worn siding. Your home will also gain the benefits of the technological advancements building materials have made since your home’s original siding was installed. We’ve come a long way from the cheap vinyl sidings of the past. Today’s selections look just like wood, but with added longevity and less maintenance.
The style. Did you know that curb appeal can increase your home’s value by up to 10 percent? That means more than just keeping things clean and pressure washed. Replace your outdated home siding with something smooth, elegant, and timeless. The professionals will be the first ones to tell you that new siding is a fast and effective way of greatly increasing your home’s overall market value. In fact, it’s one of the leading home renovations that owners undergo before listing their homes for sale. The new look alone is enough to make buyers take an interest, and the increased resistance of the materials ensures that it won’t need to be repaired for a long time.
The structure. Vinyl siding is about more than just looks. It protects your home from exterior damage from the sun and storms, helping to prevent structural damage due to rot, mold, or pest infestations. And a solid house is something worth investing in!
The savings. The benefits of an energy-efficient home are numerous, and they’re not all outside of your front door. Installing energy-efficient windows and home siding can reduce home heating and cooling costs, resulting in a lower energy bill each month. Vinyl is also an eco-friendly material that doesn’t negatively impact the environment.

Want to Learn More about New Vinyl Siding? Schedule a Free 60-Minute Consultation.

*We install all year, not just during the warm months, so talk to us about your installation