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

April 19, 2018 by Kevin McCann

Ox Eye Windows Hits the Mark

Circular windows are spot on in adding a whole new dimension to a home’s architectural outlook

An architectural detail that I find really wonderful is the round or oval windows. Placed judiciously, small circles of glass stand out in a home’s design, creating a strong architectural punctuation mark in an otherwise ordinary space while bringing additional light and often an unexpected view into the interior of a home.

The original name for this kind of window was oeil-de-boeuf, literally “ox’s eye”; it’s also called an oculus. While I’m not entirely sure how the name came about, it seems appropriate. These windows do resemble eyes looking out at the world. And just as eyes are said to be windows to the soul, these windows also can offer an intriguing and unusual glimpse into a home’s interior.

In the end, though, this wonderful architectural element’s origins don’t really matter. What does matter is that an ox-eye window could well be that bit of architectural grammar that’s needed to complete your home’s statement.

Ready to create your own statement? Contact us for a free consultation.

Published with permission from Houzz. Bud Dietrich, AIA November 23, 2012, Houzz Contributor.

See how oval windows make a statement

An ox-eye window can enrich even the most utilitarian area. Tucked into a tight alcove that’s used for a home office, this round window makes a powerful architectural statement in a relatively small space. Jan Gleysteen Architects

A round window set high up on the gable acts as a punctuation mark. In this case, it’s the period that brings the architectural statement of the arched and rectangular windows below it to a full stop. TEA2 Architects

There’s something satisfying about placing round windows high up in a wall. That little spot of light affording a bit of view out to the treetops really does create a sense of spaciousness and airiness. Smith & Vansant Architects PC

While an ox-eye window is generally associated with traditional or transitional styles, it can work just as well with a contemporary aesthetic. In a simple, spare space with plain white walls, this ox-eye window takes center stage as the room’s primary ornamentation. Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture

Round or oval windows are all the more refreshing when they pop up in an unexpected place, creating a sense of surprise and delight. Ike Kligerman Barkley

When an oculus is used in place of a standard window, maintaining privacy can be a challenge. Traditional window coverings will hide the unique shape; using frosted or reeded glass or installing a custom pleated shade can result in a loss of light and view. In this clever installation, a hinged interior panel preserves both of these elements while allowing for privacy. *Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc.*

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.

October 16, 2017 by Kevin McCann

7 Tips for Keeping Your Home Warm, Cozy and Problem-Free This Winter

Even though we’ve had an unusually warm start to Fall, we’re slowly coming to accept the fact that winter will be here soon. And while we know air leaks, loose roof shingles, and crumbling brick mortar don’t cause much concern when temperatures are mild, there is cause for concern when the temperature plummets. Extreme temperatures, mounds of snow, and icy winds can wreak havoc on the parts of our home that are showing some age or wear.

Because we want you to stay warm and cozy inside this winter—and not be troubled with unexpected problems—we’ve put together 7 Home Winter Preparation Tips for you.

We urge you to get a jump on them now so you don’t find yourself, literally, out in the cold trying to winterize your home when the temperature dips below 32 degrees.

Tip 1: Put a Stop to Air Leaks

Here is a not-so-encouraging bit of knowledge: Your house leaks air throughout the year, which causes you to spend more money on your energy bill.

According to the Department of Energy, reducing drafts in your home can reduce your energy bill somewhere by 10 percent to 20 percent per year.

First, the key is to find the leaks in your home. Start looking for gaps in your flooring, walls, and ceiling. Next, look at the outside of your home for leaks in the exterior.

Finally, examine your windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, switches, electrical outlets, and fireplace dampers. Discover which openings in your home allow cold air in and warm air out!

Tip 2: Weatherstrip Your Windows and Doors

Windows and doors often are the main culprits for unwanted air leaving the house. To minimize drafts and reduce energy costs, you can seal gaps by weatherstripping your windows and doors.

You can choose from v-strips, all-wool felt, foam, and/or door sweeps and decide which one works best for your home.

For example, door sweeps are great for keeping out air and are cheap to install. However, they also have the tendency to drag on carpets. It felt inexpensive and easy to install as well. However, it does not protect from moisture and lasts less than two years.

Tip 3: Invest in Your Windows

Sometimes, no amount of weather stripping will seal leaks from your windows and doors. That’s a sign that it’s time to budget for new windows or doors. When you’re ready, we have a broad selection of wood and vinyl windows, as well as new entry doors, to make your home look great and stay warm all winter long.

We can help no matter the age of your home. In the words of one customer who has a 100+-year-old Victorian home, “McCann did a great job, and reduced drafts in my house while allowing us to paint the exterior windows to match the house.”

If you’re ready to replace your windows now but haven’t saved up for it, ask us about our Home Improvement Financing option. You can receive 0 percent financing for up to 1 year on your home improvement project.

Tip 4: Clean Your Gutters

Gutters are like beacons for dirt, leaves, and other debris. It’s important to have them cleaned regularly to ensure rainwater can flow freely and drain properly.

If the gutters are clogged and the water doesn’t have anywhere to go, it can spill out over the sides, pouring down the side of your home. This can deteriorate the ground around your house, or worse, seep into your basement. During the frigid winter months, this leads to icicles and ice dams forming in your gutter.

Tip 5: Flush Your Hot Water Heater

Did you know that sediment builds up in the bottom of your hot water heater throughout the year? This sediment reduces your hot water tank’s heating efficiency.

The good news is that you can restore the heating efficiency by flushing the water through the drain valve to clear this out from the system. The water heater will then refill itself and save you money over the winter on your water heating costs. (Note: This may not be an ideal DIY task. We urge you to do your research and then, depending on how brave or handy you feel, decide if this is a task you want to take on or hire someone else to do.)

Tip 6: Tuckpoint Your Brick Walls

Once you finish winterizing your home on the inside, you might want to check the exterior of the house. Go beyond the doors and windows to examine the exterior walls, foundation, and chimneys.

In older brick homes, it’s not uncommon to have tuckpointing issues. This is when cracks in the brick mortar appear. Usually, it is easy to spot, but if you are not sure, stick a pen or other elongated object into the mortar to check for gaps.

You often need tuckpointing when the mortar joints in a home deteriorate from age or settling of the house. You want to make sure you fill the gaps before water or insects get into the wood behind the brick.

Make sure to complete any tuckpointing before winter comes to ensure the mortar seals properly. Also, acting on this sooner than later keeps moisture from getting into exposed areas.

Tip 7: Vinyl Siding

Finally, if you have a home with an aging wooden exterior or asphalt siding, you might want to consider a makeover with vinyl or fiber cement siding. In the last several years, the quality look and color choices of vinyl siding have noticeably improved.

The right vinyl siding replicates the look and feels of real wood. Yet, you don’t have the difficulty and upkeep of having to paint it as you do with a wood exterior.

If you want to take on a siding project before winter, you may want to take a look at our Home Improvement Financing options.

Final Thoughts

The more you do now, the more you can prevent unnecessary and unwanted problems from creeping into your home during the frosty winter months.

If you’re ready for new windows, doors, or siding, call us at 847-562-1212 for a free consultation.

May 9, 2017 by Kevin McCann

Why Are My Windows Sweating?

What do you get when you combine cool glass with muggy summer air? A major annoyance to homeowners. Summer window condensation frustrates many homeowners. Unlike its cold-weather counterpart, summer condensation forms on the outside of the glass, making it challenging to wipe away on upper-level windows. Sweating windows fog up the view, and if it happens regularly, the condensation can seep into window frames to peel paint and form mildew. Windows Sweating? Luckily for homeowners in Northbrook, McCann Window & Exteriors has the solution.

How to Prevent Window Condensation

Switch to double-pane windows. If a renovation project is in your budget, it’s time to upgrade your windows. Insulated glass is a simple solution to condensation problems. Energy-efficient coatings are another simple solution. Energy-efficient windows reduce the amount of heat that transfers through the glass, which often prevents condensation problems that can occur with non-treated glass.
Adjust the thermostat. Condensation occurs when hot air meets cold air. Just like when your car windshield fogs up, an easy solution is to minimize the difference in air temperature. Adjust the thermostat by a few degrees and monitor the window condensation to see if it shrinks.
Check the humidity. Depending on the humidity levels in your house, using a dehumidifier may solve your window condensation problem. If you’re using a humidifier in the house, turn it off until the weather cools down.
Crack a window. Not only will you get a breath of fresh air, you’ll improve air circulation around the windows.

Do you have condensation problems? Call McCann Window & Exteriors in Northbrook, IL.

March 24, 2017 by Kevin McCann

How to Repurpose Old Windows

For many Northbrook homeowners, replacing windows is a simple matter of “old with the old, in with the new.” Replacing old windows breathes new life into a home’s exterior, giving it a unique personal style alongside more practical benefits like reducing drafts and decreasing home energy use. The McCann team will gladly dispose of your old windows to make the transformation complete. Or you could get creative and transform old windows into something new.

How to Repurpose Old Windows

DIY trends are all about breathing new life into old home fixtures. Your windows may not withstand the wind, rain, and snow in Northbrook anymore, but they can still improve your home. Hold onto your old windows and try one of these fun craft projects.

Picture frames. Are you looking for a unique way to add character to bare walls? An old window frame makes a bold statement without sacrificing that classy, homey style. Attach small pictures in the center of each window frame for a simple, sturdy floating picture frame. If you’re decorating a child’s room, paint the frame a soft pastel color before hanging it on the wall.
Jewelry holder. An old window frame makes hanging jewelry look attractive instead of cluttered. Cut chicken wire to fill each frame and hang earrings from the wires. For a simpler, sweeter look, string ribbon across the outer edges of the frame. Voila! A simple, attractive display for earrings, necklaces, or even sunglasses.
Backdrop. Does your mantle look bare? Add height to those baubles on the ledge by using an old window frame as a backsplash. For a rustic vibe, distress the frame first. For a more modern look, paint the frame with a soft-finish metallic coat.

Is window renovation on your spring wish list? Call McCann Windows and Exteriors.

Window Frame DIY

March 17, 2017 by Kevin McCann

Take Spring Cleaning Outside

Who says spring cleaning is just for inside the house? Winter can be rough on the outside of your house. Start fresh with these spring cleaning tips for your home’s exterior.

Wash Your Windows

You can extend the life of your windows by keeping them in good shape. Clean away pollen and dirt buildup, as well as any debris that’s collected on the windowsill.

Clean Home Siding

Does your siding look lackluster? It’s time for a spring clean. Pressure wash home siding to remove built-up grime. Be careful not to scour wood or other soft sidings with too much pressure. If there’s mildew growing on your home’s exterior, add a mildew cleaner to the water in the reservoir before spraying the house.

Clean the Deck

Because decks are flat surfaces, they get direct abuse from the elements, standing strong under piles of snow, layers of ice, and extended moisture as winter finally melts away. Use your pressure washer to remove dirt from your deck. If the seal is wearing thin, reapply the stain to protect your deck from the elements.

Repair the Roof

Look for loose shingles on the roof, paying special attention to areas near chimneys, vents, and other openings. Replace any missing shingles. Clean debris off of the roof, especially in joints like where the roof meets the chimney.

Clean the Gutters

How do we know it’s spring? Because it’s time for annual gutter maintenance. Clean the gutters of leaves and debris. Check the gutters for clogs by running water through them. If gutter repairs are necessary, take care of them before the rainy season starts.

Does your home have old siding, gutters, windows, or doors? Call McCann to refresh your home exterior for spring.

February 10, 2017 by Kevin McCann

How to Inspect Your Gutters

Gutters

Gutters help manage storm runoff, redirecting it away from the house to prevent storm and water damage. There are certain seasons where it’s especially important that your gutters are properly working and clean. Spring is one of the rainiest seasons of the year. And when there’s going to be a lot of rain, you want to ensure that your gutters will be able to hold up to their primary task. It’s time to inspect those gutters to make sure they’re in proper shape for the upcoming season. A winter gutter inspection leaves you plenty of time to make any necessary repairs or replace damaged gutters.

How to Inspect Gutters

You don’t need to be a pro to make sure your gutters are in working order. Follow these easy DIY gutter inspection tips:

Make sure you have all of the debris and leaves out of the gutters
If there are small particles of organic debris, flush them out with a hose. While the water runs through the channel, keep an eye on the underside of the gutter and look for leaks.
Check the downspout to make sure the water flows freely. If water isn’t flowing well, check the pipe for clogs.
Look for missing sealant. Check the joints where the gutters form a seam with other pipes and the downspout. If the sealant is flaking, patchy, or missing, it’s time to apply new sealant applying new sealant.
Look for leaks in the gutters. If you notice any holes in the pipes, they will need to be replaced.

Do your gutters need replacing? Call McCann Windows & Exteriors for high-performance gutters that will match your home’s siding.

January 16, 2017 by Kevin McCann

Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Fear Winter Window Replacement

Replace your windows all year—even in the winter.

Winter window replacement during cold months is very doable. Needing or having to replace a window is never fun, and ultimately speaking there is never a good time to have to do so. But having to replace your windows during the winter months may be seen as a little more daunting than any other time of the year. You shouldn’t be afraid of the task of winter window replacement… in fact, you should embrace it. For one thing, you are taking care of a problem that could be very costly if ignored. Old windows can bring on air leakage allowing more cold air to come into your home, making your energy costs go up. When you replace your old windows you don’t have to worry about any cold air leaking in.

Replacing your windows during the winter will leave you in a better position in various ways when you look at the bigger picture. Not only will it get rid of the draftiness that you may be experiencing due to having old windows, but new windows are also easier to clean, they’re energy-efficient, they control noise, they have light control, and they give you better ventilation when you need it, and they will improve the appearance of your home!

Window Replacement the Easy Way.

When you replace your windows you don’t have to worry about the process taking long; you can rest assured that you will get your old windows out and your new windows put in place in no time! If you find that you need to replace your windows this winter in Northbrook, IL there’s one place for you to go. McCann Window & Exteriors is who you want to call. There is no other home enhancement company that will be able to get your new windows in place with ease. Give us a call at 847-562-1212. We are located at 3375 Commercial Ave. in Northbrook, Illinois!

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