McCann Window Northbrook Chicago IL

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

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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.

 

 

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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

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Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Fear Winter Window Replacement

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, they give you better ventilation when you need it, and they will improve the appearance of your home!

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 in Northbrook, IL on Anthony Trail!

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Replacement Windows in Evanston Home Retain Historical Style

Old house, new windows. You do not have to compromise the historical style of the older home you bought in order to have the comfort and convenience of new windows.

The Davidoff home in Evanston is an arts and crafts design. When we talked to the couple about replacement windows, we assured them that the new windows would match the history and character that attracted them to the Evanston home in the first place.

We showed them a new European style tilt-turn window from Marvin that has the same look as their existing windows yet with an uncommon twist. Although from the street they look like traditional double-hung windows, where the bottom slides toward the top, these windows tilt open from the top. That provides additional ventilation. In a unique design, they also crank inward for greater air flow.

It’s a contemporary innovation the Evanston couple appreciated that maintains the historical design of their home.