McCann Window Northbrook Chicago IL

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

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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

 

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When One Door Closes, Another One…

Alexander Graham Bell famously said, “When one door closes, another opens.”

In recent times we’ve certainly seen some doors close—literally and figuratively—which led me to think about which doors or windows have opened.

With work, social and other activities curtailed, many of us have turned our attention to, or increased our attention on, cultural pursuits. I found myself noticing references to and images of windows and doors in culture, and their representation. It’s astonishing what you see when you really look.

From a 16th century, Michelangelo drawing of a door to the Death Star window in “The Empire Strikes Back,” windows and doors, it seems, have a rather important and storied place in our cultural history. Who knew?

In movies, there are dozens: Holly Golightly gazing through the window at Tiffany’s; the door to the Emerald City in “The Wizard of Oz”; the leg lamp in the window in “A Christmas Story”; or the heartbreaking scene from “Titanic” when Rose floats on the door that is a makeshift raft. Most pertinent of all, perhaps, is Hitchcock’s “Rear Window”, but it’s not the only thriller involving memorable windows and/or doors. The poster for “The Exorcist” features Father Merrin outside the windows of the possessed Regan MacNeil’s home, and who can forget Jack Nicholson saying, “Heeeere’s Johnny!” through the axed bathroom door in “The Shining”? (This scene is a twofer for a window-and door guy like me: Shelley Duvall had just tried to escape through the bathroom window).

Speaking of the bathroom window, there is that Beatles song (she came in through it), as well as Beethoven’s “O Mary at the Window Be”, “How Much is That Doggie in the Window”, or “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” by Credence Clearwater Revival, to name just a few. There’s also, of course, a band: The Doors.

Shakespeare asked in “Romeo and Juliet”, “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?” and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle made the door to 221B Baker Street world-famous. Artists Hopper, Matisse, and DaVinci (in “The Last Supper”) prominently featured windows and doors, and even astronaut Sally Ride is quoted from her experience in space: “But when I wasn’t working, I was usually at a window looking down at Earth.”

And there are myriad photos, among them the famous, haunting photo of President John F. Kennedy, his back to the camera and framed by the window in the Oval Office, titled “The Loneliest Job in the World.”

But what I keep coming back to is that Bell quote. There is a bright side to be found amidst almost every struggle. For some of us, that might mean having the time to notice things we hadn’t before. Whatever form it takes for you, I hope you are discovering your personal open window or door.

How Can We Help With Your Next Window or Door Project?

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

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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

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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.

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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

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Squirrels Ate My Screens

Tips on Protecting Your Windows From Rodent Damage

 

Under the category of “Things That Like to Eat My Home,” add: Squirrels.

Not that squirrels enjoy dining on building materials. Squirrels, however, are rodents and rodents have to chew. Literally. Chewing is how they keep their fast-growing (up to six inches per year) front teeth useable. Without chewing, squirrels’ incisors would get so long so quickly that they could no longer eat, and would starve.

So Have Teeth, Will Gnaw, if you’re a squirrel. Which means the next time Ms. Sciurus carolinensis tries to chew a hole in your siding, it’s not personal. It’s dental. Or, she’s looking for a snack or a place to live.

Lately, I’ve been hearing reports of squirrels eating window screens. I don’t like anyone disrespecting windows, but I wasn’t quite as surprised once I learned about all the things squirrels do chew through regularly—shingles, wood siding, metal vents, heavy plastic trashcans, electrical wiring, PVC pipes, insulation, and more. In fact, it’s been suggested that squirrels are responsible for 10-20% of all power outages in the U.S., [1] including briefly knocking out trading at NASDAQ in 1987 and 1994. [2]

Enough! Time to draw a line in the lawn. Here are ways to fight back.

Tip #1: Stop Being a Squirrel Magnet

Problems with squirrels start when they find your property attractive and begin hanging around. If you have trees and shrubs and keep food in your home—Bingo! You qualify.

Don’t cut down all your trees or stop buying groceries, though. A few tricks will make your home less compelling. Squirrels have sharp senses of smell and taste. That makes food a #1 attractant. I know you think your bird feeder is for birds, but squirrels think otherwise. Consider locating all birdfeeders at least 20 feet from your house, and squirrel-proof them with a pole guard so the little buggers can’t clamber up. Garbage cans are another lure, and plastic cans are no match for a determined squirrel. If your community allows, try replacing plastic garbage cans with metal; squirrels are less likely to chomp down on a metal can.

Which brings us to window screens, metal and otherwise. If the only thing standing between your food and a squirrel is a screen, it’s not going to go well for the screen. That’s something to keep in mind if you like to eat on a screened-in porch, or if you open kitchen windows to catch the breeze. Go ahead and enjoy the season; just don’t leave food lying around unsupervised for long stretches. You could attract some serious attention from the furry kind.

Tip #2: Use Repellants to Send Squirrels Running

 

Good news: You can use the squirrel’s keen sense of smell against him. Local home goods stores often carry animal repellents that you can spray around windows, the base of your screened-in-porch, and any other place you want to protect. Some products contain coyote urine, which will really make squirrels think twice about loitering.

Squirrels also hate capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne pepper. Brew up your own DIY batch of repellent with this recipe:

  • One bottle of cayenne pepper sauce
  • One gallon of water
  • 1 teaspoon mild liquid dishwashing detergent

Mix the ingredients together. Spray or brush the repellent on areas where squirrels are active. Reapply periodically, especially after it rains. [3]

Got mothballs? Try putting some in a sock and placing loaded socks in strategic spots to discourage exploration. Mothballs get their pungent order from naphthalene, which irritates a squirrel’s lungs. If you’re short on mothballs, try using ammonia-soaked rags instead.

Our friends at Tip Bulletin also have some tips and recipes for  “Keeping Squirrels Away – 7 Homemade Squirrel Repellent Tips and Recipes.” Here’s the link – https://www.tipsbulletin.com/homemade-squirrel-repellent/

Hands Up and Step Away From the Squirrel

You may be surprised to learn that squirrels are protected by law in Illinois. It’s true; the Illinois Wildlife Code prohibits taking matters into your own hands if you feel particularly unkind toward a squirrel who’s given your home some unwanted attention. (Or maybe if you are a former NASDAQ trader.) The rules seem to vary by community and species of squirrel, though. It’s wise to do a little research online before taking action, even if that bad boy just ate your window screens.

After all, he’s simply doing what comes naturally to him. And, in case you were wondering, Squirrel Appreciation Day is January 21.

Your home is your castle, and we’re here to help you take great care of it. At McCann Window & Exteriors, we love hearing from our customers with their plans and concerns. Please give us a call if you have questions about restoring, repairing or replacing your windows and home exterior. Just call (847) 892-4071, or schedule a free consultation.

Here’s to Mother Nature!

Kevin McCann

 

References
1. Katherine Shaver, “The bushy-tailed, nut-loving menace coming after America’s power grid.” The Washington Post, Dec. 25, 2015. Accessed July 9, 2019: www.washingtonpost.com/local/the-bushy-tailed-nut-loving-menace-coming-after-americas-power-grid/2015/12/25/d4b4c2b6-a8db-11e5-9b92-dea7cd4b1a4d_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.cc6b78656f79
2. Bonnie Brodnick, “Squirrel Appreciation Day: Don’t Miss Celebrating!” HuffPost, Oct. 6, 2014. Accessed July 10, 2019: www.huffpost.com/entry/squirrel-appreciation-day_b_2496591
3. Danny Lipford, “How to Keep Squirrels From Damaging Your Home,” Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford: www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-keep-squirrels-from-damaging-your-home/

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Get Window Treatments That Blast Summer’s Heat & Glare

We all like the summer sun – but too much sun inside your home is a nuisance. Maybe you don’t sit or work in certain rooms at certain times of the day. Or your furniture, floors or drapes are getting bleached out. Possibly you can’t watch TV in west-facing rooms until the sun’s gone down. Maybe you start sweating opening your energy bill – and not because it’s a warm day.

Over time, a high “solar load” (as it’s called) can damage your home and even your eyes. Here’s what can make the difference: windows and window treatments designed to minimize summer’s heat and glare. And there are lots of choices available.

 

Options For Beating The Heat

Outdoors, let’s start with the “organic” solution. Our grandparents answered hot weather by planting trees – nature’s air conditioner – around their homes, and you can, too. A large deciduous tree on the east, west or northwest corner of your house can cut energy bills by hundreds of dollars a year. Plus, trees tend to add to the value of your property.

If you don’t want to wait that long, though, another option is awnings. These upgraded old stand-bys offer new styles and materials that can match any home. Some products are retractable, so you can roll them out on sunny days and roll them back when it’s cloudy.

 

Indoors, window blinds offer huge flexibility, and there’s a product for every room in your home. To use them as a decorative element, look for blinds that attach outside the window frame; you’ll be able to pick from a very wide range of colors and materials, including metal, wood, and fabric. If you want blinds that “disappear,” though, look for integrated shades, or shades that are literally built into the window by sandwiching them between layers of glass. Pella makes these in motorized and manually operated versions. What is the benefit? You get the functionality of shades without adding window treatments to your rooms, plus the shades are forever protected from dirt and damage. (Especially useful if you’re trying to reduce allergens in your home.)

Special Heat Reflecting Glass

Then, consider the window glass itself. Special heat-reflecting, low-E (or “low emissivity”) glass creates windows that reflect the sun’s heat-producing rays in summer and help retain warmth in winter. These windows are double-glazed units containing two panes of glass with an inert gas trapped between them to increase insulation. The inner layer of glass is treated with a super-thin metal-based coating that blocks ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun, yet lets in “visible” light. Once winter returns, that same coating will reflect warmth from your heat sources back into the room to help keep your home comfortable and energy costs down.

Window Film

A final option is window film. There are lots of products in this category, including special heat-control and glare-control films that adhere directly to your existing windows. Some are an easy-to-install, DIY weekend project where you can buy materials at a big-box store. Other products are more technical; you’re probably wise to call in an expert rather than applying these films yourself. In either case, window films are generally easy to maintain and easy to clean. Be advised, though, that you may need to re-do them every year.

Let’s Enjoy Summer, Indoors or Out

There’s no reason why you can’t have your home as comfortable as you want it, year-round. At McCann Windows & Exteriors, we’re happy to help you create the home that’s just right for the life you lead in every season. Please give us a call with any questions about restoring, repairing, or replacing your windows and home exterior. We’re ready to serve you, and estimates are free. Just call (847) 892-4071, or schedule a consultation here.

Be cool!
Kevin McCann

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It’s all in the details.

A Window Replacement Project with Unique Details

In late spring, we had a unique project. The homeowner wanted to replace her windows but did not want to disrupt the copper roof or the integrity of her home. (before photos below). Instead of pulling the whole bow window out, we installed individual inserts inside their existing frames. Thanks to the excellent collaboration between Liz Schroeder, our production manager; Bill McClaughry, Pella Rep, and our service team led by Petr, this job turned out wonderfully (after images below).

All in all, a wonderful job for a client who really wanted things just so. I think we hit our mark. And, above all, the client was pleased with the results.

Call us with your special project. We’re just a phone call away. Order today and we can install in as little as three weeks. Most installations only take one day. To schedule a free consultation call (847) 562-1212 or schedule a FREE consultation.

Before replacing windows.

 

After: A solution that made the homeowner very happy.

 

replacement windows
Additional windows on the home were replaced.

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Smart Windows Are Smart Additions to Your Space

As a leader in window and door innovation, Pella is devoted to smart, practical innovation that makes life easier. Pella products with Insynctive technology maintain the stylistic integrity of your home while improving your peace of mind. Resource: https://www.pella.com/insynctive/

A new class of glass has arrived. It’s called “smart” or “dynamic” or “active” glass, and it has the potential to make your space more comfortable while also cutting your energy bill—all at the flick of a switch (or less). 

What makes glass “smart” or dynamic is its ability to go from clear to opaque (or vice versa) in the blink of an eye. If you’ve ever seen eyeglasses that turned into sunglasses when the wearer went outside, you’ve seen dynamic glass. 

After being used in commercial buildings for years, “dynamic glazing” is now showing up in products for your home. Have you ever wanted to “dial down” the sunlight in certain rooms that get uncomfortably hot or bright? Would you like to skip expensive curtains or shades in parts of your home and still have privacy? Ever wished you could temporarily “fog” the windows in a particular bedroom or bathroom to avoid people looking in? “Smart glass” makes all this possible by enabling smart windows that change appearance on command or in response to set conditions.

And lots of manufacturers are getting into the smart window game, including familiar names such as Pella and Marvin. 

Glass That Performs Different Ways to Save Money and Create Space

Smart windows come in various modes, depending on your need. Some use a coating that responds to heat or light; others use a ceramic glaze or liquid crystal film that shifts color in the presence of electricity. Whatever format you choose, though, smart glass can lower your energy bill and even the cost of decorating your home. 

Here’s how. I love the summer sun—that is, until it bleaches out my floors and furniture and jacks up my cooling bill. With smart windows, though, I can flip a switch during the hottest part of the day to trim the light coming in my windows. As soon as the sun passes, I can change the window glass back to clear again and enjoy the view. 

An alternative kind of window doesn’t rely on electricity to change color. Instead, chemical coatings automatically respond when the amount of light or outdoor temperature hits a set point. On sunny summer days, the glass goes translucent to block light as the temperature rises. Sunny day in the winter? The glass stays clear to let in warming rays.

But dynamic glass can do more than affect windows. Think of a conference room at work with active glass walls. Flip a switch, and one of the walls becomes opaque, so it can be used as a projection screen or just to provide privacy. Now, take that idea into your home. Imagine being able to create a “room” or workspace in an open floor plan via a room divider made of dynamic glass. Flip the switch—and you’ve given an overnight guest a private place to sleep or defined an office in the middle of a busy home.

This is “magic” glass: Now you see it; now you don’t.  

What Kind of Smart Glass is Right for You?

There are four basic kinds of smart glass technology. Deciding what’s right for you depends on your particular needs. 

Electrochromic glass. These windows use a ceramic coating sandwiched between two layers of glass that darkens when electric voltage is applied. To reverse the tint, simply apply voltage again. This feature can be turned on from an electric switch, programmed timer, light sensor, motion sensor, or smartphone. 

Photochromic glass. Like clear eyeglasses that transform into sunglasses, these windows darken in response to strong light. On the plus side, they’re automatic and effective at reducing glare. On the minus side, they’ll darken on a sunny day in winter when you actually might want to let in light.

Thermochromic glass. These windows are heat-sensitive. When the temperature rises to a set point, the glass transitions to a tinted state; as exterior conditions cool, the glass becomes clear. Again, these require no input from you. Another bonus: In winter, these windows won’t darken on sunny days. 

Liquid crystal technology. These windows laminate a thin layer of liquid crystals plus a conductive metal coating between two pieces of glass. The material stays milky until electric current is applied; then the crystals “line up” and the glass turns transparent. While great for protecting privacy, liquid crystal windows aren’t effective in blocking heat or light. 

Smart Film. A further option for the DIY crowd is “smart film.” This material embeds liquid crystals in plastic sheeting that’s Wi-Fi-enabled and paired with a smartphone app, and which can be cut to fit existing windows. For the homeowner who’s less than expert, though, this technology might be trickier to use.

We are Here to Serve You

At McCann Windows & Exteriors, we’re happy to help you create exactly the home that’s perfect for you, season after season. Please give us a call with any questions about restoring, repairing or replacing your windows and home exterior. We’re ready to serve you and estimates are free. Just visit https://mccannwindow.com or call (847) 892-4071 to schedule a time convenient for you.

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Update Historic Windows for Charm and Efficiency

Keep the Old Windows or Replace with New?

Replacement windows. What’s better? To replace historic windows with new, low-emissivity windows and save energy? Or to keep the windows with their historic character and not save as much energy?

The debate rages between preservationists and designers-environmentalists.  There is a middle ground: renovating historic windows for the same performance as new windows, and there’s a substantial argument for saving them.

The historic windows add character that makes a house unique, and the old windows are generally thicker and last longer than today’s windows, says the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Plus, as preservationists like to say, the greenest building (or window) is the one already built. No trips to the landfill. No new resources used.

Take a look (gallery above) at some of the ways that you can update your windows for energy efficiency, for a win-win situation.

Get Inspired!

Energy-efficient windows and windows that maintain the integrity of the building. Check out a recent Driehaus Bungalow Award winner’s solution for updating the curb appeal of his home.

We are Here to Help You with Your Window Selection.

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