What Window Types Offer the Best Deliverables for Chicago Homes?

Choosing the right windows for your Chicago home is more important than many homeowners realize. Our weather swings from freezing lakefront winters to humid Midwest summers, and not every window style performs equally in this climate. The right window can enhance energy efficiency, improve comfort, strengthen curb appeal, and even boost the value of your home.

At McCann Window & Exteriors, we have helped Chicagoland homeowners choose the ideal window styles for more than 35 years. Below is a clear, homeowner-friendly guide to the most common window types, along with their pros and cons for Chicago homes.

Double-Hung Windows

Pros

• Easy, familiar design that fits most architectural styles in Chicago
  
• Both sashes tilt inward for simple cleaning
  
• Excellent airflow when both sashes are open
  
• Great for traditional neighborhoods like Wilmette, Park Ridge, and Evanston
  

Cons

• Not as airtight as crank-operated styles
  
• Can lose efficiency if the sashes aren’t well sealed
  

 

Casement Windows

Pros

• One of the most energy-efficient window styles
  
• Crank mechanism pulls the sash tight for an excellent seal
  
• Clear, uninterrupted glass for better views 

Cons

• Requires exterior clearance to fully open
  
• Not always ideal near walkways or patios 

Best Use Cases

• Kitchens and bathrooms
  
• Tight spaces where you want one-handed operation
  
  

Why They Work in Chicago:
Casements seal tightly against cold winds during winter and open wide during summer, making them a top choice for Chicagoland’s climate extremes.

Sliding Windows

Pros

• Simple operation with wide, horizontal views
  
• Easy to maintain and durable
  
• Affordable compared to more complex styles 

Cons

• Slightly less efficient than casements
  
• Tracks can collect dust and debris 

Best Use Cases

• Basements
  
• Garden-level rooms
  
• Spaces where outward-opening windows are not ideal 

Where They Shine:
Sliding windows work well in modern homes and mid-century styles common throughout Skokie, Morton Grove, and Niles.

Bay and Bow Windows

Pros

• Dramatic curb appeal upgrade
  
• Adds interior space and natural light
  
• Ideal for creating reading nooks or breakfast areas 

Cons

• Higher investment due to size and structure
  
• Requires proper support and professional installation 

Best Use Cases

• Living rooms
  
• Dining rooms
  
• Homes looking to increase natural light and visual interest 

A Chicago Favorite:
Bay and bow windows are popular in classic brick homes on the North Shore, adding beauty and value while giving rooms a brighter, more open feel.

Picture Windows

Pros

• Maximum energy efficiency with no moving parts
  
• Wide, unobstructed views
  
• Excellent insulation 

Cons

• No ventilation
  
• Not suitable where airflow is needed 

Best Use Cases

• Living rooms
  
• Stairwells
  
• Anywhere you want large, beautiful views 

Perfect for Chicago Views:
Homeowners love picture windows for letting in sunlight during long winters and showcasing summer greenery.

Awning Windows

Pros

• Can stay open during light rain thanks to the top-hinged design
  
• Highly efficient and secure
  
• Good for ventilation in small areas 

Cons

• Not ideal near walkways
  
• Limited size options in some brands 

Best Use Cases

• Bathrooms
  
• Basements
  
• Combined above or below picture windows 

Why They Work:
Awning windows are excellent for adding airflow to areas where privacy or limited space is a concern.

Specialty Windows (Architectural Shapes)

Pros

• Great for customizing design and enhancing curb appeal
  
• Works well with modern or historic styles
  
• Adds unique character to home exteriors 

Cons

• No ventilation
  
• Higher cost depending on shape and size 

Best Use Cases

• Entryways
  
• Vaulted ceilings
  
• Accent walls 

Where You See Them:
Custom-shaped windows are popular in luxury homes in Highland Park, Glencoe, and Northbrook where homeowners want a personalized design touch.

Choosing the Right Window for Chicago Weather

Chicago weather demands windows that can handle:

• Strong winds
  
• Arctic winter temperatures
  
• Humidity
  
• Wide seasonal temperature swings 

McCann recommends choosing ENERGY STAR-certified windows designed for the Northern Climate Zone to ensure lasting efficiency and comfort.

We work with trusted brands, including Pella, Marvin, Andersen, and Lindsay, offering products built to thrive in Chicago’s climate and complement your home’s architecture.

Why Chicago Homeowners Trust McCann Window & Exteriors

For more than 35 years, McCann has delivered trusted window, entry door, and siding replacement solutions across Chicago and the North Shore. Homeowners choose us because we provide:

• Local expertise with deep knowledge of Chicago building styles
  
• High-quality products chosen for Midwest performance
  
• Skilled, in-house installation teams
  
• A collaborative, homeowner-first process
• Superior installation, the key to the best performance possible
  
• Long-term warranties for peace of mind
  
• Flexible financing to fit your budget 

Whether you own a classic Chicago bungalow, a North Shore colonial, or a modern home, we help you choose the window style that performs beautifully and looks right for your home.