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People who notice a draft coming into their home due to poor fitting windows face a dilemma on how to resolve the problem. Are the windows in need of repair or will a good caulking job around the panes fix the issue? Are the windows so old and worn that repair is not worth the time and should just be replaced?

Before you start shopping for new windows, you need to determine if you can repair them yourself. Of course, replacing your old windows with new ones will lower your energy bills, but it is possible it will take years to get back the money needed for new windows and installation.

Here are some things to think about on whether to repair your windows with caulk, try to repair them or completely replace them.

First, inspect your windows for any signs of crack or decay. A professional contractor may be able to correct an issue with broken parts. Do you notice signs that water has penetrated around the frame? If so, the windows need to be removed and repaired before they rot. If the sashes stick, try rubbing the bottom of a white candle against the bottom and sides of the window so it will slide more easily. Also, if you detect any condensation between layers of insulated glass, you’ll need to replace the sash or the window.

Caulking and weather stripping can save money

Caulking and weather stripping can help reduce drafts and save quite a bit of money. You can remove old caulk and replace it by using a simple caulking gun. Outside, it is recommended to caulk between the window molding and the house. Inside, caulk around window trim. Weather stripping helps with air leaks around sashes and should be applied only to clean, dry surfaces.

Single-­pane windows are a real concern because the friction of opening and closing the sashes can release lead dust. An experienced professional is the best person to turn to if you need to remove any dust or hazardous lead-based paint. If you decide to hire someone to repair your window, make sure they have been trained in lead-safe work practices.

In the Chicago area, the best place to turn to for all your window repair and cleaning needs is Town & Country Window Cleaning. They were established in 1972 and have been run as a family business for nearly four decades. They take great pride in their professionalism and high-quality service. Give them a call today at 847-256-5140.

Everyone wants their home to look impressive, properly maintained and be something that adds a positive feel to the neighborhood.  Additionally, an attractive looking home is an important selling point if you are thinking of putting your residence on the market. One aspect that homeowners sometimes overlook is the appearance of the wooden frames around their windows. This is a detail that should never be ignored.

When your wooden window frames begin to rot or wear, the entire house can look old and neglected. The two most common reasons your window trim starts to decompose are insects and exposure to wet and changeable weather. If your wood trim is rotting, it may present a yellow or brown hue. When the outside trim is damaged it can lead to water seepage and poorer insulation of your home, causing higher heating costs.

The good news is there are certain steps you can take to prolong the life of and repair your wood trim. First, make sure to inspect the frames at least once a year for any tiny holes or signs of rotting. Wipe down the exterior of the frames and clean away any dust or dirt. Make sure there are no cracks or peeling paint. If you do discover any cracks, sand down the area until it is smooth. After smoothing the wood, apply a new coat of primer, allow to dry, then add a new coat of exterior paint. Make sure the primer and paint are especially formulated to protect against moisture and temperature fluctuations.

As with any do it yourself project around the home, if you are less than confident you'll be able to get the project done properly, it’s best to hire a professional.  The number one company to contact in the Chicagoland area is Town and Country Professional Window Cleaning. Based in Wilmette, Town and Country has been servicing, cleaning and repairing windows for more than 40 years. They specialize in the maintenance and repair of residential windows, old and new.

Give them a call today at 847-256-5140 for any questions you have regarding repairing your windows, frames or any other issues you care to discuss. Also check out their website at www.townandcountrywindowcleaning.com to read about all the services Town and Country can provide for your home and see the testimonials of their many highly satisfied customers.

Attractive windows that are squeaky clean can add to the look of your residence and provide an impressive feel to not just your home but your entire neighborhood. Keeping them in good shape is a nice goal to shoot for, and will greatly increase the value of your house if you are thinking of putting your property on the market.  A common question many homeowners have is how often should windows be replaced.

On average, well maintained windows can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years, depending on weather and other factors. Also keep in mind it is sometimes possible to repair a window rather than having to look into replacement. For minor issues, such as peeling weather-stripping, a simple repair may be your best option. However, replacing a damaged or broken window frame is practically always better than attempting a repair. If they stick when you try to open them or are susceptible to drafts, it is a good bet you are in need of new windows.

Impact of weather

Although windows do help provide some heat during winter by letting in sun, drafty windows can increase your energy costs by 25% or more. Purchasing new more energy-efficient ones can save quite a bit on heating costs and keep you much more comfortable.

Windows are one of the most prominent parts of any home, so if they look neglected so will the rest of your property. If the color around your windows is beginning to fade, your screens or storm windows look worn, or if the material around your windows looks warped, replacement windows should be strongly considered.

If a major goal is to improve the exterior look of your home, you may want to consider a different type of window completely. An easy-open window rather than one with a fixed sash may be a smart option.

You may also want to consider going with windows that are larger so you may increase the amount of daylight your rooms receive. As mentioned, this will also help save on heating costs.

If you decide to have your windows repaired or replaced, and reside in the Chicago area, using a professional window cleaning service is your smartest choice. Town and Country has been cleaning and repairing windows for over 40 years, and specialize in the maintenance and repair of residential windows, no matter their age or condition. Town and Country also repairs screens and storm windows, just to mention a few of our window repair services. Contact us today at 847-256-5140 if you have any questions regarding repairing your windows or are looking for an estimate.

A residence with beautifully clean and spotless windows is an inviting and impressive look that most every homeowner strives to achieve. Not only do immaculate looking windows improve the value of your home if you are looking to sell, but they also add a touch of class and integrity to your neighborhood. So, whether you are considering putting your house on the market or plan to stay put for the foreseeable future, keeping your windows sparkling clean is something for which to strive.

Many people wonder how often they need to have their windows cleaned. The answer is not black and white and depends on a number of factors, including local weather conditions, whether you live in the city or suburbs, the particular image you would like to convey and other miscellaneous considerations. For example, a home located in an environment that receives a lot of precipitation would need to have more frequent washings than a house located in a drier area. A house in San Diego would need fewer cleanings than an apartment building in a rain prone city like Miami.

If you reside in an urban setting, your windows will likely pick up a greater number of pollutants than a rural area. Also, if your windows are shielded from the elements with vegetation, overhangs or eaves they can go longer between cleanings than a higher traffic location. Additionally, if you and your family enjoy entertaining guests and frequently host get togethers you probably would like to have your windows cleaned more often so they look nice for your company.

Whatever your location or social schedule, it is recommended your windows receive a thorough cleaning at least twice a year so dirt and grime do have an extended period of time to accumulate.  Another option is to clean your inside windows once yearly and your outside 2-3 times a year since their exposure to the elements makes them more susceptible to looking streaky or covered with film.

No matter how often you have your windows serviced, make sure you hire insured professionals to receive the best service available. Town and Country Professional Window Cleaning, located in Wilmette, has been professionally washing homes, including windows, in the Chicago area since 1972. They have the experience and knowledge necessary to keep your windows looking their very best. Contact their helpful staff today at 847-256-5140 with any questions.

When you consider the tremendous amount of competition in a large metropolitan area like Chicago, it takes a lot of extra effort and hard work to stand out in a particular field. Those that do are the very best of the best in the services they provide for their clients.  Town and Country Professional Window Cleaning is a great example of a company that knows what it takes to excel in what they do.

Established in 1972, Town and Country has been providing exemplary service and quality work for nearly 50 years to its customers in Chicago and the suburbs. Most of the staff has been with the company 10 years or longer, so they have the experience and professionalism to perform their services in the highest manner.

Town and Country helps keep your windows looking their sparkling best. Among the many services they offer are window cleaning, power washing and window repairs. Since they specialize in residential jobs you know your home you will be in very good hands.

Window cleaning can be performed inside and outside the entire house, on only the storm windows, on all screen doors and windows, or the entire house excluding storms. The client has many choices so they can get the work done to satisfy their specific needs.

If you are in need of power washing, Town and Country has the right equipment to get the job done, whether it is the entire house or just a portion of your residence, such as a deck or particular room. And because harsh chemicals are never used, a homeowner does not need to be concerned about allergies or harm to their landscape.

Town and Country is very familiar with older homes and know how to keep them looking their traditional best. They can repair screen doors or provide parts to fix it yourself. They have worked on more than 10,000 different homes in the Chicago area and have received many wonderful testimonials.

A sample of these pleased customers include:

"I hired your pressure cleaning services and my deck looks like new! Thanks T&C! I’d highly recommend your cleaning services!" Jay -Woodridge, IL

The service provided by your team of workers was nothing short of fantastic! You’ve made a customer for life!" – Bob – Wilmette, IL

"I plan on having your washers back every summer! A great job at a fair price! Even had two screens repaired/replaced on the spot!" – Howard – Evanston, IL

If your home requires any type of window cleaning service the only place to call in the Chicago area is Town and Country. Contact Town and Country today at 847-256-5140 and see what great quality work and professional service is all about.

Many people with 2-story houses wonder if it is difficult to clean 2-story windows on my own. The quick answer? Yes! Not only do you need to buy equipment, but you need some physical skill and know-how. Below are some details about what cleaning 2-story exterior windows yourself entails.

While it is handy being able to clean the outside of a window from the inside of the house, don't bank on that as a way to get out of buying a ladder. You'd have better luck at avoiding ladders by incorporating pure water and water-fed poles. Until then, plan on buying a ladder or two at heights that you are comfortable. You will definitely need ladders for cleaning windows with eyelids and other window types that don't open.

One idea you might consider is getting an extension pole (20+ feet) for indoor and outdoor applications. However, understand that it takes a lot of skill to use a pole effectively and get good results. You can probably pick up a 24-foot ladder used, for around $100. Also consider a ladder stabilizer, which might be another $50.

Most windows can be done with a pole on the outside, and sometimes you can get away with a few uppers using a pole on tall inside stuff. But, sometimes a pole will work on the outside, sometimes the frames weep or pull white off the vinyl. What works once won't the next time the sun is out, and vice versa. Given these details, you're going to need the ladder eventually.

For reaching high windows, your shopping list should might go like this (in order of importance):

1. 16- to 32-foot extension ladder
2. ladder stabilizer
3. ladder leveler or ladder pivot
4. Pure water/water-fed pole setup

Something to ask yourself: what percentage of my work can only be done with a ladder? Compare that figure with the percentage of your work that can only be done with a water-fed pole. Let that guide you in your first steps.

You can see that there are steps you can take to "DIY" your window-cleaning on a 2-story home. You can also sense that there is some money, knowledge and balancing/physical skill involved.

If this sounds overwhelming, consider giving Town & Country Window Cleaning a call at 847-256-5140 or contact us here. We offer free estimates and can be at your house quickly!

Does your home or business need a little TLC? Are things really clean and tidy? Sure, the floors are swept and the shelves are dusted, but are the windows being properly repaired as often as they should? One of the most commonly overlooked and underdone maintenance task is window cleaning. The reason being is often it just finds its way on the bottom of the the priority list of things to do. Obviously you’ll take care of a sticky floor or smelly kitchen, but people tend to let windows go for a bit longer. What most don’t realize is the importance of regularly cleaning this kind of glass.

First and foremost, one of the first things a person sees on the exterior of a house, storefront, or building is the condition of the windows. It doesn't take more than a little deterioration to make a home or business unwelcoming to visitors. Not to mention the property value is greatly affected by these seemingly minor details. Unbeknownst to most, keeping up with something so simple as window cleaning actually does a lot to save money overall on utilities. When dirt particles layer on a window, it reflects the sun’s UV rays, preventing the heat from traveling inside. As a result, your furnace will end up working overtime in the colder months causing astronomical electricity and gas bills. On a larger scale, when looking at the fundamentals of glass itself, it’s in fact a porous structure. Over time, the window will end up collecting dirt that cannot be removed causing stains, breaking it down, and making it very fragile. Overall ruining the glass altogether. Elements like snow, acid rain, and hard minerals from tap water from the sprinkler play a role in slowly destroying your windows.

At Town and Country Window Cleaning, we know more than anyone the importance of keeping your glass shining and saving you money in the long run. Just like a car, regularly scheduled maintenance to your windows will have you spending less in the short run then having to replace entire windows in the long haul. Let a little light in your life. Let us love on your windows! We promise they’ll love you right back!

Here at Town & Country Window Cleaning, we don’t just clean regular old windows, we clean ANY windows in your home you may need washed! We can do any types of window service, from the funny looking window in your front door to the open glass gazing over the horizon in your living room. Listed below are just a few of the different types of windows we service in your home that you may or may not have realized need regular cleaning;

1. Awning Windows- Do you have big, beautiful windows overlooking the outside of your home? T&C Window Cleaning wants to make sure those windows are properly cleaned and difficult to tell the difference of an actual window, or an open space in your home.

2. Bay Windows- Many people believe they can get these very large windows clean on their own, but come to realize mid-job that it can turn out to be treacherous work. Repairing these kind of windows can be a pain as well.

3. Slider Windows- These can get dirty, FAST. You don’t realize how often you aren’t opening the window by the designated area and end up pushing directly on the glass. This is not only hazardous to the window and yourself, but will make for a necessary cleaning weekly.

4. Casement Windows- These are the windows that open with the turn of a crank. They can have hard to reach places and spots that you might not be able to get to on your own.

5. Picture Windows- These are large stationary windows that let the maximum amount of light into your home or office.

Don’t let dirty windows take away from the integrity of your home or office. Town & Country Window Cleaning can make your windows look and feel like new again!

You spend every Saturday morning doing your weekly cleaning. You spend hours cleaning the windows and just can’t seem to get those streaks off! Did you know that there are many factors that play into making your windows in your home so dirty?

• The environment is clearly a factor. Wind blows dirt, dust, leaves and other debris onto the window that you may not always realize is there on the outside of your home.

• Screens are protective for so many things for your windows, but they are a DIRT MAGNET. Anything that the wind didn’t get to blow through to the window, the screen is now holding on tight to all the debris and slowly seeping in and sticking to your window.

Keeping your windows clean can prolong the lifetime of your windows and the quality of the glass. Schedule a regular cleaning with us and keep your glass in perfect shape and ready for whatever the environment has to throw at it!