We sat down with the experts at ClearView Windows & Screens to talk about the to talk about the window mistakes that cost homeowners the most money, the hidden problems that often go unnoticed, and how the right windows and screens can boost curb appeal while protecting your property’s long-term value.
Serving DuPage County homeowners and businesses for over 25 years, ClearView has worked on everything from historic homes in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton to commercial buildings throughout Naperville, Elmhurst, and Downers Grove — helping customers improve energy efficiency, comfort, curb appeal, and security through professional window and screen installation, replacement, and repair.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make when it comes to their windows?
The biggest mistake is waiting until a window completely fails before replacing it. Most windows give homeowners years of warning through drafts, condensation between panes, difficult operation, rotting frames, or rising energy bills. Addressing those problems early often saves money and prevents water damage to surrounding walls and trim.
Q: What’s something homeowners think they need… but actually don’t?
Many people assume they need to replace every window in the house. In reality, that’s often unnecessary. We regularly help homeowners prioritize the windows that have truly reached the end of their life while repairing or maintaining others that still have many years of service left. Honest recommendations build long-term relationships.
Q: What’s a small issue that turns into a big, expensive problem if ignored?
A broken window seal or small leak around the frame can quietly allow moisture to enter the wall cavity. Over time, that moisture can damage insulation, drywall, framing, flooring, and even create mold issues. What starts as a minor repair can eventually become a major restoration project.
Q: How often should homeowners realistically be inspecting their windows?
We recommend a thorough inspection every year, ideally in the spring or fall. Check for cracked caulk, deteriorating weather stripping, fogged insulated glass, loose screens, difficult operation, and any signs of water intrusion. Regular maintenance significantly extends the life of quality windows.
Q: What’s one quick thing a homeowner can do themselves to extend the life of their windows?
Keep the window tracks and weep holes clean. Dirt, leaves, pollen, and debris can prevent proper drainage and make windows harder to operate. A quick cleaning a couple of times each year helps windows function properly and reduces unnecessary wear on moving parts.
Q: What are the early warning signs homeowners should watch for?
Watch for condensation between glass panes, peeling paint around window frames, soft wood, difficulty opening or closing windows, drafts, higher utility bills, or insects finding their way indoors. These are all signs that a window may need professional attention before the problem becomes more expensive.
Q: What type of homes or situations require extra attention?
Many DuPage County homes built during the 1970s through early 2000s are reaching the point where their original builder-grade windows are nearing the end of their expected lifespan. Commercial buildings with large storefront glass also require periodic inspections because failed seals and worn glazing can impact energy costs, occupant comfort, and building appearance.
Q: What’s changed in your industry in the last few years that homeowners should know about?
Today’s replacement windows are dramatically more energy efficient than products installed twenty or thirty years ago. Modern Low-E coatings, argon gas-filled insulated glass, composite materials, and improved weather sealing have significantly increased comfort while reducing heating and cooling costs. At the same time, homeowners have more frame colors, grille styles, and architectural options than ever before.
Q: If you had to give homeowners one “do this today” tip, what would it be?
Open and close every window in your home this weekend. If one sticks, won’t lock properly, or requires excessive force, don’t ignore it. Windows are safety devices as much as they are part of your home’s exterior, and every one should operate smoothly in an emergency.
Q: What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen on a job?
During a commercial storefront replacement, we removed an old aluminum window frame and discovered that birds had built multiple nests inside the wall cavity over several years. The business owner had been wondering where the mysterious chirping was coming from every spring—it all made sense once the old frame came out!
Q: When do homeowners typically call you too late—and who should they have called earlier?
Many customers call after years of dirt buildup, clogged drainage channels, deteriorated caulking, or neglected exterior maintenance have contributed to premature window deterioration. Regular exterior window cleaning and maintenance help homeowners spot problems much earlier and prevent contaminants from damaging frames, seals, and glass. Keeping windows clean isn’t just about appearance—it’s an important part of protecting your investment.
Q: What’s one special offer or tip you’d like to give Shiny Bubble readers?
Before replacing your windows, ask for an energy audit and have your existing windows professionally evaluated. Sometimes a combination of repairs, new weather stripping, fresh caulking, and professional cleaning can improve performance enough to postpone replacement. And if replacement is the right choice, you’ll know you’re making the investment for the right reasons—not simply because the windows look dirty or dated.e next corner.
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At Rolling Suds of Naperville–Elmhurst, we help commercial properties across DuPage County and selective surrounding cities identify exterior water issues, recurring runoff patterns, high-risk pedestrian zones, and preventable maintenance problems.
We combine:
- commercial-first service
- advanced surface cleaning equipment
- practical maintenance insight
- technology-forward documentation
- smarter exterior maintenance planning
Rolling Suds of Naperville–Elmhurst
(630) 448-7014
rollingsudspowerwashing.com/commercial
