WINTER-PROOF YOUR WINDOWS
By Monica Kass Rogers
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
Russ Armstrong
By Monica Kass Rogers
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
Russ Armstrong
When the owners of a 100-year-old Lake Forest home decided they couldn’t face another drafty winter, they called Russ Armstrong, owner of Chicago Window Guys (CWG).
“They’d been thinking about replacing their windows for years,” says Armstrong. “But with 25-year-old, leaky windows and another brutal winter on the way, they didn’t want to wait any longer.”
Quotes from other providers had come in sky-high. But Armstrong—who personally handles all sales calls—was able to offer a significantly better price. By eliminating sales commissions, manufacturing windows locally, and using a trusted in-house crew, CWG keeps overhead low and quality high.
While price mattered, keeping the integrity of the home’s design intact was also important. CWG’s experienced installers carefully maintained the original woodwork and interior casing, preserving the home’s character while dramatically improving energy efficiency.
“The homeowners were thrilled,” says Armstrong. “And their referrals brought in a dozen more window jobs. That’s the kind of word-of-mouth we’ve built our reputation on.”
Although CWG installs windows year-round, Armstrong says autumn is a great time to have the work done. “You want to get the new windows in before it gets too cold,” he says. “That way, you enjoy a warmer, more comfortable winter—and start saving on energy bills right away.”
High-quality windows offer more than just curb appeal and clear views. They’re critical to a home’s energy performance and can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30 percent. They also eliminate drafts, leaks, and moisture problems like mold—issues common in older windows.
All CWG windows are custom measured and custom made—whether you’re replacing classic double-hung windows or upgrading to bow, bay, garden, or projection styles. The products incorporate the latest energy-efficient technologies, including:
• Argon/Krypton gas fills
• Triple low-E silver coatings
• Foam-filled frames
• Non-metal spacing systems that prevent seal failure
“We build a barrier to keep your energy in and the elements out,” Armstrong explains. “We can’t stop the polar vortex from hitting Chicago—but we can definitely keep it out of your living room.”
With a manufacturing facility in Chicago and decades of experience throughout the city and suburbs, CWG understands the demands of Midwest weather and architecture.
The company backs its work with a lifetime warranty on all parts and labor—including glass breakage—and offers a price-match guarantee. “We don’t play the ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ game,” says Armstrong. “That’s just a gimmick. Our prices are fair from the start—for a better product and better installation.”
Armstrong emphasizes that expert installation is just as important as window quality. That’s why CWG doesn’t use subcontractors. “You can have the most expensive window in the world, but if it’s installed poorly, you’re back to square one,” he says. “We use our own crew—people we know and trust—so we can ensure every job is done right.”
He also cuts the fluff from the sales process.
“No three-hour presentations. No pressure to ‘buy today.’ I handle all sales calls myself, so you get straight answers, not sales tactics,” says Armstrong. “Over the years, we’ve built a loyal customer base,” he reflects. “People refer their friends and family, and many become friends themselves. That means everything to us.”
Ready to winter-proof your home with new windows? Call Armstrong directly at 847-302-9171 or visit chicagowindowguys.com.
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