Chicago Suburbs with the Oldest Homes — And What They Need

Some of Chicagoland's most charming suburbs also have the oldest housing stock — which means the biggest need for exterior upgrades. If your home was built before 1960, here's what typically needs attention.

Suburbs with Significant Pre-1960 Housing

Inner-ring suburbs: Oak Park, Berwyn, Riverside, Brookfield, La Grange, Western Springs, Elmhurst, and Hinsdale all have substantial numbers of homes built in the 1920s-1950s. These homes have historic character but often retain original windows, aging roofs, and deteriorating siding.

Mid-century suburbs: Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Villa Park, Downers Grove, and Naperville have many homes from the 1950s-1970s with original aluminum windows, early double-pane glass, and asphalt or wood shingle siding.

What Pre-1960 Homes Typically Need

Windows

Original single-pane wood windows from the 1920s-1960s are beautiful but terribly inefficient. They account for up to 40% of a home's heating loss. Modern triple-pane Andersen windows dramatically improve energy efficiency while maintaining historic proportions with custom grille patterns. Window replacement →

Roofing

Even roofs replaced in the 2000s may be due for replacement if they used 20-year three-tab shingles. Homes with original slate or wood shake roofs may need careful evaluation and specialized replacement. Roofing services →

Siding

Older suburbs often have homes with original wood clapboard, asbestos shingle, or early aluminum siding — all past their useful life. James Hardie fiber cement is an excellent replacement that can match historic profiles. Siding options →

Insulation & Weather Barriers

Pre-1960 homes often have minimal wall insulation and no housewrap. A siding replacement project is the ideal time to add modern insulation and weather barriers.

We specialize in upgrading older Chicagoland homes while respecting their architectural character. Schedule your free assessment →