Complete window replacement guide for Wheaton homeowners. Best window brands, energy savings, what to expect, and how to choose a contractor in DuPage County.
Replacing windows in Wheaton comes down to three decisions: which kind of installation, which frame material and which glass. The right answers depend on the house, so this guide starts with the homes found in Wheaton.
Wheaton homes at a glance
Wheaton is the DuPage County seat, with older homes around downtown and Wheaton College, a wide band of 1950s and 1960s ranches and split-levels, and newer subdivisions on the south side near Danada.
Wheaton has a lot of well-kept older homes where the owners want new windows that still look like the originals. Wood-interior lines with the right grille pattern are a common request here.
What to choose for your Wheaton home
Around downtown and Wheaton College, choose a wood-interior window and a full-frame installation. Original openings have weight pockets and old flashing that should be dealt with, and the trim is part of the character of the house. Double-hungs with a simple grille pattern in the upper sash usually suit these homes best.
In the ranches and split-levels built through the 1950s and 1960s, a good vinyl or Fibrex window installed as an insert is usually the sensible choice. The frames are sound, the openings are standard and the money is better spent on Low-E glass than on a premium frame. Consider a casement over the kitchen sink, where a double-hung is awkward to reach.
On the south side, in the 1970s and 1980s subdivisions near Danada, check the sills before choosing. If the wood is solid, inserts work. If it is soft, plan on full-frame replacement. Fiberglass or Fibrex is a good match here: stable, low maintenance and closer to the look of the original wood windows than white vinyl.
A typical window job in Wheaton
A typical Wheaton job is a well-kept older home whose owners want new windows nobody notices. We use wood-interior units stained or painted to match, keep the original grille pattern and reuse or replicate the interior casing. On the 1960s ranches and split-levels, inserts in Fibrex are the usual, more economical route.
Insert or full-frame
An insert window fits inside the existing frame. It is faster and costs less, and the interior trim stays untouched. It only works if the old frame is square and free of rot. A full-frame replacement removes everything down to the rough opening, so the installer can fix hidden damage, insulate the gap properly and flash the opening. It costs more and gives you slightly more glass.
Frame materials
- Vinyl. Lowest cost, no painting, good insulation. Quality varies widely between lines.
- Fibrex and fiberglass. Stronger and more stable than vinyl, with narrower frames and darker color options.
- Wood-clad. Real wood inside, aluminum or fiberglass outside. The best-looking and the most expensive.
We install Andersen, Marvin, Pella and Kolbe. See Andersen vs Pella vs Marvin for how the lines compare.
Glass
Low-E glass with argon fill is the standard for this climate and is what we install by default. Triple-pane adds comfort and quiet and is worth pricing for north-facing rooms and homes near busy roads. Look at the U-factor on the label: lower is better for Illinois winters.
What installation day looks like
The crew covers floors, removes one window at a time, sets and insulates the new one, and trims it inside and out before moving on. Most houses take one to two days. Afterwards we open and lock every window with you and take the old ones away.
Permits in Wheaton
Permit rules are set by the City of Wheaton. We check what your project needs and pull the permit when one is required. See our Wheaton page for this service, or the same guide for Naperville, or the same guide for Downers Grove.
Common questions
Call (331) 250-3726 or request a free consultation in Wheaton.