FAQ’s
Your premier Chicago area exterior remodelers Great American Exteriors are here to answer any of your questions. If you don’t see any answers to the question you are looking for feel free to give us a call at 630-279-2222 or email us any questions you may have today!
Absolutely. Our patio doors come equipped with advanced multi-point locking systems and shatter-resistant safety glass, providing excellent security for your home without sacrificing natural light.
Yes, Great American Exteriors is fully insured for your peace of mind and protection. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance (Country Mutual Insurance Policy # AB9112233).
In many cases, yes. If your existing door frame is structurally sound, square, and free of rot, we can perform a “slab replacement” where a new door is custom-fitted to the current frame. However, if the frame is older, drafty, or damaged, a full “pre-hung” replacement (which replaces both the door and the frame) is highly recommended for the best security and energy efficiency.
In many cases, yes, this is called a “slab” replacement. However, if your existing frame is rotted, damaged, or out of square, we highly recommend a pre-hung door replacement, which replaces both the door and the frame to ensure a perfect, energy-efficient seal. Check out our door options.
In most municipalities, adding a portico does require a building permit because it alters the roofline and structure of your home. Our team handles the entire permitting process from start to finish to ensure everything is built strictly to local codes. Check out our porticos.
Yes. Because building a portico involves altering the exterior structure and roofline of your home, local municipalities require a building permit. Our team at Great American Exteriors will handle the entire permitting process, ensuring the design meets all local building codes and setback requirements.
Yes! While pergolas feature an open-roof design, the spacing of the overhead cross rafters is specifically designed to provide partial shade and significant cooling underneath. For complete shade, we can also integrate retractable canopies or shade sails into the design.
Our energy-efficient windows use advanced features like low-E glass coatings, argon gas fills, and premium weatherstripping. These elements minimize heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which significantly reduces the workload on your HVAC system. See our window options.
Energy-efficient windows feature advanced technologies like Low-E glass coatings, argon gas fills between the panes, and insulated frames. These elements work together to block heat from escaping your home during the harsh Illinois winters and prevent UV rays from heating up your home in the summer, drastically reducing the workload on your HVAC system and lowering your utility bills.
Key warning signs include missing, cracked, or severely curling shingles, an excessive amount of roofing granules collecting in your gutters, visible sagging on the roof deck, or water stains appearing on your interior ceilings.
While James Hardie fiber cement boards are inherently thick and insulating, we can pair the installation with premium exterior foam insulation board wrapped around your home before the siding goes up. This creates a superior thermal break, giving you the unmatched durability and curb appeal of James Hardie along with the energy savings of a fully insulated exterior.
We respect your time and property. For most standard residential homes, our experienced roofing crews can complete a full tear-off, structural inspection, and new shingle installation in just 1 to 2 days, making sure the job site is thoroughly cleaned up afterward.
While timelines vary based on the size of the project, a standard home window replacement typically takes 1 to 2 days once the custom-manufactured windows arrive. We prioritize minimizing disruption to your daily routine. Check out our window options here.
Depending on the size, complexity, and whether it is a single or multi-level design, most custom deck installations take about 1 to 2 weeks of active construction, following the initial design and permitting phases.
For most standard residential projects, our professional crews can complete a full-home window replacement in just 1 to 2 days. We focus on working efficiently and cleanly, replacing one window at a time to ensure your home is never left exposed to the elements overnight.
Portico costs vary based on size, design, materials, and structural requirements. Most homeowners can expect to invest $8,000 to $20,000+ installed. We provide detailed, no-obligation estimates to help you design the right fit for your home and budget.
Replacement window costs vary based on size, style, materials, and installation conditions. Most homeowners can expect to invest $1,000 to $2,000+ per window installed. We provide detailed, no-obligation estimates to help you find the best fit for your home and budget.
Front door costs vary based on material, size, glass options, and installation complexity. Most homeowners can expect to invest $3,000 to $8,000+ installed. We provide detailed, no-obligation estimates to help you find the best fit for your home and budget.
Siding costs vary based on material, home size, design complexity, and trim details. Most homeowners can expect to invest $25,000 to $60,000+ for a full replacement. We provide detailed, no-obligation estimates to help you find the best fit for your home and budget.
Yes. High-quality insulated siding is designed to withstand the elements without the need for constant upkeep. It won’t rot, warp, or require scraping and repainting like traditional wood exteriors. Typically, an occasional gentle wash with a garden hose is all it takes to keep it looking brand new.
Sliding doors are ideal for saving space since they do not require room to swing open, making them perfect for tighter patios. French doors offer a classic, elegant aesthetic and allow for a wider opening when both doors are active. Both options feature highly energy-efficient, weather-tight seals.
Common signs include drafts, difficulty opening or closing the window, condensation between the glass panes, and noticeably higher heating or cooling bills. If your windows are over 15-20 years old, it is usually a good time to consider an upgrade. See our window options here.
Common signs that it is time for a window replacement include feeling drafts near the window, seeing condensation or fog trapped between the glass panes, difficulty opening or closing the sashes, noticeable decay or water damage around the frames, and unexpected spikes in your monthly heating and cooling bills.
The “best” material depends on your specific needs, but fiberglass is currently the top choice for most homeowners. Fiberglass doors offer the beautiful, textured look of real wood but will never warp, rot, or rust. They are highly energy-efficient, incredibly durable against extreme weather, and require very little maintenance compared to traditional wood or steel doors.
Traditional hollow-back siding provides a beautiful exterior but relies entirely on your home’s existing wall insulation. Insulated siding features a rigid foam backing that is permanently fused to the panel. This adds an extra blanket of thermal protection (increasing your home’s R-value), improves impact resistance, and helps dampen outside noise.
Insulated siding features a rigid foam backing permanently fused to the panel. This adds significant strength, improves impact resistance, and provides an extra layer of thermal insulation (R-value) around your home’s exterior that traditional hollow siding lacks. See our insulated siding gallery.
Traditional wood offers a beautiful, natural aesthetic but requires regular maintenance, including power washing, staining, and sealing. Composite decking is engineered for extreme durability and is practically maintenance-free. It won’t splinter, rot, or fade, and only requires an occasional cleaning with soap and water.
We highly recommend low-maintenance materials like premium vinyl or composite. These materials offer the classic look of a painted wood structure but will never rot, warp, or require repainting, holding up perfectly to hot summers and freezing winters.
Each has its benefits. Fiberglass is highly durable, resists denting, and can beautifully mimic the look of real wood without the maintenance. Steel offers the highest level of security and is very cost-effective. Wood provides a classic, premium aesthetic but requires the most upkeep. We can help you choose the best fit for your entryway and budget. Check out our gallery of doors.
James Hardie is the gold standard for premium exterior siding. It is engineered specifically to withstand our Midwest climate, resisting damage from freezing temperatures, moisture, and high winds. It is also non-combustible, impervious to pests like woodpeckers and termites, and holds its baked-on color beautifully for years.
Absolutely. We design and build custom porticos tailored to your home’s unique architecture. From the roofing materials to the columns and trim, we ensure the new addition looks like an original, seamless part of your house. See our gallery of porticos.
Absolutely. A portico should look like it was part of the original architectural design, not an afterthought. We custom-design every portico project to perfectly complement your home’s unique character, seamlessly matching the roof pitch, shingles, trim, and siding materials.
