Chicago Double-Hung Windows

Popular Local Trends & Styles

• Energy-Efficient Windows

  Historically, double-hung windows had a single pane of glass. When you’re replacing single-pane windows on an older home, double-pane and triple-pane windows give you more energy efficiency. These energy-efficient windows use multiple panes of glass with insulating gas between the panes to create additional layers of protection from the outside temps. ENERGY STAR® windows are independently certified for their energy-saving features. Look for a U-Factor less than or equal to 0.27 on the label for the most energy efficiency in the Chicago climate.

• Window Muntins Muntins are the strips of material that divide individual panes of glass. They give your window a geometrical grid look, which is why they’re commonly known as window grids or grilles. Window grilles are a popular addition to double-hung windows, enhancing the traditional look of historic homes. Because they are two sashes in double-hung windows, you can have a grille pattern on both sashes or just the top sash.
• Vinyl Windows

  Vinyl windows provide energy efficiency at an affordable price, making them a popular option for double-hung replacement windows in drafty older homes. The sashes on double-hung vinyl windows are fully-welded to help keep air from escaping and entering. When combined with double or triple panes, vinyl replacement windows can provide more energy savings.

• Wood Windows

  Before the invention of vinyl or fiberglass, wood was the material used for windows. Wood window frames have natural insulating properties. Drive through a traditional Chicago neighborhood like Oak Park and you’ll see a lot of wood double-hung windows. Homeowners still love their classic style and choose wood replacement windows to match their home’s existing architecture and decor.

Product Lines

• Architect Series® - Traditional
• Pella® Reserve™ - Traditional
• Pella® Lifestyle Series
• Pella® Impervia®
• Pella® 250 Series
• Encompass by Pella®
• Pella® Defender Series™

Recommended Customizations¹

Chicago homes trend traditional. Homeowners in Addison, River Forest and other older neighborhoods can add window grilles and rustic or classic hardware to double-hung windows to create a style that complements their traditional homes.

Find more customizations here.

¹Not all customizations are available in all Pella product lines.

Chicago Climate Recommendations

The Chicago area experiences extreme heat and cold. In addition to durable materials that can perform in all seasons, additional energy-efficient features are recommended to help keep your home comfortable no matter what it’s like outside.

Why Choose Pella?

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Frequently Asked Questions

•   I need new windows. Where do I start?

  • Buying new windows is not something you do every day. Read our comprehensive guide to the window replacement process to get started on your project.

•   Where can I find current installation instructions for my Pella windows, doors and installation accessories?

  • When installing Pella windows and doors, the instructions need to address each individual wall and/or construction type. Pella's Product Installation Guides and animated installation videos provide specific instructions for multiple installation scenarios. Printed instructions are no longer provided with most Pella products due to the numerous variations in construction types.

    Not able to find the installation instructions you need?  Contact Pella Customer Service at (877) 473-5527 so they can provide the installation instructions you're looking for.

•   How do I apply paint or stain to my Pella wood windows and patio doors?

  • Learn how to paint your wood interior finish, prepare products for finishing, finish removable grilles, select the right paint or stain and more in the Pella Help Library.

•   Which window style best fits my home?

  • The architecture of your home can impact your window choice. Find the right windows to fit the architecture of homes in the Colonial, Cape Cod, Craftsman, Bungalow, Victorian, Contemporary, Spanish or Mediterranean style.

•   How do I choose the right paint or stain for my wood windows?

  • Stained Wood Interior Finish – Pella strongly recommends the use of a good-quality pre-stain wood conditioner before staining Pella windows and patio doors to reduce the possibility of a blotchy-looking, uneven finish. Ask your paint or finishing professional to recommend a pre-stain wood conditioner, a stain and a finishing coat that are compatible.
    
    Painted Wood Interior Finish – The most important consideration to make when choosing your paint is good blocking resistance — the ability of a paint to resist sticking. Failure to use a high-quality paint with good blocking resistance may result in a window or door that sticks shut, even after the paint has dried. Ask your qualified paint professional to recommend a paint with good blocking resistance. Don't simply rely on a paint's price or brand name in making your selection. Expensive paint may not necessarily offer good blocking resistance. Also, ask your paint professional to recommend a wood primer and paint that are compatible and whether sanding is required between coats of paint.

    Explore the factory pre-finish options available for Pella's wood products.

•   How do I clean my Pella windows and patio doors? What can I use to clean them?

  • Clean the interior and exterior frame surfaces with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Stubborn stains and deposits may be removed with mineral spirits. Or Pine-Sol® can be applied with a clean, dry cloth or towel. Do not use abrasives. Do not scrape or use tools that might damage the surface. Should you need it, touch-up paint is available at the Pella Window and Door Showroom nearest you.

    Clean the window sill using the brush attachment on a vacuum and vacuum off any debris.

    It is normal for water to accumulate in the sill and track. On products with weep holes, the water is intended to drain to the outside via the drainage or "weep" holes.

    • To clean the weep (drainage) system, check to make sure that the weep holes are clear of obstruction (dirt, sand, or building materials).
    • To clean the weep holes, use a small, soft brush to clear the opening. Weep holes may be located both inside and outside the window in the bottom of the frame. If the window is "stacked," there may be weep holes between the units.

    WARNINGS:

    • Do not use abrasive or caustic solvents as they may damage your windows or patio doors.
    • Do not scrape or use tools that might damage the surface. 
    • Do not power-wash.

    Review the Cleaning section of the Pella Window and Patio Door Owner's Manual for additional details about how to properly clean your Pella windows and patio doors.

•   How do I clean and restore shine to the handles and hardware on my windows and doors?

  • A soft cloth and mild cleaner may be used on most Pella hardware finishes. 

    Living finish Oil-Rubbed Bronze hardware will develop its own unique patina with use, care and handling. Simply wipe the hardware with a soft cloth so as not to damage the finish. The changing of color on the hardware is not a warranty issue.

    The solid brass hardware used on some previous vintages of Pella wood hinged (French) patio doors has a clear protective coating to prevent tarnishing. Download instructions to care for solid brass hardware.

    For additional information about how to properly care for your Pella windows and doors, refer to the Cleaning section of the Pella Window and Patio Door Owner's Manual.  

    For further assistance, submit a request to Pella Corporation's customer support team or call (877)-473-5527.

•   How do I choose the type of glass for my Pella windows and doors?

  • Choosing the right glass can make a big difference in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Pella's InsulShield Low-E Glass Collection offers our most innovative and energy-saving choices — and is designed to meet a variety of specific needs. Whatever your climate, we make it easy to choose the glass that's just right for you.
    
    Pella offers the energy-efficient options that will meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® certification in all 50 states. Some Pella products may not meet ENERGY STAR certification in all 50 states. Learn more about Pella's energy efficient glass options.

•   What type of glass is energy efficient?

  • Choosing the right glass for your products is an important decision. No matter where you live, Pella offers you the right options. Learn more about the innovative energy-saving glass options available from Pella, each designed for specific climates.

•   What is ENERGY STAR®?

  • ENERGY STAR is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. Pella's commitment to ENERGY STAR extends to product design, testing, consumer education, sales, marketing, public outreach, product labeling, specification development and training.

•   Why should I choose energy-efficient windows?

  • Choosing energy efficient windows is one of the most important considerations to realize a good return on investment for a window replacement. But there are a lot of factors, including proper installation, window material, and glass type that will eventually determine how much improved thermal performance and comfort you’ll see in your home. Learn more.

•   What makes Pella’s windows energy efficient?

  • Pella provides top energy-saving glass and exceeds the standards for energy efficiency. Learn more about how Pella creates advanced energy efficient windows.

•   How can I save money when replacing windows?

  • If you're wondering whether replacement windows are worthwhile, consider all the ways they can save you money. Benefits from tax credits and rebates, energy savings, improving the resale value of your home, less time and money spent on maintenance and convenient cleaning are among the chief reasons to replace your windows. Learn more.

•   What are the benefits of replacing my windows?

  • Energy efficiency, reduced noise and curb appeal are chief among the key benefits of replacing your windows. Learn more about how replacement windows can represent an investment in your home.