New high energy-rated windows available for any type of building

There is literally no building in the Chicago area that can’t be outfitted with new high energy-rated windows.

The list of building types that can now receive such windows is lengthy, according to Iver Johnson Sr., president of American Thermal Window of Chicago and Sahara Window and Doors of Niles, and includes:

• Historic buildings.

• Landmark buildings.

• Churches.

• Industrial buildings.

• Commercial buildings.

• Residences.

• High floor structures.

• Retailers needing riot glass for crime prevention.

Even homeowners who want to retain their vintage windows in older homes may now purchase storm windows endowed with energy glass to keep their heating and air conditioning costs low, Johnson said.

“Obviously, the windows and doors that you put into a vintage Victorian home would be different from those you would choose for a modern home or condo, church or factory. Hints about all of that can be found on our website and once you have done some initial online shopping, we will be happy to send a product representative out to show you our range of options in person,” Johnson said.

And the choices are vast. For instance, those with a very sleek, clean and modern look may now choose City Line Windows with OptiCore technology, which are made in the United States, his partner, Iver Johnson Jr., said.

“Owners and builders of green buildings, as well as those who want to maximize their viewing areas using floor-to-ceiling windows with very thin, dark lines in their office buildings, high-end homes and condominium buildings, are gravitating to this cutting-edge line of high-efficiency windows and doors, particularly in Lincoln Park, on the North Shore and in places like Barrington,” Iver Johnson Jr. stated.

“They offer a very dramatic look, come in customizable shapes and sizes and can withstand the wind pressure found on high floors,” he continued. “But since they sell for price points like upscale products like Marvin or Pella, they are not for every home.”

In addition to City Line, American Thermal/Sahara offers nine other window lines (including Marvin, Pella, Andersen and European “tilt and turn” windows), 58 different door styles with 36 standard paint and stain combinations and more than 200 custom glass options. Custom colors are also possible.

Ultramodern painted wood or fiberglass exterior doors with large art glass inserts have also been the choice of many who want to replace older doors with glass ovals and rectangles. They come in 40 standard paint colors and custom colors can also be mixed.

American Thermal/Sahara is also able to enlarge a standard window opening and replace it with a patio door, if that is what you are seeking.

Iver Johnson Sr. emphasized that eye-catching bay, picture and other specialty windows add personality to a home while also keeping the interior of the home comfortable and saving the owner money.

“Window manufacturers are continually upgrading their products,” he said. “Today’s windows, which are generally available in fiberglass, wood, vinyl and aluminum, have much higher energy ratings than those being replaced, of course, so they save on heating and cooling costs. Fiberglass has become especially popular and is taking a lot of market share because it is stronger and more substantial than the other materials.”

When it comes to outside doors, fiberglass is a common modern choice because it is very durable, he continued, but his stores also offer nationally recognized Simpson Doors that are made of solid oak, birch, cherry, poplar and other woods, produced in America. Doors that must be fire-rated, however, (like those between a garage and a home) must be metal and the showrooms also sell those.

He also cautioned that homeowners shopping for replacement windows and doors need to do their homework before choosing someone to supply those new windows and doors (no matter the brand) and then install them. When you contract with a company it should have a long track record and high standing on rating services like the Better Business Bureau, Google and Yelp like American Thermal/Sahara does, he said.

Most of Johnson’s installation crews are employed directly by American Thermal/Sahara, although specialists are sometimes brought in for certain jobs. All are factory-trained and held to exacting standards. They always arrive in company trucks and the average installer has a minimum of 14 years of experience, he continued.

It also bears noting that Sahara and American Thermal have a good following with condominium and townhouse associations because they are willing to attend association meetings at no charge and offer a wide variety of fire-rated windows and doors for mid- to high-rise residential buildings and commercial properties.

The American Thermal Window showroom is located at 5304 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago and the Sahara Window and Doors showroom is located at 6619 W. Jarvis in Niles.

For an appointment, call (847) 259-9099 or (773) 774-3131, visit www.americanthermalwindow.com or www.saharawindowanddoors.com.