Mid-Rise Condo Window Replacement

If you have recently purchased or currently own a commercial building, you may be looking for condo or mid rise window replacements. This can be a very overwhelming task with so many options available, the financial investment, and potential tenant disruption.

Reasons to Consider Apartment Building Window Replacement

There are many reasons building owners and property managers should consider starting a mid rise window replacement project. Inefficient commercial windows, especially condo windows,  can account for about 33% of energy loss for buildings. If the windows in your building haven’t been updated in the last 25 years, they are likely greatly contributing to this. Windows that are this old are most often single-pane and have no Low-E Coating installed, which result in a lot of heat loss. Some industry experts believe updating these windows could reduce heating and cooling costs by 10 to 40 percent.

One of the other biggest reasons for Chicago window replacements is the reduced noise levels they can offer. Today’s commercial windows have the ability to reduce noise by as much as 95%. With the dense population and consistently heavy traffic found in Chicago, this is very important for many tenants. Noise reduction has been shown to increase resident satisfaction and allow for higher rent.

Replacing windows in your mid rise building or condo can also update and enhance the appearance of the building, both inside and outside. New, modern windows can instantly make the apartments or offices inside feel lighter and newer. They can also make the exterior of the building look cleaner and more inviting.

Another reason you might be considering apartment building window replacements is for increased functionality. Previously fixed windows can be replaced with operable casement or double-hung windows, for example. This change can make your tenants even more comfortable in the space and make the apartments more marketable.

Finally, new windows will reduce the amount of time you spend dealing with maintenance issues. You can expect to receive less tenant complaints and spend less time on repairing the windows.

AAMA Ratings

AAMA stands for American Architectural Manufacturers Association. This third-party window, door, and skylight performance program has been around since 1962. AAMA gives out ratings for several items, but is a standard for Chicago window replacements. Their ratings offer a way for manufacturers to show that their products meet stringent performance standards. The rating a window or door receives is based on a number of factors. These include structural loading requirement, air infiltration resistance, water penetration resistance, ease of operation, and resistance to forced entry. 

A window or door product with AAMA certification shows that it has held up to one of the highest standards of performance in the industry. You can be sure that all of the products recommended by American Thermal Window either meet or exceed AAMA requirements.

Chicago Window Replacement Options

There are many different brands available to choose from when looking for a condo window replacement. Some architects and designers may use traditional residential windows for mid rise projects, and others may use commercial windows.

Below are four of our favorite apartment building window replacement options and some details about them. The best part is that each of these companies and their products are made in the USA.

Marvin Elevate Windows

Marvin is one of the industry leaders in fiberglass windows, which tend to outlast vinyl windows by 38%. The fiberglass used for Marvin’s windows is eight times stronger than vinyl and three times stronger than vinyl and wood composites. A recent survey of 1,000 builders found Marvin to be the “Highest Quality Window” in the wood and fiberglass categories. This is the fifth year in a row they received this recognition.

The Marvin Elevate collection has numerous options when it comes to style, hardware, and installation. This line features warm wood interiors and resilient fiberglass to keep it beautiful and strong even in the harshest weather conditions. In addition, this collection is backed by a 10-year warranty on manufacturing materials and workmanship and a 20-year warranty on the glass.

Available styles suitable for mid rise window replacement:

• Double hung
• Casement
• Awning

This line of windows is also available in different door styles as well. This includes sliding French doors, sliding patio doors, and swinging French doors.

Quaker M600 Architectural Windows

Quaker is another window company that has a proven track record of making high quality windows. They are one of only a few companies that produces wood, vinyl, and aluminium door and window solutions.

The M600 Aluminum Architectural Series of Windows is perfect for a number of applications.  This includes multi-family, office, and hotel applications. This series of windows have been designed to incorporate structural integrity, durability, design flexibility and energy efficiency.

Aluminum windows aren’t usually known for their thermal performance. However, this line of windows and doors has been designed to achieve as much as 20% better thermal performance than older generation aluminum windows. 

This series of windows is available in the following styles, with the following benefits:

• Casement: features larger vents and narrow sightlines; also hosts interior storm panels that help create the highest amount of sound control
• Projected: allows fresh air in while the vent keeps precipitation out; multi-point locking system for ease of operation and increased safety; available in crank out or push out styles
• Fixed: seamless look works well with modern architecture; extended sizes and narrow sightlines allow for larger viewing area
• Sliding Glass Door: modern architectural design with unlimited color options; tested and certified to meet the toughest standards for heavy rain, strong wind, extreme temperatures, and continuous in-and-out use.
• Terrace Door: offers superior structural, operational, and thermal performance compared to other terrace door systems; ADA adaptable; can be made for exterior or interior use

Wojan Windows

Wojan has been around for over 65 years, focusing on custom commercial aluminum windows and doors. Their products are approved for both commercial and architectural applications.

Wojan also offers numerous window options suitable for mid rise window replacements. The following lines are available in a variety of styles. This includes sliding glass doors, double hung tilt-in, single-hung side load slider and fixed, hopper, awning, casement, and fixed.

Wojan has three different series suitable for a mid rise window replacement:

• M-950 Series: features a deep, 3 ¼” frame; high performing product with design flexibility and a variety of installation systems
• 4500/4600 Series: features an interior glazed design for easy glass replacement; slimmer frame of projected windows
• 2500/2600 Series: durable, well-performing line of sliding glass doors; incorporates the newest technologies and engineering for high traffic buildings.

Crystal Windows

Crystal windows have been made in the USA for thirty years. They offer both aluminum and vinyl replacement windows. Their wide range of products offer solutions that enhance sustainable designs.

Crystal’s aluminum windows are available in the following styles:

• Double hung
• Picture/Fixed
• Projected/Casement
• Sliders

In addition, each of these windows is available in over sixteen attractive colors to match any building’s style.

Crystal’s vinyl windows are available in the following styles: 

• Double hung
• Picture/Fixed
• Projected/Casement
• Sliders

American Thermal Window

American Thermal Window has been a leader for Chicago window products for over 35 years. We are Chicago’s top-rated window and door company and serve all of Chicagoland. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff can assist you in your condo or mid rise window replacement process. Whether you know what you want or are looking for recommendations, we are here to help!