Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about replacement windows, doors, siding, or working with Schmidt Exteriors? Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions we hear most often from homeowners throughout Naperville, Aurora, the western suburbs, and surrounding Chicagoland communities.

About Schmidt Exteriors

What services does Schmidt Exteriors provide?

Schmidt Exteriors specializes in professional window replacement, door replacement, and siding installation. We help homeowners improve the appearance, comfort, energy efficiency, and value of their homes with quality products and professional installation.

How long has Schmidt Exteriors been in business?

Schmidt Exteriors has been serving Chicagoland homeowners since 1976. In 2026, we are proud to celebrate 50 years of providing professional window, door, and siding installation to our local communities.

What areas does Schmidt Exteriors serve?

Schmidt Exteriors is based in Aurora, Illinois, and serves homeowners throughout Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Geneva, St. Charles, Carol Stream, Oak Park, the Fox Valley, and many surrounding Chicago suburbs.

If you’re unsure whether your home is within our service area, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

What brands does Schmidt Exteriors install?

We work with leading manufacturers of windows, doors, and siding, including Pella, Marvin, Andersen, Polaris, James Hardie, LP SmartSide, Mastic, Therma-Tru, and Albany.

Our team can help you compare products and choose the best option based on your home’s style, performance needs, and budget.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes. Schmidt Exteriors offers free consultations and estimates for window, door, and siding projects. We’ll discuss your project, review available options, answer your questions, and help you determine the right solution for your home.

Replacement Windows

How do I know when it’s time to replace my windows?

Common signs that your windows may need replacement include drafts, difficulty opening or closing, condensation between panes of glass, damaged or deteriorating frames, excessive outside noise, and noticeable changes in indoor comfort.

Older windows may also be less energy efficient than today’s products. Our team can evaluate your existing windows and help determine whether replacement is the right choice.

Can replacement windows help reduce drafts?

Yes, properly selected and professionally installed replacement windows can significantly reduce drafts. However, the quality of the installation is just as important as the window itself.

Proper measurement, insulation, sealing, and installation around the window opening all contribute to the window’s overall performance.

What causes condensation on windows?

Condensation can occur when warm, humid indoor air comes into contact with a colder glass surface. Some interior condensation can be related to indoor humidity levels and does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the window.

However, condensation or fogging that appears between the panes of insulated glass can indicate that the window’s seal has failed and may be a sign that repair or replacement should be considered.

What types of replacement windows are available?

Replacement windows are available in several materials, including vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and clad-wood. Each offers different benefits in terms of appearance, maintenance, durability, energy efficiency, and price.

Schmidt Exteriors installs windows from trusted manufacturers and can help you compare your options to find the best fit for your home.

Are vinyl windows a good choice?

Vinyl windows can be an excellent option for homeowners looking for a durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective replacement window.

They aren’t the only option, however. Depending on your home’s architecture, budget, and design preferences, wood, fiberglass, or clad windows may be a better choice. We can help you compare the advantages of each.

What is Low-E glass?

Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass has a special coating designed to reduce heat transfer through the glass while still allowing natural light into your home.

Depending on the glass package selected, Low-E technology can help improve energy efficiency, reduce unwanted solar heat gain, and limit UV exposure that can contribute to fading of flooring, furniture, and fabrics.

What makes a window energy efficient?

Several features can contribute to a window’s energy performance, including insulated glass, Low-E coatings, multiple panes of glass, gas fills such as argon, quality frame materials, weatherstripping, and proper installation.

The best window isn’t determined by one feature alone. The entire window system—and how it is installed—matters.

Doors

What types of doors does Schmidt Exteriors install?

Schmidt Exteriors offers replacement entry doors, patio doors, and other door options from trusted manufacturers. We can help you select a door based on your home’s architecture, security needs, energy-efficiency goals, and preferred style.

How do I know when my exterior door needs to be replaced?

Signs that an exterior door may need replacement include drafts, difficulty opening or closing, visible deterioration, damaged frames, moisture problems, poor insulation, or an outdated appearance.

A new door can improve your home’s curb appeal while also providing better comfort, security, and energy performance.

Siding

How do I know when my siding needs to be replaced?

Signs of aging or damaged siding can include cracks, warping, loose panels, fading, moisture damage, peeling paint, deterioration, or areas where siding has pulled away from the home.

If you’re unsure about the condition of your siding, Schmidt Exteriors can inspect it and discuss whether repair or replacement makes the most sense.

What types of siding does Schmidt Exteriors install?

We install high-quality siding products from leading manufacturers, including James Hardie, LP SmartSide, and Mastic.

Different siding materials offer different advantages in appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost. We’ll help you compare your options and choose a product that works well for your home.

Can new siding improve my home’s energy efficiency?

New siding can contribute to improved home performance, particularly when the project also addresses insulation, house wrap, air sealing, and other components of the exterior wall system.

During your consultation, we can discuss siding and insulation options appropriate for your home.

Installation & Your Project

Who installs Schmidt Exteriors products?

Schmidt Exteriors uses experienced, factory-trained professionals who understand the products they install. Proper installation is an essential part of window, door, and siding performance, which is why workmanship is a major part of our process.

What happens during the installation process?

Every project is different, but our process is designed to make exterior remodeling as straightforward as possible. We begin with a consultation and planning, followed by professional installation. Our team communicates throughout the project, maintains the work area, and completes a final walkthrough when the work is finished.

Does Schmidt Exteriors offer window and door prefinishing?

Yes. Schmidt Exteriors has an in-house paint and stain shop where qualifying windows and doors can be professionally painted or stained before they arrive at your home for installation.

This allows much of the finishing work to be completed in a controlled environment and helps create a consistent, finished appearance.

How long will my project take?

Project timelines depend on the type and size of the project, products selected, product availability, and the scope of installation. During your consultation, we’ll explain the expected timeline for your specific project and keep you informed throughout the process.

Estimates & Getting Started

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy. Contact Schmidt Exteriors to schedule your free estimate. We’ll learn about your project, discuss your goals, review product and design options, and answer your questions.

Whether you’re considering replacement windows, new doors, siding, or a combination of exterior improvements, our team can help you determine the best next step for your home.

Why choose Schmidt Exteriors?

Schmidt Exteriors has been serving Chicagoland homeowners since 1976. Our combination of 50 years of local experience, factory-trained professionals, trusted manufacturers, personalized service, and professional installation allows us to guide homeowners through their projects from initial consultation through final walkthrough.

Have a question we didn’t answer?

Contact Schmidt Exteriors or call 800-499-2100 to speak with our team and schedule your free estimate.