Frequently Asked Questions

Most siding replacement projects take about 2 weeks. Repairs are typically completed in 1 day.

Alside ASCEND composite is our top recommendation – fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, impact-resistant, and insulated (R-2 value) with a Lifetime Limited Warranty. James Hardie fiber cement is also excellent.

ASCEND offers a realistic wood look with lighter weight and a non-prorated Lifetime Warranty. Hardie is heavier fiber cement with a 30-year track record and ColorPlus® factory finish.

We offer both. We have a dedicated repair crew for siding repairs.

Alside ASCEND (21 colors): Glacier White, Almond, Monterey Sand, Pebble, Canyon Drift, Flagship Brown, Rustic Timber, Dover Gray, Cape Cod Gray, Sterling Gray, Storm, Ageless Slate, Charcoal Smoke, Cast Iron, Laguna Blue, Harbor Blue, Midnight Blue, Riviera Dusk, Mountain Fern, Deep Moss, Fired Brick. James Hardie ColorPlus®: Arctic White, Evening Blue, Mountain Sage, Cobble Stone, Iron Gray, Monterey Taupe, Aged Pewter, Deep Ocean, Countrylane Red, and more. Mastic Quest (30+ colors): White, Almond, Desert Sand, Linen, Wicker, Harbor Grey, Deep Granite, Everest, English Wedgewood, and more.

ASCEND is available in two profiles: 7" Plank and 12" Board & Batten. Both come in Cedar Mill woodgrain texture or a smooth matte texture for a modern-classic look.

ASCEND offers two textures: Cedar Mill (realistic woodgrain) and Smooth (modern matte finish). Both textures are available in all 21 colors and both profiles.

ColorPlus® is Hardie's factory-applied finish with multiple coats baked on for consistent color, UV resistance, and longer-lasting finish compared to field painting. Backed by a 15-Year Limited Finish Warranty.

Mastic Quest offers Double 4", Double 5", and Triple 3" profiles in a wood-grain texture. All profiles available in 30+ colors.

Yes. ASCEND composite siding is Class A fire-rated, the highest rating available. It's also moisture-resistant and impact-resistant.

James Hardie offers a 30-Year Limited Product Warranty and a 15-Year Limited Finish Warranty on ColorPlus® products.

Window replacement typically completes in 1 day. Larger projects may take 2-3 days.

Andersen A-Series with Fibrex® exterior offers the best combination of beauty and durability. For maximum energy efficiency, Lang R5 Triple Pane provides superior insulation.

A-Series features premium wood interiors with Fibrex® exteriors – best for most homeowners. E-Series is Andersen's most customizable line with aluminum-clad exteriors, ideal for unique architectural designs.

We specialize in full window replacement only to ensure a long-lasting, warrantable result.

Double-hung, casement, sliding, bay, picture, and awning windows. All include proper flashing, insulation, and our 5-Year Workmanship Warranty.

Lang R5 is a triple-glazed window upgrade achieving U-0.20 rating for superior energy efficiency. Uses krypton gas fill between panes – krypton is denser than argon, providing better insulation in the thinner gaps of triple-pane glass. Available for double-hungs, casements, sliders, picture windows, bays, bows, garden windows, and patio doors.

A-Series offers pine, oak, maple, and other wood species for interior finish. Factory stain and paint options available.

Fibrex® is Andersen's proprietary composite made from reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer. It's 2x stronger than vinyl, won't rot, and maintains its shape in extreme temperatures.

A-Series exteriors: Black, Dark Bronze, Sandtone, Terratone, Forest Green, Red Rock, White, Silver, and Canvas. E-Series offers unlimited custom exterior colors.

Lang Black Stallion is a modern black vinyl window and patio door line with sleek black frames inside and out. Available in multiple configurations.

Lang R5 Triple Pane achieves U-0.20 rating – among the best in the industry. Triple glazing with krypton gas fill and Low-E coatings significantly reduces heat transfer. Krypton is a premium gas that insulates better than argon, especially in triple-pane configurations.

ProVia entry doors (fiberglass, steel, wood), Andersen patio doors (sliding and hinged), and Andersen 4000 Series storm doors.

Door replacement typically completes in 1 day.

ProVia fiberglass entry doors – they resist warping and cracking in extreme temperatures, offer excellent security, and come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Yes. We install Andersen 4000 Series storm doors including full-view, ventilating, and retractable screen options.

We specialize in full door replacement only to ensure proper sealing and a warrantable result.

Reinforced corner brackets for long-lasting operation, double weatherstripping, keyed deadbolt locks, Low-E glass option (29% more efficient), Quick Change system to swap glass and screen in under a minute, and a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

ProVia offers Signet fiberglass (premium woodgrain), Embarq fiberglass (smooth or textured), Legacy steel, and solid wood doors. Multiple panel designs, glass options, and hardware finishes.

ProVia offers decorative glass, clear glass, privacy glass, and Low-E insulated glass. Multiple patterns and textures available.

Andersen sliding patio doors (Narroline, Frenchwood, 200 Series) and hinged French patio doors. Lang also offers sliding patio doors with R5 Triple Pane option.

ProVia entry doors include a Limited Lifetime Warranty covering materials and workmanship for as long as you own your home.

Yes. ProVia offers custom sizing for entry doors to fit non-standard openings. Custom configurations available.

Gutter replacement typically takes 1-2 days. We fabricate seamless gutters on-site.

Seamless aluminum gutters with ShurFlo guards are our top recommendation. We also offer box style gutters.

Yes. We install ShurFlo and HydroFlo gutter guards. ShurFlo uses a perforated aluminum surface-tension design that sheds debris while allowing rainwater to enter.

We only clean gutters when installing gutter guards. We do not offer standalone gutter cleaning services.

K-Style, Half-Round, and Box Style gutters in seamless aluminum. Colors available to match your home.

ShurFlo is a low-profile perforated aluminum guard that installs on top of your gutter with no roof penetration. Surface-tension design sheds leaves and debris while allowing rainwater to flow in.

Both are quality gutter guards. ShurFlo uses perforated aluminum with surface-tension design. HydroFlo is an alternative guard option. Both prevent clogs and reduce maintenance.

Standard 5" and 6" K-Style gutters. 6" recommended for larger roofs or heavy rainfall areas. Box style available for commercial or historic applications.

Yes. Seamless gutters are fabricated on-site to exact measurements, eliminating leak-prone seams. They're more durable and require less maintenance than sectional gutters.

Aluminum gutters available in multiple colors to match your home's trim, fascia, or siding. Common options include white, brown, black, bronze, and custom colors.

Yes. ShurFlo is designed to handle heavy rainfall. The perforated surface-tension design allows high water volume while shedding debris.

Soffit and fascia replacement typically takes 1-3 days depending on home size.

We install aluminum fascia only – no vinyl fascia. Aluminum is more durable in Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles.

They protect your roofline from moisture, pests, and weather damage while providing essential attic ventilation.

Yes. We have a dedicated repair crew. We also inspect for and repair hidden wood rot during replacement projects.

Removal of old materials, wood rot inspection and repair, aluminum soffit and fascia installation, and cleanup. Vented soffit options available.

Triple 4", Double 6", and Quad 4" profiles in solid, center-vented, or full-vented configurations. Vented soffit provides 4.4–13.2 sq/in per sq/ft of ventilation to keep attics cool and prevent condensation.

Vented soffit has perforations that allow air to flow into your attic, providing essential ventilation. Options include center-vented (middle strip) and full-vented (entire panel perforated).

Aluminum fascia is more durable, handles Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles better, doesn't warp or crack, and provides a cleaner finished look. We do not install vinyl fascia.

Aluminum soffit and fascia available in multiple colors including white, almond, brown, black, bronze, and colors to match your home's exterior.

Yes. During every soffit and fascia replacement, we inspect the underlying wood structure and repair any rot before installing new materials.

Ply Gem offers aluminum trim, soffit, fascia, gutters, and downspouts. We use Ply Gem products for a complete, coordinated exterior finish.

Most deck replacements take about 2 weeks.

Trex Transcend Lineage – premium composite decking that won't rot, warp, or splinter, never needs staining or sealing, and has a 50-Year Residential Warranty.

Transcend Lineage: Biscayne, Island Mist, Rainier, Hatteras, Jasper, Carmel, Salt Flat. Transcend Tropicals: Havana Gold, Island Mist, Lava Rock, Spiced Rum, Tiki Torch. Transcend Earth Tones: Rope Swing. Select: Pebble Grey, Saddle, Madeira, Winchester Grey.

We specialize in complete deck replacement only. We do not offer deck repairs, painting, or staining.

Trex Signature railing (top recommendation) and Trex Transcend composite railing. Signature offers stainless steel cable, frameless glass infill, square balusters, round balusters, rod rail, mesh infill, and cocktail rail. Transcend offers square composite balusters, round aluminum balusters, and cocktail rail.

Trex Signature is the premium aluminum railing line offering modern infill options: stainless steel cable, frameless glass, square balusters, round balusters, rod rail, mesh, and cocktail rail. Sleek, durable, low-maintenance.

Transcend is Trex's premium line with deeper wood-grain patterns, richer colors, and superior fade/stain resistance. Select is a quality mid-range option with good performance at a lower price point.

Trex Transcend Lineage includes a 50-Year Limited Residential Warranty covering material defects, and a 50-Year Fade & Stain Warranty.

Trex composite decking is designed with slip-resistant surfaces. It performs well in wet conditions compared to smooth wood or PVC decking.

Yes. Trex decking can be used for stair treads. Matching stair nosing and riser boards available for a finished look.

Trex Transcend available in 1"x6" grooved and square-edge boards in 12', 16', and 20' lengths. Fascia boards and picture frame options also available.

Yes. Trex Transcend Lineage features SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology, engineered to be noticeably cooler to the touch than other composite decking of similar colors. While it can still get warm in extreme heat and direct sunlight, it's designed for more comfortable barefoot use on hot days.

A self-regulating heating cable system installed in your gutters to prevent ice dam formation. Activates automatically when temperatures drop.

$400-$600 per hour, with most jobs taking 1-3 hours. We use Arctic Steamer technology that safely melts ice without damaging shingles.

Heat Tape Pro installation is the best prevention. Starting at approximately $1,500.

Yes. Arctic Steamer technology safely melts ice at low pressure without damaging shingles.

Yes. Call (773) 474-8724 for urgent assistance.

Self-regulating cables adjust heat output based on temperature. When it's colder, they produce more heat; when warmer, less heat. This prevents ice buildup while conserving energy.

Heat Tape Pro is installed in gutters, downspouts, and along roof edges where ice dams typically form. Professional installation ensures proper coverage and safe electrical connections.

Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof, melting snow that refreezes at the cold eaves. Poor attic insulation and ventilation are common causes.

Yes. Ice dams can cause water to back up under shingles, leading to roof leaks, ceiling damage, mold, and structural issues. Early removal is important.

Most ice dam removals take 1-3 hours depending on severity. We respond as quickly as possible to emergency calls. Call (773) 474-8724 for urgent service.

ThermaCord is a self-regulating heat cable from Radiant Solutions Company. It adjusts wattage output based on temperature and is used for roof, gutter, and downspout ice prevention applications.

Yes. Financing available through Wisetack with loans from $500-$25,000 and terms up to 60 months.

5-Year Workmanship Warranty on all replacement projects covering installation-related issues.

Alside ASCEND: Lifetime Limited (non-prorated). Trex Transcend Lineage: 50-Year Residential. James Hardie: 30-Year Limited. ProVia doors: Limited Lifetime. Andersen windows: Varies by series.

Yes. Call (773) 474-8724 or fill out our contact form to schedule.

Chicago, Arlington Heights, Barrington, Berwyn, Cicero, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Hinsdale, La Grange, Northbrook, Oak Brook, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Park, Palatine, Palos Park, Schaumburg, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka.

Quick online application with decisions in seconds. Soft credit check to see options without affecting your score. Choose your terms and start your project.

Wisetack works with a range of credit profiles. The best way to know your options is to apply – it only takes a few minutes and uses a soft credit pull.

Yes. There are no prepayment penalties with Wisetack. You can pay off your balance at any time without extra fees.

Our warranty covers any installation-related issues for 5 years at no additional charge. Material defects are covered separately by manufacturer warranties.

Yes. Pulse Exterior is fully licensed and insured for exterior work in Illinois.