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​​If you’ve been putting off a window replacement, you might want to look at your calendar—and your energy bill. In the home improvement world, 2026 has brought a "perfect storm" of factors that are driving window prices upward across Illinois.

While the new 2026 Illinois Energy Codes tell you that you need efficiency, they don't tell you which material will actually hold up when the temperature swings 50 degrees in a single day.

If you’ve noticed a draft while sitting near your windows this winter, you aren’t just losing comfort—you’re likely losing money under the new 2026 Illinois Energy Codes.

The 2026 Solar-Ready Roof: Is Your Home Prepared for Illinois’ New Energy Mandates? Are you ready for the 2026 Illinois Solar Mandates?

It’s 10:00 PM on a Tuesday in January. The temperature is hovering at -5°F, and you just noticed a dark, damp spot forming on your bedroom ceiling. You look outside and see a wall of ice two inches thick hanging off your gutters. You have an ice dam emergency.

In 2026, a roof that “looks okay” might not be enough to protect your home—or your wallet. While the core signs of a failing roof haven't changed, the insurance and financial landscape in Illinois has shifted dramatically.

Searching for "what are Class 4 shingles?" Here is the quick answer: A Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingle is the highest durability rating available for residential roofing, certified to withstand the impact of a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking.

Here is the short answer: After a storm, you should generally call a local, trusted contractor for an inspection before filing an insurance claim.

If you are reading this because water is currently dripping from your ceiling, here is the short version:If your roof is actively leaking, the first step is to clear the area and place a bucket under the drip.