Q&A with Doug Sexauer and Mike Popowicz of Evergreen Door & Window
Replacing windows or doors isn’t something most homeowners do often — but when it’s time, the stakes are high. A bad install can lead to drafts, leaks, rot, and expensive repairs down the line. And with so many deals, discounts, and sales tactics in the market, it’s not always easy to know what questions to ask — or who to trust.
We sat down with Doug Sexauer owner of Evergreen Door & Window, and Mike Popowicz, a second-generation installer who now runs all of Evergreen’s job sites. Together, they’ve got decades of experience — and a clear-eyed view of what really matters when it comes to hiring the right company to handle your project.
Q: What should people know before they hire someone to replace their windows or doors?
Doug: Three things really matter: who’s installing it, what product you’re getting, and whether the company stands behind it.
We use our own dedicated crews — window guys who only do windows, door guys who only do doors. That level of focus makes a difference.
Second, we only use high-quality products. For example, most customers tend to choose a vinyl window replacement. Some vinyl windows are built to last 50 years. Some won’t make it five. We won’t install anything we wouldn’t put in our own homes.
And third, you want a company that’s going to be around. We’ve been in business over 60 years. That history matters when you need support later on.
Q: What’s something homeowners tend to underestimate?
Mike: How important the install is. You can buy a great door or window, but if it’s not set right, you’ll end up with problems. I’ve seen doors that look fine at first — until they start sticking or showing daylight after a few months.
We make appropriate adjustments during install to account for settling over time. If you skip that, the door wears unevenly. Things start dragging or sagging. It doesn’t take long to notice.
Q: Does that mean custom doors are usually better?
Mike: For most homes around the Chicago area, yeah. Standard doors often don’t fit right without modifying the opening. That can look off — like it doesn’t belong.
We order custom sizes to match the house. When it’s done right, it looks like the door’s always been there. That’s the goal.
Q: What are some signs that it’s time to replace a door or window?
Mike: If you feel a draft, see daylight, or notice frost on the inside — that’s usually a sign. If the hardware’s not working, or if the door feels loose in the frame, something’s shifting.
Water’s another big one. If moisture starts getting in, you might not see the damage right away. But over time, it can rot the frame, the sash — and if it spreads, the whole unit may need to come out.
Q: What happens if someone waits too long to replace a failing window?
Doug: The scope of the job changes. If the frame is still solid, we can do an insert replacement. That’s easier and less invasive. But if the rot spreads to the frame, we have to do a full tear-out — that means reframing, retrimming, and more labor.
It’s kind of like brakes on a car. Replace the pads early and it’s simple. Wait too long, and now you’re replacing the rotors too. A more expensive job.
Q: Some companies advertise big discounts — 40% off, free installation, limited-time offers. Why doesn’t Evergreen do that?
Doug: Because that’s not really how we operate. A lot of those companies are sales operations first — they build the price up just so they can offer a steep discount. We’re a door and window company. We focus on the install, the product, and making sure it lasts. So we give a fair price upfront. No games, no pressure. Just the real number for the work that needs to be done.
Q: There’s been talk about tariffs on imported building materials. Could that affect prices?
Doug: It’s possible. Tariffs usually hit suppliers and manufacturers first, but those costs often work their way down. We’re already seeing some volatility in materials like aluminum and glass.
That said, we try to plan ahead. We work with reliable vendors, and we’re upfront if prices shift. What we won’t do is cut corners to absorb it. If our costs go up, it’s because the materials cost more — not because we’re padding the numbers.
Evergreen Door & Window, a proud sponsor of Southwest Regional Publishing and the NewsHound newsletters, is a family-owned business serving the Chicagoland community for over 50 years.
For more than 60 years, Evergreen Door & Window has provided quality exterior remodeling services in the Chicagoland area. It’s why homeowners trust us with their home improvement projects.