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February 24, 2006
Pella Windows
I received a quote recently from Bayridge Windows, for both Marvin and Pella windows. The quotes were virtually the same, (maybe off by 100 dollars or so). The Pella windows were from the Architect Series. Does this sound right? I thought Pella was less costly than Marvin.
Comments
you should try to get a quote directly from Pella. they have an office on W. 18th St & 6th Ave. maybe the difference is in the mark up for going through Bay Ridge Windows.
Posted by: Anonymous at February 24, 2006 11:28 AM
We have not been pleased with the wood, landmark-conforming Pella windows we used. The aluminum ones have been great though.
Posted by: Brownstoner at February 24, 2006 12:52 PM
did you use the EX (with plastic jamb liner) or LX (wood jamb liner) series ?
Posted by: Anonymous at February 25, 2006 2:57 PM
I have actively been pricing Pella vs Marvin windows and I do believe Pella should be slightly less expensive. The architect series offers the wood jamb liner. If you need an oversized opening you have to go to monumental series, which has a vinyl jamb liner in only white or charcoal. however, my contractor notified me that the vinyl jamb liner can be painted. the problem with mixing series on one side of the house is that monumental requires a larger sash size so from the street you might see slightly more clading (less glass) then your architectural series windows. It seemed that Marvin only offered a square aluminum clad brick mold casing whereas Pella has a few profiles that are more traditional (rounded). My contractor came back and told me that Marvin was 22K and that Pella was 24K. I had a friend in the Pella company price the order for me out of PA and so I knew that this pricing was off. Turns out his distributor priced ALL monumental series. I think they are just accustomed to dealing with Marvin better so I had to educate both persons on the Pella line. We are going to go with Pella. PS - This month or next, Pella is coming out with the oversized opening window in the architectural series. If you can wait, then glass size will not be an issue.
Posted by: Anonymous at February 26, 2006 3:37 PM
PS - the price my contractor gave me could have also come from Bay Ridge windows. Maybe you need to educate them too. I met with Pella on W 18th and they were very friendly and informative.
Posted by: Anonymous at February 26, 2006 3:39 PM
'Stoner, We're still undecided about Marvin v Pella v Bonneville for our final round of replacement windows. What is it you don't like about the Pellas?
Posted by: Roz at February 28, 2006 12:53 PM
Well, we got them when they had just made some modifications to the line and we had some problems with them shutting tightly enough, closing all the way to lock, etc. And the wooden windows certainly are a lot draftier than the aluminum ones, but that may be the case regardless of brand...We may have gotten a lower-end model because they were about half the price of the Marvins so it may not be the same comparison you're making...
Posted by: Brownstoner at February 28, 2006 3:42 PM
I have been pricing windows and calling companies for weeks now, and trying to save some money and still have a reliable and nice window. I have had many meetings with sales people secretaries and installers, and so far the only person that has listened to me completely, and measured windows like he cared about the result and with confidence that it would be right is Bill from EZ tilt. So we have decided to go with them, even if it means cutting costs somewhere else.
Posted by: anon at March 1, 2006 12:54 PM
Anon, 12:54pm -- Thanks for your comment. We used EZ Tilt for our front parlor windows where we decided it was worth splurging. We couldn't have been happier with Bill and his team or with the Marvin windows themselves. I was hoping to save some money on the remaining windows we need but maybe we should just find a way to stretch and get more Marvins.
Posted by: Roz at March 1, 2006 1:06 PM
Pella Architect Series windows will all but eliminate the need for Monumental Hung windows. Formerly the cross over for Pella from Architect Series DH to monumental hung was 82 inches, they are expanding into 96 inches. This will result in a decrease in price of over 33%. Both wood and vynil jambliners will be available in the new sizes also.
If anyone is interested in having an estimate done please contact me. I am the Pella replacement agent for Brooklyn/Queens.
Posted by: Jasonlutzpella@aol.com at March 2, 2006 1:35 PM
The window store on 18 ave is not Pella. Its a independent contractor just like Bay Ridge. Pella has two showrooms, both in Nassau County. Elmont and Hicksville. Elmont would be the closest to Brooklyn. You can call them for estimates at 516 616-6533.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 16, 2006 8:13 PM
I have a house full of Pella casement ProLines - nothing but troubles. First, the seal can only adjust to +/- 1/8 inch in flatness variation. Over time the seals are no longer effective and we have lady bugs come in by the hundreds. Second, the outer lip seal on the window doesn't seal and allows bugs to nest between the frame and the window. Third, the windows need to be painted around the wood frame between the seals. Pella added intermediate tabs to try to grab the windows in the middle to help the bow, but little improvement. Their solution to the nesting bugs was to rub peppermint oil? At least I smelled nice for a bit! I just had a kid toss a snowball thru my fixed pane garage window - get ready it was $665 for replacement glass and $650 to come to the house and install the 2 windows. I'm going to try and remove the frames and replace with single pane. I would not do Pella Pro Lines - they are not good.
Posted by: keith at March 20, 2006 8:58 PM
Pella sucks totally. We have have a modern house with 52 Pella windows Architect series. In the last 12 years they have been ruting away. The water keeps coming in from the seal and the wooden frame rats away. We have replaced 5 so far and I just found out another one is falling apart.
This total horrable design in terms for quality. I would not recommend Pella Windows to anyone.
g
Posted by: Anonymous at June 26, 2006 11:21 AM
I just installed 15 Pella replacement windows and none of them close properly. One of there techs came out and said I installed them correctly. He said the sashes should be as tight as they are so you get a proper seal. I have installed a few different types of windows and have never had problems like with the Pella. The sashes do not line up when they are closed. Some windows there is a quarter of an inch difference and you have to force the sashes to line up. When they do and you can finally turn the locks, the sashes bow. The tech said that is not a problem... I have been fighting with them to get me properly fitting windows with no luck. They just suck.
Posted by: JJ at July 17, 2006 8:47 AM
We built a new home in '93. The contractor installed Pella Pro series. Nothing special, but never saw a salesman, never had a walk through by the salesman and what id worst is the service...here in South Texas, (San Antonio area)
you seem to be at their convenience. They don't care, Pella Corp. don't care...go buy another product. Screw 'em!!
Posted by: Pella does Suck at August 9, 2006 11:12 AM
I would strongly suggest any window other than Pella. My first hand experience with their customerr service for rotting wood has been the most frustrating experience I ever had with a manufacturer. Even worse than some automobile companies whom I had thought were the worst.
Service after the sale is non-existent and I defy anyone to get a response from them, this applies all the way to the top.
JR
Posted by: JR at September 25, 2006 8:54 AM
I will ditto the negative Pella sentiments. All Brand did Pella for me and it is proving to be the worst experience to date. The windows are flimsy and loose, and the installation could have been better if I hired crack addicted day workers to do it.
Posted by: Wess at October 2, 2006 11:41 PM
I've been trying to get PELLA to come out for an estimate for over 4 months now. You can contact them online or you can directly call your local store (who will insist that they have to got thru their "main office"). You will NEVER HEAR FROM ANYONE! THEY ARE TRULY, INCREDIBLY IDIOTIC! HOW DO THEY STAY IN BUSINESS? As a doctor, I'd be sued for malpractice over & over if I did business this way. WHAT A RACKET PELLA HAS GOING!
Posted by: Maria M. at October 4, 2006 3:37 PM
i'm glad to hear that people are finally talking out about how bad pella windows are. why would anyone buy their crap! I service many types of windows, but when i get a call for Pella service I turn it down immediately.
Posted by: Anonymous at October 19, 2006 4:29 PM
I just moved into a house with double hung Pella windows that were installed less than 2 years ago by an authorized installer. These are the wooden retrofit types for installation into existing openings.
I think they are TERRIBLE. The installation itself was questionable - there are draughts coming in from around their perimiters, some of the frames were installed badly off the vertical and the replacement of the trim was just shoddy.
Apart from the installation problems the plastic jamb/side seal/guide between the parts that open and the window frame allows draughts through. Also the crappy plastic seal at the bottom of many of the windows has started to curl up or fall off, preventing them from closing properly and leading to more draughts...
I don't know what alternative to recommend but I certainly would avoid Pella...
Posted by: Anonymous at October 30, 2006 1:19 PM
I am currently and soon to no longer be a sales rep for a Pella distributor. Each area of the country has its own independent distributor, aside from Lowes. I can say this much- The windows have too many working parts and that just means trouble down the road. Recently, the windows were re-designed (all series) and man, everything is f'd up. To top it off, service from every distributor, especially the one I work for is atrocious. Most of these corporations treat their employees and customers like crap. Ive been in the construction business for some years, so here are my recommendations for a wood window - Colby and Jeld-wen. Prices are reasonable and the product is very good. Marvin oofers a nice product, but a little pricey and tough to get serviced (in my experience). Pella sucks.
Posted by: disgruntled at November 2, 2006 9:01 PM
I've worked for Pella since 1977, both inside and in sales. I've made many trips to the factory and spoken with engineers and designers as well as management.
Though I did leave for a competitor a couple of years ago (unpleasant experience) I've returned to the company that makes the best product of it's kind in the industry.
Pride of the people on the manufacturing line is Obvious. Attention to detail is evident in, not only design, and in engineering.
However, management seems to take the attitude that if it works in Iowa, it'll work everywhere. This is an attitude that is slowly changing, and it's one that all major window manufacturers seem to have.
Some of the posts I've read could be explained by installation, proper sealing upon installation, or proper service by an experienced technician.
Some of them are just plain old problems.
As for the disgruntled employee, All industries have them, and , like I stated I've been around Pella for a few years and the product on the market today is far better than their ancestors, and exceeds that of almost all competitive products available. I'll put the products I represent against any other, any time!
As for wood exterior windows and doors. Why? Why would anybody use them in the modern times we live in unless you want to keep sandpaper, paint and paint brushes in your hands constantly. They may cost a few pennies less initially but down the road, "fuhgeddaboudit".
Service is a problem with such a diverse product offering and high performance product, on top of a high end clientelle who demands good service. They deserve it, and we want to meet their expectations.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 16, 2006 11:22 AM
Please provide me with any advice on the Pella Designer Series windows. I really wanted to get these casement windows for a new house we are building in January 2007; however, once I read all the negative feedback I was wondering if I would be better off installing another type of window. Do any other windows offer the blinds in between the glass panes? I really wanted the blinds feature for ease of cleaning because we plan to have this house well into our old age.
Posted by: Denise Genter at November 29, 2006 10:17 AM
Future buyers of any Pella Windows--Don't!!! I just left working for them after being hired a year ago to fix some of their paint problems in the Shenandoah plant. (This is where the custom windows a made) They don't want to fix any problems with there products, they just want to say they do. I have been a paint engineer over 30 years and the quality of coating leaving the Shenandoah plant is the worst I have ever seen. I wish the best of luck for the poor sucker who buys this product.
Posted by: Disappointed at December 10, 2006 10:05 PM
Just saw a house in upstate NY full of awesome windows (vinyl clad over steel frame) manufactured by Schuco, in Germany.
WOW!!!!! Nothing I have seen in Pella or Anderson line comes close...windows warmer than walls!!!
Posted by: joe at December 21, 2006 9:45 PM
I just built a new high end house and installed the designer series pella's with the removable blinds between the glass. Service has been back 3 times!They try to fix them but they are frustrated!! THey don't close without a putty knife to pry them . If you dont they will not latch. They have replaced all the springs and are coming back with more heavier springs. It helps you open them,, but now its hard to close them. Also any wind over 10 miles an hr. will cause all the windows to creak horribly . You'd think they are coming in.!! They say to spray all the jams with silicone!!. No fix them. or tear them out!!!
THey are the worst windows I have ever encountered and they are 3 months old. Oh yeah almost forgot. You can see bare wood in the middle of the frames on the outside! and the corners of the window leak air in when they are sealed up. How's that for some of the most expensive windows i could find!!
Posted by: Dave at December 29, 2006 6:59 PM
Installing Pella Designer Series sliders in my home has been the worst experience of my life From their quality control in their factory to the incompetence of their installers I would NEVER recommend Pella windows to anyone!
Massachusetts
Posted by: guest at August 13, 2007 12:40 PM
Installing Pella Designer Series sliders in my home has been the worst experience of my life From their quality control in their factory to the incompetence of their installers I would NEVER recommend Pella windows to anyone!
Massachusetts
Posted by: guest at August 13, 2007 12:44 PM
i'm thoroughly disgusted with my local Pella office, as well as the corporate office; my installation has been a nightmare, the quality of the windows is not A+ (as one might expect when paying >$11k for windows. i've tried talking to Pella representatives (useless), i've tried involving the Better Business Bureau, the State Attorney General's Office on Consumer Protection and an attorney in an attempt to resolve the issues that are aformentioned, including Pella's attempt to collect the remaining about through a collection agency. they want their money, that's for sure, but they don't give two squats about customer satisfaction...if anyone is interested in the damage they did to my house, or hear more about my horror story, please email me at tresgatos69 at yahoo. it's long enough to be a book.
Posted by: guest at September 26, 2007 10:58 PM
I actually work for pella windows and doors in pella Iowa. As a factory worker and just happen to come across this page. I just so happen to work for the designer door area of the plant. As far as the quality control goes I would say that your way off. The quality measures and the training put into the workers is a deep process. I dont sit through monthly meetings for my health. If you receive a product that you dont like they will build you another and have an actual quality inspector watch it be built to your custom needs. Maybe you have an exception to your story. But theirs always one bad apple on a tree. Call pella iowa direct and get ahold of someone there. I'm pretty sure your problems with be solved with ease... Also I just installed all new pella windows and a designer series door in my home and it was a breeze. I suppose I have the experience though. Hope it works out for ya. Helpful tip.. theres an instruction guide/packet on how to install everything for all the "do it yourselfers" on the back of the pella logo sticker located on the fixed part of the door (non-moving). trust me.. I know cause I put them there. ;)
Posted by: guest at October 5, 2007 6:01 AM
What a shame!! I was a leading sales rep for Pella, but I made a big mistake. I actually cared about the customer after the sale and their satisfaction was my primary concern. The distributer in Bellevue, Wa and in Iowa had other ideas. Because of shoddy quality and indifference to proper installation this distributor lost most of it's workforce.
Good riddance as I found my pot of gold in another industry.
Clint C
Posted by: guest at October 21, 2007 12:12 AM
I replaced windows last April with Designer Series double hung, triple pane with alabaster shade inbetween the glass. The entire installation process was a nightmare, factory mistakes, installation messes etc. The icing on the cake is I am left with windows in my living room with top sash shades that do not appear to match the bottom sash shades, due to (so Pellas says) the porch surrounding my home. It is horrible and ugly and Pella has walked away from this ridiculous looking installation. Surely I cannot be the only person with a porch who might have purchases these windows. I invite anyone to email me at jduchess@tampabay.rr.com with there stories. Class action suit? DO NOT BUY THESE WINDOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: guest at January 29, 2008 5:51 PM
I replaced windows last April with Designer Series double hung, triple pane with alabaster shade inbetween the glass. The entire installation process was a nightmare, factory mistakes, installation messes etc. The icing on the cake is I am left with windows in my living room with top sash shades that do not appear to match the bottom sash shades, due to (so Pellas says) the porch surrounding my home. It is horrible and ugly and Pella has walked away from this ridiculous looking installation. Surely I cannot be the only person with a porch who might have purchases these windows. I invite anyone to email me at jduchess@tampabay.rr.com with there stories. Class action suit? DO NOT BUY THESE WINDOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: guest at January 29, 2008 5:56 PM
I am trying to repair a piece of glass in my Pella casement window. I have been contacted by numerous folks offering to give me prices on replacement windows. I don't need to replace all my windows at this time. Just one window with the glass broken. The house was built in 1977...the windows are single pane with removable screen and storm inserts. Despite the age, these windows are, in fact the whole house is, pretty darn tight.
Has anyone had to remove the glass? The local glass guy says he has to use an x-acto knife and cut the inside trim away, pull out the glass, replace it and then put the trim back in? He says the trim suffers in the process!!! It doesn't sound quite right to me and I'm hesitant to experiment.
Posted by: guest at February 6, 2008 11:14 PM
Pella Windows have been a nightmare for us. Our sons room had black mold on the wood on the inside ledge of the window. We started looking into the problem and realized that all of the windows on the backside of our home have serious wood rot. The window design allows moisture to seep between two metal pieces at the base of the window. We have calked yearly, but we did not realize moisture was seeping in because of the poorly designed windows. Pella does not stand behind their product. They call our windows "vintage" and they are not any longer under warranty. I remember a time when a window would last longer than 10 years.
If anyone needs advice on purchasing windows, my advice would be "Anything but Pella."
Posted by: guest at February 22, 2008 7:00 AM
I'm sorry, but this was the only site I could get for jduchess@tampabay,rr.com!Do you still have the vacation rental in Florida? If you do, could you please contact me with info?
Posted by: guest at March 21, 2008 11:22 AM
To the gentleman who posted on 12/29/06 regarding his Pella Designer Series windows creaking whenever there is a wind over 10 miles per hour. Did you ever get this resolved and if so how. I just moved into a brand new house with these windows and have the same exact issue with the windows making a popping type noise when it get windy outside and it is driving us crazy. Does anyone know of a fix for this issue??? Thanks.
Lucy 312-832-6115
Posted by: Lucy at April 1, 2008 2:11 PM
I see alot of Pella bashing going on here. Fact of the matter is that they received the JD Powers award for customer satisfaction. They were also ranked very highly in Consumer reports. Both these top honors were awarded by customer's opinions just like yours. So how did they win the award? Because the facts are that they are the best in the business. Not every transaction is going to go smoothly. Yes replacement windows will still leak unless you get down to the frames to insulate properly. Yes water and wind will get in when just the smallest of things are off. that will happen with any window. Those that have problems keep pushing. Its solely up to the local reps to service. If you get no satisfaction call directly to Iowa and tell them what's going on and request they send you a survey. If they receive a negative survey it affects their wallet. Finally, pella has been awarded the Energy star Partner of the year for two years in a row. Also Pella is a founding member of the US Green Building Council and the LEEDS rating system. They helped create the standards that are demanded in today's market. They are hated among competitors for that reason. Everyone else had to step up their game.
For the person with the mold. If the windows are vintage Pella the windows are over 20 years old. Remember these are wood windows you need to maintain and keep an eye on them. There is a project here in New Jersey that was installed back in 1937. The windows are in top condition and perform perfectly. The only thing that has been changed on them is the weather stripping due to the age. If you install them correctly and maintain them correctly. They will last you a lifetime. The biggest problem is installation.
Posted by: guest at May 2, 2008 9:07 AM
Usally the positive remarks are from Pella head office they scan the web to find sites like this and post comments to make them selves look good. Not every person can have an installation issue and a poor contractor. The people with the wind noise problem check your pins in the double hung windows they are probably worn out and are not fitting properly or are of a triangle shape not square. if you have casement windows your sashes are out of square.
Have serviced there crap for 10 years and it just gets worse they take your money and puff gone quicker than you can say Mastercard
$ 21000 for windows
crappy service
out $21000 for windows
PRICELESS
Posted by: guest at May 17, 2008 5:26 AM
I am so glad to see I am not the only who is completely frustrated with Pella windows. Our house was built in 1996 and thought I was choosing a quality product in Pella. Since then I have paid through the nose for "service" to come multiple times for windows that won't close, and "service" can't adjust them short of putting pennies to brace up the hinge mechanism, all the while bemoaning that the problem is the settling of my house.
Now I have a bedroom window that won't close in spite of a "service" call; Jim came hours before my scheduled appointment time knowing I would be out of town and told me over the phone that I have rotten sashes due to the federal government mandating that asbestos be removed from the product more than a decade ago. His "solution" is that I need to pay over $2000 to replace sashes in these 5 windows and that the product will have NO WARRANTY AT ALL. I have 23 of these type windows and simply can't justify paying this kind of money for this incredibly poor quality and service.
Posted by: guest at July 25, 2008 10:58 AM
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