I had all the windows in my home replaced with Pella Architect Series ("the best") double-hung dual-pane windows in mid-2005. Nothing but a nightmare from start to finish. Scratched glass, wrong muntin style (I ordered 9-Lite Prairie, they made traditional cottage style), incorrect sizes, ugly replacement trim (so I paid $1,600 extra to have it done right).

Several windows in the original order had noticable scratched in the glass. With some effort I convinced them to reorder those sash. After much waiting, the technician showed up and proceeded to install the replacement sash. After about half of them were in place, I took a look and discovered that they were THE WRONG SIZE. They were all made about a half inch too tall. Obviously they would not even latch. The installer went about continuing to install them in spite of this obvious problem! So...out with the new, back in with the old...and another reorder. Again, a long wait, then the second set of replacements finally arrived and they were made with the WRONG muntin pattern.

It took thirteen months from the day I ordered the windows until the final installation was complete.

Since the installation, several of the hinge pins that allow the bottom sash to tilt in for cleaning have broken while opening and closing the windows, causing the windows to jam in the open position. Every few months a new one breaks (and I'm not a person who is rough on things...I've been careful with these windows).

$21,000 worth of junk windows. I'm just sick about it.

Corporate ignored my requests for help, and my local dealer/installer sends goons (if I'm lucky enough to get anyone to come out).

Please don't buy Pella windows.

Posted by: GOOSE1116 at November 1, 2008 8:25 PM in response to Pella Windows

Tomorrow I have 2 Pella service guys coming all day to "fix" my Pella architectural double hung windows that we have only had for 2 1/2 years. We chose Pella Windows for our brand new home - what a mistake. The first round that was installed, had mutins that were not square - they looked like they were smiling.

Now...we have the same problem as "Goose 1116". We currently have at least 7 broken windows. The hinge pins break and cause the windows to jam in the open position. Yes, you never know when another window is going to break and get stuck in the open position! We too are not hard on these windows, and some have only been opened 2-3 times!! (We live in the Chicago area.)

Not happy with these expensive, new, defective windows!

Posted by: tess at November 19, 2008 9:24 PM in response to Pella Windows

Thanks to EVERYONE who has kindly taken the time to comment on their Pella Windows.

About 7 years ago I purchased 54 windows and doors from Pella, through Lowe's, in Portland, Oregon. The windows were horrible. All the problems everyone else is having we have as well. Windows that don't slide up and down well. They don't close properly. The windows have a hard time being opened, etc.

We had a top notch master carpenter install our windows and he just scratched his head in disbelief with all the problems these windows have.

Did I forget to mention that some of the windows came with glass that was cracked. Lowe's saw it but never followed up with a repair. Besides we were so tired from our window adventure that we did not want to talk to Lowe's ever again.

The management, supervisors, and reginal managers all stunk. They were selfish, disinterested, self-centered, and seemingly trying to escaped the blame of these windows.

If ANYONE is interested in a class action please let me know. I am in. The stress in dealing with Pella was so great I almost lost it....

NEVER EVER CONSIDER THESE WINDOWS. They have a great name and a really nice commercial however the company is rotten, like their windows, to the core.

Feel free to write me anytime about this issue.

rb@elltel.net

Posted by: Pella stinks at June 1, 2009 8:56 PM in response to Pella Windows

I am a custom home builder in a high end reort town in Colorado and have been using Pella for years. I have used other window companies in the past such as Sierra Pathetic, Kolbe & Kolbe, Marvin and Loewen. I would have to say that for the price and product Pella beats everyone. They have the best engineered window for performance out of any other window company. They have the best air infiltration ratings wich is probably the most important rating above else.

Let me say that anybody who would take their set of prints for a new home or remodel to Lowes is a dumb ass(i.e. Pella stinks). You deserve what you get in bad service. Let me tell you that Lowes is ran by Pella corp and the local branches get stuck servicing Lowes sold jobs. My rep always tells me that people who have service issues from windows they bought at Lowes, 84 Luber etc go to the bottom of the priority list for service. Makes sense since the local Pella branch never made $ on the sale why would they go out and spend resources and $ to service it.

If you are looking to build a new home, remodel or replace I would deal directly with a Pella rep from the local branch. Not some $9.00 per hour Lowes employee who sells every product under the sun.

As for other comparisons to windows I believe Pella succeeds all others except maybe Loewen. But who would buy canadian anyway? Unless you voted for Obama.

Posted by: Resortbuilder at June 13, 2009 12:58 PM in response to Pella Windows