Kolbe Windows Looking Pretty Good From Here
We’ve been digging the windows the owner who’s gut reno’d this place on Waverly put in recently. There’s something about them that looks very solid–in contrast to the Pellas we installed in our house last year. The windows are by Kolbe, a manufacturer we haven’t heard much about. Interestingly enough, the owner of the house,…
We’ve been digging the windows the owner who’s gut reno’d this place on Waverly put in recently. There’s something about them that looks very solid–in contrast to the Pellas we installed in our house last year. The windows are by Kolbe, a manufacturer we haven’t heard much about. Interestingly enough, the owner of the house, whom we met on the street one day, runs a Brooklyn-based window company–we just can’t remember the name–and had great things to say about them. So, experiences with Kolbe?
Homepage [Kolbe Windows &Doors]
Look into the Pella Architect series. They are beefed up and historically correct. The new york Historical Preservation society actually ranks and prefers Pella at the top of the list. Pella is also less than a handful of windows that is registered with the national parks service as being historically accurate and allowed to be used on those projects.
I designed a beatiful home and wanted to put in quality widows. I had heard good things about Kolbe so I went with them….oops! The windows look beautiful but that’s it! The distributor delivered smashed window frames both on the interior side and exterior, but didn’t document it properly so therefor “wasn’t responsible” because it must have happened at installation. It tooks months to get Kolbe’s rep out here and when she finally came, there was no evidence of a problem because we fixed it and wanted to move in. I’, not delaying a move in on their ineptness. Their sound insulation quality sucks and the company rep. was an arrogant pain in the ass who only tried to placate me and then called me a liar. Customer service MY ASS. I can NEVER RECOMMEND a company with such poor representation.
I’ve had Koble wood casement windows for almost 10 years and have been battling with Koble since day 1 on the “film” mark left below the windows that attract dirt. They say it’s only dirt although my husband SCRUBS the siding twice a year to only have it ruining our siding over the decade and the windows still look like crap. We figure it must be a UV coating or something? I would NEVER buy Kolbe AGAIN!!!!!!!!
PS 2 vinyl Koble windows on our garage dont have the same problem and they can’t explain it, yet wont do anything about the rest of the house? Thanks for nothing!
PSS Our neighbors have asked what happened to our house and we gladly explain we have Koble windows.
I’m just looking at replacing my 14 year old Pella windows, they are junk, most are totally rotten. I am looking at Kolbe & Kolbe with the PDL’s, Any problems with these and any complaints with cleaning and dirt sitting in the crevaces?
The Company that supplies these In Brooklyn has a showroom in Dumbo 45 main I believe.Heights Historic I have seen there sign on 43 South Portland. A beautiful restoration by the way in Fort Greene. Kolbe has a huge advantage over most windows for Landmarks districts. a 10 year warranty on there Painted K.Kron exterior finish. & you are correct Pella is too flimsy they make a insert unit(frame & SasH0 that is thinner than Kolbes Sash alone. Pella may be 5% less in cost but from experience Especially with large units is no match In performance.
Exactly what kind of windows are those? I’m entertaining the idea of getting new windows after I remove the grotesque BARS that currently exist on my Parlor floor now. I have no problem with Brownstoner giving us a heads up on things that could help an otherwise uninformed new brownstone owner!!
Just by way of sharing, I suggest checking out Jen-Weld windows (their custom lines) at a decent window store. I believe the quality to be quite good and the prices are reasonable (far less than Marvin).
Right you are anon at 4.55PM. I have similar issues (among others) with my Marvins.
I have Kolbe windows at my house on the corner of Gates and Cambridge. They’re 2 years old. I love them and I think the company is solid. I think you pay a tad less than Marvin and get the same quality and fewer headaches. To me, Pella is suburban style of window and its look is flimsier (I don’t know if it is actually flimsier or if it’s just bc most Pella models have thinner sash profiles. Only 2 caveats to my Kolbe windows. 1) The argon gas is so effective, you can barely feel the sun in the winter which, while ultra-efficient, is kind of sad. 2) the balance mechanisms are no match for the old weight-and-chain, and sometimes the upper sash slips, making it hard to close and lock the two sashes against each other. Both these complaints, however, are probably not specific to Kolbe.