Replies

1. 
   men6903 | Oct 26, 2006 12:52am | #1

   We just finished building a house on one of the BC southern gulf islands and after some research decided on Pella windows. We installed a combination of design series/pro line/fiberglass. The design series with integrated venetian blinds on the main floor, The basement and garage have the fiberglass with the same exterior cladding on all. 2 Pro line windows in bathrooms. Nothing terribly fanccy but good quality. The designer series with the blinds end up as triple paned. We have been very satisfied with the wood windows! Fiberglass windows are ok. Pella offered excellent service and follow-up.
   So, Pella product is good, the service is excellent, and the warranty is more than adequate.
   Didn't research Anderson.

2. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Oct 26, 2006 01:37am | #2

   Did you already rule out Marvin?

   blue

   Our Skytrak is for sale. It has 500 hrs on it. We want  50k (you pay the freight) and we'll finance it. Drop me an email; it's a good buy.

1. 
   Piffin | Oct 26, 2006 03:13am | #4

   That is my first choice in a replacement unit.I'm working window prices this week for two small additions. Getting my own case of sticker shock. from three to ten thousand for a few windows. I did the opennings in my own whole house in '95/6 for five grand. Things are a changing. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Oct 26, 2006 03:20am | #5

   I think Marvin is superior to both Anderson and Pella but I should say that I haven't checked them out for several years now.

   I've always hated Anderson more than Pella but I think they are currently neck and neck.

   blueOur Skytrak is for sale. It has 500 hrs on it. We want  50k (you pay the freight) and we'll finance it. Drop me an email; it's a good buy.

1. 
   Piffin | Oct 26, 2006 08:30am | #9

   Most my work the marvins are all that comes close to right, but Andersens go in some of the moderate homes. When you do an addition, you match what the place has already 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

3. 
   Piffin | Oct 26, 2006 03:10am | #3

   With Andersen, you are buying a company that consistantly has supported its products well beyond the warantee period.
   With Pella, you are buying a comopany that has numberous incidents reported here of failling to satisfy customers

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
   Excellence is its own reward!

4. 
   booch | Oct 26, 2006 04:15am | #6

   I went for Anderson due to a long family history of rugged sealing. My folks had 6 by 6 thermopanes made up in '56. They are still going strong. I bought a bunch of 4x8's and some angular design types. Again no break of the seal nor funky issues with the Frenchwood slider doors. Understand I'm regularily getting 50+mph winds off of Lake Michigan in the winter.

   I guess you could go for a bargain but if you do go really cheap. We went thru 2 different sets of insulated glass that given a decade failed. Some guy on this site is asking about Ellison. They could be great for all I know BUT. When you have to get a replacement spring loaded counter ballance or replacement gasket for a double hung window what is the manufacturer going to tell you 20 years out. Generally silence or "how big is the opening"

   I've got 22 to go in our main house. I don't think I'd consider anything but Anderson.

   So the big questions are:

   What is the environment? temps, wind etc. Are you doing the work? Exterior siding? Exterior Finish?Those factors make a lot of decisions. The more rugged the environment the more I'd go on tradition. Millions of windows get overwhelming if there are call backs. Vinyl over wood has worked for them for decades.

   Or is this a cosmetic thing. (equally important)

   You know part of the sitcker shock is what you spec'd. Chrome handles vs Std grey/brown painted handles could be as much as a grand on a housefull. Putting in round windows as accents cost 50% more than an 8' square sliding door. Factory made interior trim is another big expense. $pecial is $pelled that way on purpose. 

   I'd say get what your gut feels. It'll justify your existance as you make it work all of your life. However to cut cost look at the above paragraph. We made a few changes and saved over 25% just by cutting down on the lovely accents. Still the same glass area but less trimmings.

    

   Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?
1. 
   cotes | Oct 26, 2006 04:30am | #7

   Thank you for very help. House is cedar wood 1977 Colonial in New England. Oversized 12 over 12 wood original windows, aluminum tracks. Priced Pella/Andersen with permanent grills on in/out- 35-40K. Could save money by not having outside grills. Work would be done by Renewal and Pella directly.

1. 
   booch | Oct 26, 2006 04:58am | #8

   Ever clean a window? Yuck to the outside grills. I have the snap in inside grills and it meets the visage of the mullioned window but it gets your dupa indoors a lot faster when you are hanging it outside to clean the window.

   BTW I have the double hung windows up north and they have this leverthingy that allows you to compress the track adn pivot the window inward. That is 'the bomb' as my kids would say. Wow is it quick to clean and change the attitude on the weather.

   Work by others is std. $ in a half aQQ guess. It is double the price of the parts normally. Dependant on the interior trim they have to replace, it could be a tight job for them.

   I'd do either of them rather than Vinyl Willy in the local ads.Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?

5. 
   Tim | Oct 26, 2006 11:22pm | #10

   It has been four years since I spent $65,000 on Pella Architect series windows and doors for my "gut and rebuild, addition/renovation" project.

   I cannot recommend Pella to anyone I have no reason to dislike. The quality is dissappointing. The color matched handles on the patio doors is wearing off after only 4 years of normal use. The double hung window latches that get used with any regularity are already loose and woobly. The brass plating sealant on the french door handles is cracking and "crazing". Overall fit and finish is poor.

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Oct 27, 2006 04:14pm | #11

   Overall fit and finish is poor.

   That was always my impression.

   blueOur Skytrak is for sale. It has 500 hrs on it. We want  50k (you pay the freight) and we'll finance it. Drop me an email; it's a good buy.

1. 
   Piffin | Oct 28, 2006 10:16pm | #12

   More than an impression, it's reality 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!