Replies

1. 
   Dale_Wermenchuk | Sep 26, 2001 10:54pm | #1

   *
   I agree they should have replaced them and said thank you. It sounds like they do feel somewhat responsible by offering to sell new ones at a discount. I have bought a few Pella's and I really like the product. The ones I bought are about 5 years old now. (double hung units) I'll give them a close inspection tonight. Thanks for the alert.

1. 
   Michael_Rimoldi | Sep 26, 2001 11:04pm | #2

   *I bought my first Pella product last year (a $2,900. door)and the quality is fine but the service was terrible. Ordered it directly from my local Pella rep and was told it would be here in four to five weeks. FOUR MONTHS later it arrived. No apology, no discount. Just heres your door. Mike

1. 
   WOODBYTER | Sep 27, 2001 02:42am | #3

   *Pella WindowsI looked at Pella and decided against them for several reasons most of which were mentioned on line.I went with Great Lakes Windows in my last two houses and am very happy after 15 years of using them.Most people go with Pella since, in my opinion, they are living on a reputation established years ago and one which has left them behind in the window technology race. Some people buy them so they can get the wood interior trim which can be stained-it generally is not worth it in the end.

1. 
   dudley_ | Sep 27, 2001 03:34am | #4

   *I looked a Pella for a few of the houses and could never get their reps to give me the same deal I got at Andersen -- they just laughed at me.As a result, I have only installed Andersen -- they are works of art - hold up well, look good, and when I have a problem, they come and take care of it -- no questions asked. I can't imagine ever buying Pella -- my brother just finished a big 2400 sf additon -- liked the Pella look, but could not get the service he wanted from his Pella rep -- he went with Andersen and is glad he made the switch.Don't make a mistake and accept an inferior product just because it is offfered at a discount -- talk to Andersen and they me come close to the deal you needgood luck

1. 
   piffin_ | Sep 27, 2001 01:39pm | #5

   *Some architects spec Pela for me but I avoid them whenever I can. I see alot of sloppy workmanship in them.

2. 
   Chris_Koehn | Sep 27, 2001 05:23pm | #6

   *I used to be the service manager for a Pella distributor. I also put 1990 Pella casements in my first house, and 2000 model year windows in my current house, and many houses in between. I can honestly tell you that I've never seen the problem you mention, although I've heard of it happening. Did leak occur on the sash- or was it on the frame? (sash is the part with the glass in it that swings out). The cladding on the sash is mitered on the corners with an overlap. The frame cladding is also mitered, but not overlapped. In both cases, in 1990, butyl tape was used to seal the joints. Sounds to me like a failure in the butyl or a problem with assembling the miters, which resulted in an inadequate seal, allowing water infiltration. The distributor I worked for went above and beyond the call of duty to be sure it's customers were serviced no matter the warranty period. Depending on the size and volume your distributor has they might have a great deal of sway with corporate in Iowa. I'd put the pressure on them to whatever degree you feel is necessary. Tell them you are already going to have to pay for the labor to have the units replaced- the least they can do is take care of the product at n/c. Pella is a good product with a good and long reputation for a reason. Someone in the chain of command should recognize that it's not worth jeopardizing.

3. 
   piffin_ | Sep 28, 2001 03:26am | #7

   *Now there's a positive suggestion that just might lead to a positive solution, especially if you mention that this "leak" exists on this public forum. Think how glad they'll be to have you report back here that they've stood behind their product!Print this page for them. We all hold each other's feet to the fire on quality here.

4. 
   Brandon_Terry_Moore | Sep 28, 2001 04:12am | #8

   *Thanks to each of you for your opinions. To Chris, In answer to your questions, the water appears to have entered the bottom piece of sash clad which came loose on the window units.I applied caulking liberally to temporarily prevent further damage.On one window,the leakage has damaged one (fixed) window sash. On theother, the water damage has resulted in the sash and frame, both having damage. It has rotted to the point that the window panehas dropped down, and left about a 1/2 inch void between the top of the sash and glass. The other window unit does not show visible damage, but is leaking when it rains. I am not trying to discreditPella products, but their actions and attitudes toward customer satisfaction sure leaves something to be desired. This is clearly a a defect in the product and should be replaced at no charge, period! I appreciate your reply. Thanks.Terry

5. 
   Tim_Kline | Sep 28, 2001 06:14am | #9

   *b WBA At Your ServiceJust fixed exactly the same problem 3 weeks ago. The problem was in a fixed sash that leaked in the exact same way described. The result was Pella supplying a new sash free of charge with no labor. The windows were from around 1992. We were told they were out of warranty. They told us that they would not provide any further replacements for that sash.

6. 
   Chris_Koehn | Sep 29, 2001 03:52pm | #10

   *Pella windows are made from clear ponderosa pine, which while a wonderful material to machine and with good insulating properties is not necessarily resistant to rot.. a persistent leak in the cladding, as you describe, would certainly result in the problem you have in short order. Pella should stand behind this and give you product free of charge. Providing it to you at their cost (the discount you mention) is not good enough. Keep barking up the chain of command until you get what you deserve.re; the screen corners: I've broken a few myself and have a box full of them (provided by the distributor free of charge..). They can be a booger to replace without having to re-do the screen cloth though..

7. 
   Bill_King | Oct 01, 2001 04:01am | #11

   *Use mainly Marvins. Pricey, but there's a helluva difference between rolled and extruded aluminum. Also, for the northeast historic look (without going nuts with single-pane wood windows) Marvin works best. I do, however, use Pella doors and casements, as I don't like the Marvin features and styles there. Speaking of which... if anyone's in the Boston area and interested, I have a right-hinge 36" Pella Architect series 12 pane french door (SDL, etc.) white aluminum clad, with unstained interior for sale. Brand new (still wrapped). Design change called for left hinge instead, and I'd like to clear it out of my garage. Pd $1300. Best reasonable offer gets it (must pick it up - will not ship). I suppose I should see if FHB has a classifieds section...

8. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Oct 01, 2001 04:28am | #12

   *Pella is over-rated.blue

2. 
   Brandon_Terry_Moore | Oct 01, 2001 04:28am | #13

   *
   I installed Pella Aluminum Clad casement windows in the house that I built in 1990. My wife and I had used them in the past, and we really liked their products. For this house we chose the clear wood for staining,
   along with the factory installed slim shades. Top of the line products.
   While doing some maintenance around the house lately I noticed a piece of
   the aluminum clad had separated from one of the windows itself, allowing water to get inside and rot the bottom woodwork. Upon closer inspection, I observed another window with the same problem and another just leaking. All three windows are on different sides of the house and all defective
   are on the "fixed" side of each individual window unit. The problem there
   fore is random as all other units appear alright. I called a Pella representative and set up an appointment to see what could be done. The Pella rep was courteous, knowledgeable, and helpful. He forwarded his report and pictures of the window problems to Pella. Pella sent back a letter informing me that the windows were no longer under warranty and I could buy new units from them at a discount. Has there been a problem with Pella windows of this age and type that I need to know about, and has anyone else had problems? I BELIEVE THAT THE WINDOWS IN A NEW HOUSE SHOULD OUTLAST YOUR FIRST ROOF! We also have very few window screens left as Pella makes the corner pieces out of plastic. Every time you take the screens out to clean them you loose a few because they become brittle and break. My observation is the manufacturer has tried to make a reputable product very cheap! I have been in construction for 28 years and will look
   at other window manufacturers in the future. The company should have replaced our windows and said "thanks for using our product".

3. 
   jmbenore | Oct 15, 2003 12:05am | #14

   I have the same problem. My windows are from 1995. 4 x 4 picture window was replaced 2 years ago. I now have 5 casement and 3 sliders with the same problem. Was offered a discount. No wonder they only offer a two year warranty.