Casement Andersen 400 or Pella Proline

pankaek

I'm in the final stages of selecting new casement windows for my house and Pella Proline and Andersen 400 are on the shortlist.
I've read about the Proline rotting problem behind the aluminum cladding, have Pella fixed this on the latest model or is it still a problem? Has anyone heard of a similar rotting problem on the Andersen 400s?
I'd also appreciate advice on which is the better quality window overall assuming a quality professional installation.

Please, this is not an attempt to start a Pella/Andersen flame war, just looking for honest opinions on these windows, thanks.

pyper

I have some Anderson casement windows that are around 10 years old. I don't know for sure that they're 400's, but if that was the current model then, then it's probably what we have. They've been great.

oh'mike

Definitely Anderson-----Pella should not be on the list at all. Search 'Pella window problems'.

I've never replaced a defective Anderson----Pella on the other hand--Lots.--Mike---

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pankaek

Thanks for the Advice. Any opinion on Aluminum or vinyl clad?

I already have aluminum clad on the kitchen as I thought they looked a bit better for an older bungalow style home (1920's).
But will consider vinyl as well, the new windows are south facing and will get full sun for at least 5 hours a day.

pyper

Mine are vinyl clad. One is in a west window, and afternoon sun here is brutal. It was exposed for about three years. It's under a carport now.

oh'mike

I installed Andersons into my home 23 years ago (1988) they all work like new.

Aluminum clad windows do look nice---However they are easy to scratch during installation.--Mike--

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firehawkmph

I am a big Andersen fan also. When I was building homes, Andersens went into just about every one, including my own. The vinyl cladding holds up fine. The nice thing about Andersen also is they have been around for quite awhile and probably will be in the future. So if you need any parts, you should be able to get them. I can't tell you how many 15-20 year old homes I go into that have Lousianna Pacific windows that are rotting and falling apart. They went out of business and parts are not available.
Mike Hawkins

Just Bill

Definitely Andersen. Pella advertises that they are the Cadillac of windows, when in reality they are the Yugo. CRAP!! How can I say this...........26 yrs as a general remodeler.

oh'mike

Well put!

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Ron6519

Come on Bill, don't hold back, tell us how you really feel.
Ron

screwy

Vinyl clad Anderson's, you can't go wrong.

rossfingal

I worked for an Andersen Distributor (Western suburbs, Chicago, Ill.).
They also carried Pella.
Installed many windows and doors, of both product lines.
For the money and the quality - Andersen.
(I'm not criticizing either of them - both quality products).
However; as "screwy" stated above -
"Vinyl clad Andersen's"!

One thing to remember: it doesn't matter how high the quality of the
product - bad/incorrect installation can cause problems!

Regards!
rossfingal

pankaek

Thanks for all the input. Think I'll go with the Andersen 400s for this project. The building contractors I spoke too all suggested Andersen as well but I'm a bit surprised that Pella have such a poor reputation.
From the consumerreports.org report the top wood clad window is the Marvin Clad ultimate with a score of 88, Andersen 400s come in at 85 and the Pella Proline at 82. The JELD-WEN Premium Wood Tradition Plus comes in last with a score of 50.
But I't's great to hear from people who have actually installed and used these windows.

rossfingal

"pankaek"

Glad someone could help!
Good luck with your project!
As always: "Regards" - from the wonderful world of "Remodeling" H*ll or is that "Help"?!
rossfingal