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Pella Casement Windows

68K views 35 replies 19 participants last post by  forresth 
#1 ·
We installed 11 new custom Pella Casement windows in our home in 2001. As time passed, they started having issues closing. We would have to crank them building speed to get them into the frame. Crank slow, as recommended, at they would not pull into the frame because they "hung heavy" in the frame and warped. If the window was a double window, I could open the one next to the one that wouldn't close and push it closed from the outside but if it was a single unit, it would not latch.

We called Pella Corporate to discuss the problem. They told me "The casement windows can't be left open for long. The wind and weather reaks havoc on the frame." I replied, that they won't close after being left open over night, no wind, no rain, no inclement weather". They repeated what they said the first time.

So, the bottom line is that Pella sells a window design that they know has issues and they have no excuse for why they haven't fixed the problem. A larger window requires a more supportive bracket and cranking system and they choose not to make the advancements to their product line.

It's on to The Better Business Bureau, forums like this one and word of mouth.
 
#30 ·
Pella Law Suit?

I would like to send you the pictures of all the damages that we have. Pella did replace many of the unites but left 21 sitting in our garage. Have you had this same experience with Pella? We live just 40 minutes from Pella Iowa. We have been to the head quarters, emailed and called. Pella will not respond to our problem. We do not know why? We have nearly $70,000.00 in the windows in our home and still can not put up drywall because of the water damage. I would love to forward to you the photos of just where light is showing through the sashes. You can easily tell that the weather can get into our home. Pella will always tell you that it is because of installation, but they installed our windows? Seems funny. They just don't care. They have 100% of our money. I am a teacher and my husband, of 24 years, is an excavator. We don't have another $70,000.00 to spend on windows and doors. If you would be kind enough to forward your email address to me, I will forward to you the photos.

Thank you,
Sharron McKee
Moravia, Iowa
 
#31 ·
Isn't it sad that the only way to solve a problem is to go to court! We are "down to earth Iowans" and our hand shake is better then any signature on a paper. Because my husband and I will stand by our work, we will also stand by our signature. We are also finding out that the same goes with a large company like Pella. Since their company is so dishonest, neither their representatives word or their own warrenty is any good. This is a sad day in our country!! Has anyone else had this experience with Pella? If so what were your actions?
 
#32 ·
You have that kind of money in those windows and your house has been setting for over a year because of them then you simply need to get a lawyer. You should have done that when they replaced a few and then left the rest stacked in the garage.

Pella window,they installed them and then replaced some of them. What would their defense be? Sue them for the cost of different windows,time spent/lost, court costs,lawyer fees etc. I wouldn't set around hoping for a solution.

I have their Pro series in my home,some as old as ten years and no problems-- but for what they cost I would have quickly ran them through the legal system sideways if they weren't right and they wouldn't make it right.
 
#33 · (Edited)
We started this thread. I can tell you that you are not alone but, that said, I agree 100% with Bengus. Your story is outragious. There is no court in Iowa that will allow that to happen and walk away. Most of us can use a hand shake as a deal but when the deal is broken, there is no other way to make it right but through the courts.

I'm a little confused though. I do have a question regarding the how the snow is getting in. I know you said it comes in where the "two sills meet"...are you saying that where two windows, side-by-side, meet ...two sills? Or, with double hung windows, where the upper window meets the lower (where the lock is).

Is it snow or is cold air getting in causing condensation to freeze?
 
#35 ·
WOW!!! I cannot believe all of these issue with Pella Windows... :(
I purchased 6 custom designer Casement windows Crank with (not double-hung) and 10 foot wide double french patio door outswing. The 6 custom designer series windows replaced my existing BOW window (Fixed structure) in my living room while the double french pato doors were for my dining room.
Both sets of Pella Windows were contracted by the RETAIL Pella store here in Hicksville Long Island. Pella, rep stopped by multiple times to ensure that measurements were taken and detailed all of the product specifications and designs and the units arrived without issues/problems and were installed by a Pella approved installer... I paid extra to have the windows and doors stained and they are beautiful...
It's now september 2010 almost three years to the date that these units have been installed and this weekend I'm going to check and make sure I don't have rot... :(
Questions to you ALL:
1. Since this installation was done by Pella from SOUP to Nuts, do you think I will have any problems with warranty?
2. How does one check to see if the seals are still in place?
3. How does one check to see if there is ROT if the wood is CLAD/SEALED behind the Aluminum?
4. Saved the best for last... Maintenance?!? I was told by the installer/carpenter and Pella Sales rep that I would periodically have to clean the windows and make sure no dirt/water accumulates in the sills... Is this standard practice, did anyone here perform this maintenance and then STILL have problems???! better yet, is there a methodology on how to maintain these windows?
I was told that if I wanted to get mainenance free windows to simply buy VINYL windows and to forgo Anderson/Marvin/Pella windows as they are wood products these would not be maintenance free...??
I live in Syosset, NY and have been through two winter seasons already without issue and about to start a third... I want to insure my $$$$ investment with Pella to last and if maintenance is key to avoid rotting issue then so be it... but if I could only rewind the clock, I probably would not be on this forum talking about Wood Rot and Pella... :(
PS. I'm just surprised to see so many OUTSPOKEN people about pella ALL over the NET and I mean ALL over... complaints ONLY!!!
I just wish I could find one thread that discussed preventative measures... :(
 
#36 ·
Casement windows in general seam to have problems.

The Andersons in my folk's house have had nothing but crank hardware problems for many years, and can be a real pain to close. a couple have had the hardware completely removed. nothing like pulling the screen, then trying to swing it closed hard enough for the catches to grab. Double hungs and sliders for me, than you.
 
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