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1.8 180 Reviews

Pella Complaints Summary

35 Resolved
143 Unresolved
Our verdict: When using services from Pella with a poor resolution rate, be vigilant. Understand the common pitfalls other customers have faced. Prepare thoroughly for any interactions with their customer service, and consider alternative solutions if your issues are not addressed satisfactorily.
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Pella reviews & complaints 180

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7:43 am EST
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Pella Do not buy from them

I purchased Pella windows for my home that I was the General Contractor for. On several of them the aluminum cladding on the outside is coming loose, and on the Pella sliding glass door as well. On the two casement windows in my master bedroom the air leaks right through them. You can feel the cold air hitting you in the face. Last winter I put plasic up in one window and when it was windy out the plastic would bellow out as tight as a balloon. In my front bedroom the 3 windows in there have mold growing along the bottom from the air leakage and condensation buildup. When I called Pella to complain about the casement windows which are still under warranty, the customer service rep. wanted to blame me for the situation. When I asked to speak to a supervisor magically none were available. I would strongly recommend that you never buy a Pella window. They have been an absolute nightmare to own.

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MariaFallow
North Bend, US
Feb 18, 2013 11:57 am EST

I noticed mold, lots of it on the window pane at the bottom of several of our pella windows. We purchased over $40K worth of Pella windows and doors in 2008 so they send a service technician who tells me that it is a condensation and humidity issue. We have radiant heat so I know it is not humidity. This is a failure and they are not taking ownership for this. No window should be growing mold after 3 years. I know there is a class action lawsuit but I have soo many windows and would like recommendations on how best to handle this to insure that we are protected from a catastrophic issue.

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gsmckee
Moravia, US
Sep 26, 2012 5:19 pm EDT

As we all know if Pella were providing quality customer service for their shifty product there would be no negative postings on the web. We have also found out, by purchasing 49 Pella Architect Series Double Hung windows, that Pella does not stand behind their products. We are now working out our differences in a court of law. As many of you may know, once you have been taken by a company, at least in Iowa, we only had 2 years to file with the court for help. We gave Pella the benefit of the doubt and nearly 2 years to fix our windows. They refused to even attempt to provide any communication unless we called every day or emailed every day. We then figured out that Pella was only "playing us" to run out their 2 year time frame. So here we sit, waiting on the Iowa Court System to play out. Our trial is set for Marion County Court, Iowa on February 12, 2013. This has been a long time coming, as we have been homeless since the fall of 2009 when we installed our Pella windows into our home. They leak water/snow so badly that we have an extremely awful mold problem when it is wet. You can see the videos that are posted on YouTube of our home under Pella Window Problems. We posted these so that other home owners could see the potential windows that they might be thinking of putting into their homes. We want to educate the population on our problems. Please do your homework!

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:15 pm EDT

I'm sad to say that I've experienced many of the same problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may warn anyone thinking of buying Pella. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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glss
none, US
Feb 25, 2010 7:26 am EST

We're also disappointed with our Pella windows. They are not even three years old, yet they look much older with all the mold stains. The windows were stained and sealed, yet the mold gets into the wood and leaves black everywhere. Humidity is not an issue in this house, as we have a brand new furnace that controls the humidity to an appropriate level.

I'm disgusted and disappointed in Pella. We have 9 out of 10 windows with mold growth. I can't believe we wasted the money on Pella windows. A company who allows people to live with mold in the air and can't stand behind their product. Shame on them!

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milkmama26
Street, US
Jan 09, 2010 2:18 pm EST

I have the same issue with our Pella windows! Our home was built in 2008 and that first winter I began to notice moisture along ALL of the windows, but especially those in our master bedroom (there are three windows and a door that leads outside from our MB). The builder sent a Pella rep. who told me too much moisture, humidity, yadda, yadda and pretty much told me to crack a window! In the middle of winter, in Iowa with a brand new baby? I shouldn't have that issue in a brand new house! I have mold growing between the upper and lower parts of the windows in the master bedroom and bathroom, mold growing on the pane itself (where its attached to the plastic, not sure what its called) and mold on the window sill. We've lived in several homes around the U.S., both older and newer, and never have had an issue like this. We're still waiting for it to get resolved. Meanwhile, we breathe and sleep with mold infesting our home because of their faulty windows. What a pain.

ComplaintsBoard
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10:35 am EDT
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Pella leakage

One of our Pella windows have been leaking probably from day one. Since the leakage was small, we did not detect until several years later. Once we figure out the problem, we contacted the Pella Window representative.
They sent people to look at the problem window and told us that the window needs to be replaced and we have to pay the installation. The problem is we live on 8th floor and it is going to cost us arm and leg to correct the problem which is a result of defective window and defective installation the first place. We have emailed the manager several times to resolve this issue. We are still waiting for their decision regarding how to resolve the problem. Today it raineded hard and the water poured in through the leakage. It is going to rain all day and I had to take off from work to keep mopping the window to prevent further water damage of our room.

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gsmckee
Moravia, US
Sep 25, 2012 3:31 pm EDT

We have also found out, by purchasing 49 Pella Architect Series Double Hung windows, that Pella does not stand behind their products. We are now working out our differences in a court of law. As many of you may know, once you have been taken by a company, at least in Iowa, we only had 2 years to file with the court for help. We gave Pella the benefit of the doubt and nearly 2 years to fix our windows. They refused to even attempt to provide any communication unless we called every day or emailed every day. We then figured out that Pella was only "playing us" to run out their 2 year time frame. So here we sit, waiting on the Iowa Court System to play out. Our trial is set for Marion County Court, Iowa on February 12, 2013. This has been a long time coming, as we have been homeless since the fall of 2009 when we installed our Pella windows into our home. They leak water/snow so badly that we have an extremely awful mold problem when it is wet. You can see the videos that are posted on YouTube of our home under Pella Window Problems. We posted these so that other home owners could see the potential windows that they might be thinking of putting into their homes. We want to educate the population on our problems. Please do your homework!

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Dotie
Southern Pines, US
Sep 29, 2011 5:44 pm EDT

We have just replaced sliding glass windows on our sun porch. These are Pella - plastic composite - look and slide very nicely, but when it rains they leak - there is a gutter with drains, but the water still stays in the gutter. "Expert" came to see them and told us that this is just the way they are made. Sounds crazy to me that water can get inside the house because "this is just the way they are made". Disappointed as they were not cheap, but having difficulty in getting a good reason for this happening.

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:33 pm EDT

I'm sad to say that I've experienced the same problem with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors (ALSO cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues). These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may EDUCATE consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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7:09 pm EDT
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Pella - condensation

I have a octagon shaped window in my bathroom that condensation builds up on the inside when the outside temperature gets below 35 degrees. When the outside temps get below 30 degrees, the inside of the window actually gets about 2 inches of ice all around the outer edge. The inside wood trim is stained from water and getting black. Pella says it is too...

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7:23 pm EDT
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Pella Repair

I contacted Pella to replace a patio door glass my daughter had broken while mowing. They charged $50.00 to come out and give us an estimate. It then took 2 weeks for a response... Just to find out they wanted $126 for the glass which is reasonable but they wanted $400 labor to replace a single pane of glass ! This is highway robbery !

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4:36 pm EDT
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Pella Do not buy from them

I purchased $35, 000 worth of product from them in 1993. One window failed within the warranty period and the others have been in the process of failing from day one. All of my windows/doors what are exposed to the elements are failing. I have repaired 2 windows that were rotted and now 5 more are letting water in. They are hiding behind their 10-yr warranty but I feel they should stand behind their products especially if it a design flaw which I feel is the case here.AllI have searched the net and have found numerous complaints about their product and service. All I need now is a class action to join or start. DON'T BUY PELLA!

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:35 pm EDT

I've experienced many problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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6:31 pm EDT
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Pella Multiple mechanical problems

I had a Bed and Breakfast built in [protected] and began operation 1996. I have had nothing but
problems with Pella windows ever since. I paid Pella several times to repair the windows.
The repairmen never had enough spare parts or time even when spending an entire day.
The windows are a hazard. They are underengineered to say the least. The wind will pull
them apart and they would have fallen from the second story except that we attached chains
and keep an eye on them all the time. They are always out of alignment, sagging, binding, dragging and the cranks break off with a minimum of turning pressure. They are built NOT to last. If I could afford it I would replace them all. I would never buy another one.

It takes many days, if not weeks to get repair parts. The last time I called I was told Pella does not
provide service in Taos as they did in the past. Good luck in your area.

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 3:11 pm EDT

I've experienced many of the same problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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3:23 pm EDT
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Pella poor quality/no customer service

I bought $65K in Pella windows and doors. the Pella service, from delivery to quality of finished product has been horrible. The units are missing parts, some were damaged from shipment, windows don't function properly, and Pella has completely ignored our repeated requests, both verbal and in writing, to rectify these numerous complaints with their products. the house is about 85% completed, and I am very concerned that with what we have discovered to date will pale when it comes to the operating and actually using the windows! The Austin sales rep, Sean Miller, has made repeated promises and has yet to fulfill any of them. The Pella Texas regional supervisor, Louis Talamantes has also failed to follow thru with his repeated promises of actions to be taken by Pella. I would strongly suggest that anyone considering purchasing high end windows for their home definitely choose any other brand than Pella. I am going to contact the Texas Attorney Generals' office to file a formal complaint against this company I would also certainly be interested in joining any pending Class Action suits being considered against Pella.

Brooks Wilson

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Brandon Belmonte
Westport, US
May 23, 2011 1:49 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Desmond Rea is a ###, unless hes making money off you he doesnt care about you.
Worked for him, such a bad experience.
Trys to no pay anyone he can, customet service is awful.
All he sees is $$$ signs.

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:42 pm EDT

I, personally, have had a really bad experience using Pella. I've experienced many problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time!

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TXWindowMan
Austin, US
Oct 23, 2009 8:38 am EDT

bpr36,

Learn to read idiot. I do not work for them, I work with them. I order windows from them on a regular basis. I get along well with their employees. They always answer my questions and their service department has never done me wrong. I have nothing but good things to say about the employees. My customers and home owners have nothing but good things to say about the company and their employees. Again, as I made it clear in my previous comment, I work with them. I am not a Pella employee. Can you sleep at night knowing that you can't read and comprehend letters that are placed together to make words, and those words placed together to make sentences. I mean come on, learn to read before you go off on someone and make yourself look like a total ###. You’re the type of person that makes life difficult for others. Because of your inability to read I am sure that you go into businesses where you have purchased something and go off on them because it doesn’t do what you thought it would do, but yet if you would read the instructions or the package that it came in you would know what the product does and how it is suppose to work. You need everything done for you because you are helpless and believe that just because you paid someone for a product they should bow to your ever wish. You sir are a parasite on society, and through the power of the web you can sit in your mom’s basement, while taking a break from whatever nerdy game you play, get onto a message board and write about something that you have no knowledge about and sound like a big man and call people fat. The fact remains that you are probably still a virgin and do not know the touch or love of a beautiful woman. Stop drinking the mountain dew and get hooked on phonics. I mean really get a job, become a productive member of society. Learn what it’s like in the real world and deal with people and not their avatar.

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bpr36
, US
Oct 17, 2009 4:20 pm EDT

Dude, your attitude stinks... everyone knows that you cant make everyone happy... but your response is towards a consumer that creates your paycheck... i hope they dont know where u live...nothin in this world is perfect... but a product or a company is only as good as the person that stands behind it... do u sleep well?... pella must be proud to have such a proffessional working for them... i will refer to what you said... "i sat back"... bet you are 400 lbs... i bet your competition is laughin there a__ off...

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TXWindowMan
Austin, US
Oct 15, 2009 3:48 pm EDT

You know if home owners would take responsibility for their products and the parts that come along with those products you wouldn't have any issues. The major problem with complaints like this is the fact that they are not based upon any facts and do not take into account all that happens behind the scenes to get winey customers happy but keep coming up with more stuff that has nothing to do with what the original problem. Builders and home owners have to have their hands held through the entire process. I mean come on, how can someone be so helpless as to need a service tech come out to a job site to put on screens and handles. I have worked with Pella for years and have nothing but an excellent experience with them every time. I have found that if you show mutual respect for individuals who are trying to work with you on a project you get a lot from it. I have sat back and watched Pella employs bend over backwards for other customers and builders who really do not deserve it. I have sat in the office getting quotes and service from employs and have to listen to the complaints of incompetent home owners and builders who quite frankly I do not understand how they are still in business. A lot of the complaints from home owners and builders are based on emotion and have no merit. They over react to every little thing that doesn’t go as planned.

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Gregory S
Commack, US
Aug 08, 2009 12:57 am EDT

Pella Inc. In my experience Pella could not car less about anyone or anything. My company installed windows for one of their distributers (DHD) in New York. Contractors and homeowners beware! In short they owe us over $6, 000 for over 11 months. Phone calls and messages to the President Desmond Rea have gone unanswered. The new person in charge of installations Travis Earl is doing nothing but trying to figure out reasons why not to pay us. Recently I was sent a check for work done last November. They had no right or reason to hold the money. Now they are holding an additional $3, 200 saying if I accept this payment(which is already due to me)I have to agree to close the situation. LOL.

Their windows are good but do have many flaws. My company only did about 11 jobs for them but we have seen many of the issues discussed. Trying to get help from anyone at Pella Inc. is almost impossible. I know of several Pella installers for DHD windows that are having similar problems collecting their money. Anyone else out there that can relate feel free to contact me. done_right_remodeling@yahoo.com

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6:52 pm EDT
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Pella Do NOT recommend Pella products

You walk into a Pella showroom and their windows/doors look beautiful. We spent over $40, 000.00 in Pella Windows and Doors and can tell you from experience that they are not worth the money. We bought double hung windows/sliding glass doors/french outswing doors and fiberglass doors for a new construction home. First of all, if you have your contractor install their product, immediately they want to blame your installer. DO NOT BUY their Fiberglass doors. They come from the factory in less than satisfactory condition. We had a door replaced 3 times and they all had the same bad paint job (paint flakes). We've had this door for a year now and it has already faded badly. Before we bought the door, they claimed the great thing about this product is that it doesn't fade from the sun! LIE! We ordered a set of windows for our Dining Room and the same exact set of windows for our Living Room that our Contractor was going to install. When the windows arrived, they forgot to mull them together into one big window. Pella ended up having to come to the site to mull them together and install them. Pella can't blame our Contractor because Pella installed these windows and they did a terrible job. We've had leaking and moisture problems and eventually had to hire our own people to correct the problems. BEWARE OF PELLA PRODUCTS...THEY TELL YOU WONDERFUL THINGS IN THE SHOWROOM BUT THEY DO NOT BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT. PELLA QUALITY CONTROL AND THEIR SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ARE THE WORST. I will never again buy or recommend any of their products.

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HandyManDan
Macon, US
May 21, 2013 9:14 pm EDT

I have about 30 Pella casement windows + French doors - the architect series that were almost new when I purchased my house in 2001. I'm sure they cost a bundle. I have had numerous issue - including the factory applied paint/finish that was inferior. A good number of the windows have needed mechanical repair - and the parts are not cheap. Usually $50+ per window for replacing the cheap nylon sliders, latches, hinges - whatever happens to go - not to mention typically having to take the casement window out and re- glue the corner joints, re align the windows, etc. These windows are at 15 years old now and may be a stretch to get another 10 years out of them. Come on - can we expect at least the hardware to be rated for greater than 20 years. The factory service here is almost non responsive - have to get parts from ebay.

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gsmckee
Moravia, US
Sep 26, 2012 5:09 pm EDT

As we all know if Pella were providing quality customer service for their shifty product there would be no negative postings on the web. We have also found out, by purchasing 49 Pella Architect Series Double Hung windows, that Pella does not stand behind their products. We are now working out our differences in a court of law. As many of you may know, once you have been taken by a company, at least in Iowa, we only had 2 years to file with the court for help. We gave Pella the benefit of the doubt and nearly 2 years to fix our windows. They refused to even attempt to provide any communication unless we called every day or emailed every day. We then figured out that Pella was only "playing us" to run out their 2 year time frame. So here we sit, waiting on the Iowa Court System to play out. Our trial is set for Marion County Court, Iowa on February 12, 2013. This has been a long time coming, as we have been homeless since the fall of 2009 when we installed our Pella windows into our home. They leak water/snow so badly that we have an extremely awful mold problem when it is wet. You can see the videos that are posted on YouTube of our home under Pella Window Problems. We posted these so that other home owners could see the potential windows that they might be thinking of putting into their homes. We want to educate the population on our problems. Please do your homework!

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:21 pm EDT

I'm sad to say that I've experienced many of the same problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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gsmckee
Moravia, US
Nov 21, 2009 5:58 pm EST

We also purchased Pella, to the tune of 53 Archict windows in September 2009 . We agree 100%. We recomend that people stay far away from Pella. We wish we could get together personally on line to communicate with others like us. We want to know if anyone else would like to join in a law suit. We can be reaches at gsmckee0740@aol.com. We live in Iowa.

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10:03 pm EDT
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Pella ICE ON THE INTERIOR

PICTURES SPEAK THE TRUTH I ONLY HAVE ONE QUESTION TO A PERSPECTIVE CUSTOMER WHO WANTS THE TRUTH

PELLA IS "VIEWED TO BE THE BEST" BUT SO WAS THE NAZI PARTY IN GERMANY IN 1941

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keith wysocki
, US
Dec 16, 2010 5:24 pm EST

I pushed fought and threaten pella until they finally agreed and replaced the windows from my 2009
complaint

What i got is just as bad if not worse only 1 yr old

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:44 pm EDT

I'm right there with you. I've experienced many problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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WindowGuy
Harleysville, US
Jun 10, 2009 10:11 pm EDT

Check your humidity level in your house. This is a condisation problem. Your humidity would have to be very high to cause this problem. Look up codensation/ice on windows and there will be plenty of articles explaining this problem. Buy a dehumidifier and it should go away.

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Pella Poor design

In 2004 we moved into our new home built with all Pella slimshade Windows and doors. Within two months, one of the "raise/lower" devices broke. Local Pella dealer came right out and replaced screen with different design. It works great BUT is completely different in appearance that nine other windows in same room. In addition, none of the slimshades will stay up. They slowly fall to about half way with some of the shades facing up and other facing down. Looks kinda crappy too. Now another screen has a broken cord. All this AND... mosture between the panes! My advice... buy Andersen Windows!

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:45 pm EDT

I've experienced many of the same problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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3:00 pm EST
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Pella Moisture and Frost Inside Windows

We bought a 40 year old retirement condo 4 years ago which had original windows with interior storm windows. Since we have electric heat and Connecticut has the highest electric rates in the continental US, we decided to have the wndows replaced with Pella. Their installer insisted that the storms needed to be removed and that we wouldn't need them. Well, we now have moisture on the inside of 3 out of 8 windows. The service tech came this week and told us we needed to remove drapes, install a dehumidifier, etc.

We didn't need to do any of this before, we are $8k poorer, and this morning was wspecially cold and we woke up to frost on the inside of the window closest to our bed!

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david scheck
Wadsworth, US
Jan 22, 2013 11:20 am EST

I've had my pella window for 30 years, with no problems .now all of a sudden i get moisture at the bottom of my windows, can someone tell me how to fix problem-it's not by running a dehumidifier either! help!

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gsmckee
Moravia, US
Sep 26, 2012 5:11 pm EDT

As we all know if Pella were providing quality customer service for their shifty product there would be no negative postings on the web. We have also found out, by purchasing 49 Pella Architect Series Double Hung windows, that Pella does not stand behind their products. We are now working out our differences in a court of law. As many of you may know, once you have been taken by a company, at least in Iowa, we only had 2 years to file with the court for help. We gave Pella the benefit of the doubt and nearly 2 years to fix our windows. They refused to even attempt to provide any communication unless we called every day or emailed every day. We then figured out that Pella was only "playing us" to run out their 2 year time frame. So here we sit, waiting on the Iowa Court System to play out. Our trial is set for Marion County Court, Iowa on February 12, 2013. This has been a long time coming, as we have been homeless since the fall of 2009 when we installed our Pella windows into our home. They leak water/snow so badly that we have an extremely awful mold problem when it is wet. You can see the videos that are posted on YouTube of our home under Pella Window Problems. We posted these so that other home owners could see the potential windows that they might be thinking of putting into their homes. We want to educate the population on our problems. Please do your homework!

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jun 29, 2010 3:02 pm EDT

In my experience, I would NOT recommend Pella. I've had many issues, such as seal failure and cladding problems, with my Pella Architect Series windows and doors installed throughout my home 1995. Please check out this website, detailing the various window and door failures/defects: www.onlinelitigationdiscovery.com Please feel free to share your similar stories on my website. Thank you.

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Pella Bad service

Had whole house installed with Pella Impervia double hung windows. Had serious air leakage throughout all of the house windows. After 3 service calls and no answers, all the Pella service manager could tell me was that in thier gaurentee, they have the right to refund my money and walk away. After 4 months of back and forth, I took that option which left me to shop for windows and go through the whole process of instillation again. For referance, I used Gilkey and they are tenfold better than the Pella impervia windows. Beware as this is a cheap product and they are trying to get into the vinyl replacement market with very inferior product.

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gsmckee
Moravia, US
Sep 26, 2012 5:08 pm EDT

Our stroy is simular. As we all know if Pella were providing quality customer service for their shifty product there would be no negative postings on the web. We have also found out, by purchasing 49 Pella Architect Series Double Hung windows, that Pella does not stand behind their products. We are now working out our differences in a court of law. As many of you may know, once you have been taken by a company, at least in Iowa, we only had 2 years to file with the court for help. We gave Pella the benefit of the doubt and nearly 2 years to fix our windows. They refused to even attempt to provide any communication unless we called every day or emailed every day. We then figured out that Pella was only "playing us" to run out their 2 year time frame. So here we sit, waiting on the Iowa Court System to play out. Our trial is set for Marion County Court, Iowa on February 12, 2013. This has been a long time coming, as we have been homeless since the fall of 2009 when we installed our Pella windows into our home. They leak water/snow so badly that we have an extremely awful mold problem when it is wet. You can see the videos that are posted on YouTube of our home under Pella Window Problems. We posted these so that other home owners could see the potential windows that they might be thinking of putting into their homes. We want to educate the population on our problems. Please do your homework!

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:27 pm EDT

I'm sad to say that I've experienced many of the same problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:26 pm EDT

I'm sad to say that I've experienced many of the same problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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Jimmy2
Johnston, US
Jul 03, 2009 11:17 am EDT

I also wasn't informed about the Impervia... What I found out was this... Fiberglass can and will degrade in Ultraviolet. YOU HAVE TO PAINT/MAINTAIN this product. It is not a maintenance free material. Just look at the cheap sprayed on coating. Boats have expensive gel-gloss coatings that STILL allow cracks to form below when exposed to UV. Also, the weak points are at the corners, because fiberglass cannot be welded, it has to be glued and screwed together, which can lead to the above mentioned air/water infiltration. Thirdly, it is hardly a green product, as it's on the top 10 hazardous materials on OSHA's list, and when it gets warm...oh yes, it does tend to smell... In all reality, it still looks like a cheap vinyl window anyway, with the 45 degree corner bevels and the visible tilt mechanisms...yuck. I miss my old wood windows.

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Jay T
,
Nov 09, 2008 10:37 pm EST

I too, bought a poor quality product from Pella. A storm door that started rotting out from the inside out. 2 years old, had all the receipts, they sent me a makeshift door worse than the original and charged me $30 freight. The glass was installed wrong and I had to reuse the glass from the existing door. No hardware- I would not recommend this product to anyone! They do not stand behind their product!

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2:16 pm EST

Pella Windows and inswing double doors

I spent over $100, 000 for Pella Architect windows and doors and they have performed terribly.

The windows leak cold air around the compression jambs where the window sashs meet. This is due to shoddy construction, poor installation of weatherstripping and unbelievable difficult installation guidelines.(which Pella reps cling to as way to CYA their poor quality)

The in-swing double doors are worse! The locking mechanisms doe not hold the doors tight against the weatherstripping when the wind blows. This is due to poor placement of the pin receiver and undersized pins. (Really poor design and construction is the real problem) The result is drafts and on certain wind directions "whistling"!

The real disappointment is the service. Pella has tech reps that come out to fix the problem, go through the motions but in the end are unable to stop the drafts. If you escalate the problem their management follows a company line that blames the GC for bad installation. (My GC reinstalled several windows to Pella spec and they still leak)

I have been trying to get these windows and doors fixed for two years and am just now figuring out what the real deal is. Don't trust your architect because he needs Pella more than he needs you. He will just stall and evade. The GC is the same. He will never see you again but will buy windows from Pella for years. If you have problems with Pella get a lawyer because that is the only way to get these guys to do the right thing for their customers.

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:57 pm EDT

I've experienced many of the same problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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Pella Charged me for one product and charged for another

My Wife and I called this pella sales rep and had him visit our home for direction of ordering the proper window with features that my wife wanted in the window. After about an hour of checking every window in our house and quoting to replace them all "parts only" "when I ask about pella installing the window his response was they are way to high and I should do it myself or have a local carpenter do the job" I decided that we could only afford to have the living room window replaced at this time. The existing window had allot of wood rot around it so I chose to have a contractor install the window and repair all wood damage. It took 6 weeks for them to deliver the new window, because of my choice of contractors we had to install the window two times before it was installed properly and I had to take a day of vacation to bull dog the contractor. Pella was of little help as far as installation goes. After the window was set the second time and a $1000 window above was broken " yes I was left footing the expense of the $1000 window because the contractor has nothing not even a Lic" I fired the contractor once the window was installed correctly and the pella rep came out to view the second installation. That evening when my wife came home the first thing she said was this window does not have the opening feature we ordered. I contacted the pella rep. Jonathan and he said this model does not have that feature, I informed him that we ordered that and even went to his showroom and discussed it with the person at their store. Jonathan said this feature is only on a double hung window and we bought a single hung window. After looking at my contract he has double hung circled then hand written in single hung. He sold us the top of the line window for $790 dollars and we got about a $400 dollar window. Now they are doing nothing not even returning my email or phone calls. If you want to be taken advantage of just give these crooks a call. Sure glad I did not order new windows for my whole house!

My house is a wreck right now, I waited 2 months to get this window delivered and installed then a $1000 window above it got broke by the unlicensed contractor and we had paid $400 to this guy to break our good window. We paid $790 bucks to pella for a window and features that we did not get " we did not realize the swing out feature was not in the new window until it was installed and we were checking out its operation. I still have to reassemble the siding and build new framing around the new window because it was not the same size as the old window. Once again I am taking more vacation time and spending more money to complete this job. Now I am out near $2500 for two windows in my living room and both of them need replacing again.

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Maverick455
Olathe, US
Oct 05, 2010 8:01 am EDT

I could not access the above website ( onlinelitigationdiscovery.com ). Is this site still available?

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:58 pm EDT

I've experienced many problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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June Gaylord
Fowler, US
Dec 18, 2009 8:35 pm EST

I agree, as I have had a similar experience. Unauthorized charges and sent windows that I did not order and sent more windows than I ordered. I called the sales manager, Warren Olson of the Pella Window store in South Bend and he brushed me off. I sent a letter to a Customer Support Specialist, Jana Pfannebecker at the Pella Corporation in Pella, IA.
She stated that she had contacted Mr. Olson and he indicated that this matter was resolved. This Pella Window franchise is owned by Herbert Kreigh of Scranton, PA. Mr. Kreigh, Pres. of National Building Products in conjunction with Pella Windows and Doors, also has locations in Mishawaka and Chesterton. Herbert Kreigh sent me an email stating that he wanted me to stop communicating to his employees. Pella Windows and Doors has lost the reputation that the family had build for years. The new Pella Windows & Doors CEO, Mel Haught, has spent billions of dollars advertising, since the class action suit. You can't abuse customers and commit fraud without causing unhappy customers Mr. CEO and Mr. Kreigh. Your reputation will be your downfall.

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Pella Poor customer service

Pella of Kansas City failed to provide the correct skylight flashings for my roof windows. After a long delay, they sent additional skylight flashings, and invoiced me for an additional $2625. I complained that the correct skylight flashings should have been in the original order since I discussed the roof type in detail with my Pella sales representative. Ultimately, I agreed to pay an extra $1000 for the skylight flashings in order to prevent futher delays to the project. Once the second set of flashing was received, my roofing contractor informed me that the second set of flashing was also incorrect. I attempted to return the incorrect flashings, but was informed by Pella of Kansas City that they would not take them back.

I contacted Pella Corporate to complain about the franchisee. In their correspondence Pella of Kansas City claimed that they discounted the flashing 100%. This was a blatant lie, and I produced evidence including the invoice for the flashings, to show that indeed they invoiced extra for the incorrect flashing. Pella Corporate decided not to take any actiion on my behalf. I don't know how Pella of Kansas City can feel right about how they resolved this issue, and I'm disappointed that Pella Corporate would tolerate such bad behavior from one of their independently owned franchises. As far as I'm concerned, it reflects poorly on their entire brand.

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 3:10 pm EDT

I've experienced many problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims and my concerns have been met with TERRIBLE customer service. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers about this company. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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Pella Pella - watch out

We have a Cole Sewell storm door, owned by Pella. The door is deteriorating from the inside out. They will do nothing because the door was on the house when we bought it! It is the materials used in the door and they will not stand behind their product!

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gsmckee
Moravia, US
Sep 26, 2012 5:10 pm EDT

As we all know if Pella were providing quality customer service for their shifty product there would be no negative postings on the web. We have also found out, by purchasing 49 Pella Architect Series Double Hung windows, that Pella does not stand behind their products. We are now working out our differences in a court of law. As many of you may know, once you have been taken by a company, at least in Iowa, we only had 2 years to file with the court for help. We gave Pella the benefit of the doubt and nearly 2 years to fix our windows. They refused to even attempt to provide any communication unless we called every day or emailed every day. We then figured out that Pella was only "playing us" to run out their 2 year time frame. So here we sit, waiting on the Iowa Court System to play out. Our trial is set for Marion County Court, Iowa on February 12, 2013. This has been a long time coming, as we have been homeless since the fall of 2009 when we installed our Pella windows into our home. They leak water/snow so badly that we have an extremely awful mold problem when it is wet. You can see the videos that are posted on YouTube of our home under Pella Window Problems. We posted these so that other home owners could see the potential windows that they might be thinking of putting into their homes. We want to educate the population on our problems. Please do your homework!

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 2:19 pm EDT

I'm sad to say that I've experienced many of the same problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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Pella - Lowe's window installation voids warranty

I had Lowe's install Pella windows in my home in Pittsburgh, PA late last year. After their contractor finished, I realized that he had caulked closed and covered with aluminum trim all of the weep holes in the windows. (These are the little holes that allow water to get out of the window frames. If these are plugged, the water finds its way into the wall...

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Pella Sash Mutilation from Slimshade Blinds

I had Pella Designer Series casement windows with Slimshades installed in July 2004. One and a half years later, the shades on most windows have indented the wood as they contact the sash (putting the shade down). On 4 windows the nylon blocks on the bottom of the shade have worked through the stain and hard coat and are mutilating the wood. I applied Varathane Diamond Wood Finish in 3 coats as instructed by the manufacturer instruction. Pella Iowa and the local Pella distributor have been stalling this complaint for 15 months with no satisfactory repair or replacement. Pella, by far, exhibits the worst customer service I have ever experienced with any company. I truly regret my decision in choosing Pella.

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jul 01, 2010 3:42 pm EDT

I've experienced many of the same problems with my Pella Architect Series Windows and Doors, including cladding problems, seal failure, spotting on the glass, rotting wood among other issues. These Pella windows and doors were installed throughout my house in 1995. Problems with the windows began less than 10 years after installation. Pella refuses to acknowledge these claims. On my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com, you can see photos detailing the defects with my Pella windows and doors.

I've very interested in hearing other people's similar experiences with Pella. If you have had these problems with Pella, please go to my website, onlinelitigationdiscovery.com and tell me your similar experience so that we may educate consumers. Thanks for your time! -A. Bailey

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RoseMary
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Sep 09, 2008 3:15 pm EDT

I bought a Pella bay window in 1999 with slimshades and have had no problems...until last week when one of the little strings gave out (I use it a lot). I called customer service to ask where I could get the shade restrung and they informed me it was still under warranty and shipped me a new shade at no charge. Issue free for almost 10 years!

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spiralsands
,
Dec 13, 2007 5:14 am EST

Oh great. I just bought three Pella windows.

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Pella Pella windows are crap!

We spent a lot of money on pella windows and they turned out to be crappy. We get so much moisture around are windows that a rag is soaken wet. We called pella several times complaining about the problem A guy even came out to our house to look at our windows. He said our house is seeled up to tight thats why we get moisture.That is not true, we even have a dehumidifier. They did nothing about helping with the problem. I do not recommend pella windows to anyone.

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Dustin Chase
, US
Apr 23, 2022 10:14 am EDT

Yes, but they are still crappy windows. ALL the Pella casement windows in my house started falling apart and rotting out within 10 years. Would never put a Pella window in my house again.

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LongRanger
, US
Aug 07, 2022 3:30 pm EDT

Our Pella windows are absolutely terrible too. Six of them have gaskets that appear to have dried and degraded. We’ve caulked, re-caulked and caulked again. Caulk has worked, but is only a relatively temporary solution.

I would never buy Pella. NEVER!

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Paolino Paperino
, US
Aug 14, 2015 7:15 am EDT

I agree, Pella is bad from start to finish. The product is bad, the installation wrong and the customer service the worse you can get. Trying to contact the headquarter does not help. They do not stand behind their product as they claim, they also add damage to your home (e.g. my floor) and they do not take responsibility for the damage and pain they cause to you.
Going for Pella will just result in a nightmare. Stay away from them!

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Reed Carpenter
Shaker Heights, US
Jul 05, 2015 10:04 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

1991 Family Room Addition...Pella Designer Series...casement & fixed windows...wood sill and wood sash bottom rail totally rotted out...wood components do not appear to have been treated for rot...defective design of sash glazing...as an Architect I thought Pella was a superior product which should last a life time...I was very wrong...I recently started to repair what appeared to be surface rot...what I discovered is an horrendous problem...I will be contacting the local Gunton/Pella architectural sales representative tomorrow morning...my 1927 home has wood double hung which are in great shape and I expect they will last at least another 88 years...

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Pella Sucks
Bethany Beach, US
Jan 17, 2015 9:52 am EST

I built a house in 2000 with Pella Pro Line windows. I have four sliding doors and 38 windows. I have had to replace ALL of them due to rot. I was able to get Pella to give me many of the replacement sashes, no labor credit, prior to the expiration of the ten year warranty. Now all of the sliding doors are rotting out as well as the fixed windows. Even the replacement sashes that are only four years old are starting to show signs of trouble. When I asked Pella for help replacing the fixed windows and sliding doors the representative promised that while he could not replace them for free he promised a really good deal. That great deal turned out to be twice as expensive as any competitor. Way to sick it up my you no what Pella. NEVER, EVER AGAIN WILL I USE A PELLA PRODUCT! I am laughing last as they just lost a $50, 000.00 chance to put windows in my sister's new home because of the way they treated me. By the way they told me I had to wax and re-caulk my windows every six months to protect the warranty.

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gsmckee
Moravia, US
Sep 26, 2012 5:14 pm EDT

As we all know if Pella were providing quality customer service for their shifty product there would be no negative postings on the web. We have also found out, by purchasing 49 Pella Architect Series Double Hung windows, that Pella does not stand behind their products. We are now working out our differences in a court of law. As many of you may know, once you have been taken by a company, at least in Iowa, we only had 2 years to file with the court for help. We gave Pella the benefit of the doubt and nearly 2 years to fix our windows. They refused to even attempt to provide any communication unless we called every day or emailed every day. We then figured out that Pella was only "playing us" to run out their 2 year time frame. So here we sit, waiting on the Iowa Court System to play out. Our trial is set for Marion County Court, Iowa on February 12, 2013. This has been a long time coming, as we have been homeless since the fall of 2009 when we installed our Pella windows into our home. They leak water/snow so badly that we have an extremely awful mold problem when it is wet. You can see the videos that are posted on YouTube of our home under Pella Window Problems. We posted these so that other home owners could see the potential windows that they might be thinking of putting into their homes. We want to educate the population on our problems. Please do your homework!

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gsmckee
Moravia, US
Sep 20, 2012 4:58 pm EDT

I don't know if I would go as far as many who have posted. Pella is a window company. How hard can it be to build a good window for a window company? From my experience, I have come to decide it has to be that Pella just does not want to stand behind their products, at least in our home. We have a home full of newly installed, in 2009, Pella Architect Series windows. Many, if not most, leak. Pella has been to our home several times. They tell us one thing while their staff is is in our home, then they NEVER follow through. We have dozens of letters saying just what they will do, in fact we made a tape recording, the last time they were in our home. They will not stand behind what they said. So we can only conclude, Pella just simply does not stand behind their defective products. Make sure that you read carefully and do your homework before you purchase from Pella!

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BMWDG3
Charleston, US
Sep 09, 2012 3:22 pm EDT

I built a new house in 1989 and installed Pella windows at a cost of $14, 000.00 (serious money at that time), and after 23 years they have held up fine. Everyone I talked to in the building business said Pellas were the very best windows and doors and nothing else was even close. In October of 2010 I replaced my metal fronts double doors with Pella fiberglass dark Mahogany doors and with the installation cost I invested almost $3000.00. Now the outside of both doors where the sun hits, they have turned a chalky white. I can not believe they failed in less than 2 years. I am so mad I can not see straight, and NO for the 50th time, I do not have storm doors in front of the outside of the Pellas, which Pella says will cause big time problems. NEVER BUY PELLA FIBERGLASS OUTSIDE DOORS. I wish someone would have advised me before this bad decision. I think Pella did make good doors and windows in the past, but like most company they now make junk and try to go on their past reputations.

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bocam39
Montréal, CA
Aug 23, 2012 9:20 am EDT
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To whom it may concern:
I had my first appointment with your company to install my windows on November 4th 2011. I took that day off from work and waited at my home. When your worker did not arrive at the scheduled time, I called Pella in Montreal to ask what was going on. I was told the worker’s truck had a problem and could not make it to my house. Why did the Pella not call me to inform me this themselves? Why did I have to call your company to be told my appointment was essentially canceled? This is unacceptable customer service. I am employed at an architecture office. Projects have deadlines that must be respected thus I must inform my boss in advance when I need to takes days off. My wages are hourly and I lost income due to your worker’s unreliability. I then had to take another day off from work to schedule a second appointment with your company.
The second appointment to install my windows was on November 11th, 2011. Since this appointment, more than 9 months have passed and the installation of the windows are still not complete (see images in document). The joints of the windows were exposed throughout last winter and are still exposed today. This is not only affecting the esthetics of the windows and my hom but it is also damaging the frames structurally.
I have called Pella in Montreal several times since April to ask for the windows to be completed. Finally, a worker was sent to my home on June 12th, 2012 whereby I had to take yet another day off from work. I honestly thought that this would be the final time that I would have to take time off from work for these windows. However, this was not the case. A Pella employee came to assess what work remains for the windows and then told me that he could not finish the work today because he had 5 other homes waiting to be done first.
I have spent close to 10 thousand dollars for my windows which I believed came from a reputable company. Your salesman and your contractor told me that I had made the right choice to buy Pella windows. However, I have not received the service nor the final product that I was promised and for which I have paid top dollars in full. Other than the fact that the exterior of the windows are not complete, here is a list of additional problems:
1. One of the windows has two handles missing
2. Unacceptable workmanship
3. All nail holes were left exposed
4. The ends and edges of all trims are not stained
5. Some elements are not assembled well
6. Damages caused by windows not being sealed

I have purchased a total of four windows from your company and I am very disappointed and unsatisfied with not only the product you have provided but also the very poor service. The quality of work I was provided was very different from the windows that are on display in your show room; you have not met my expectations, you are deceiving your customers and this is unacceptable. The cost of each window is close to $2500 each, a high price to pay for the windows and service you have provided. I am very disappointed with your company.
Since June 12th, 2012, I have not received any news from Pella. I am expecting an official letter from your company which states when the work on my windows will be finally completed. If there is any structural damage to the frames of the windows due to inclement weather I expect your company to repair them free of charge. Additionally, any damage around the windows caused by the fact that windows were not properly sealed must also be properly repaired by your company. Moreover, I have a two year warranty on these windows. The warranty should only begin on the day the work on the windows has been complete.
I hope that this is the last time I need to contact your company with regards to the unfinished and unsatisfactory level of work that you have provided. Note that if you do not respond to this letter adequately I will be forced to pursue legal action.
Thank you for your immediate cooperation, Bo Teng

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pamorjim
Lititz, US
Aug 14, 2012 8:14 pm EDT

We have 15 pella windows, 4 bay windows, 2 sets french doors. First window installed has just a little graying wood at lower right corner. However 1 bay window in second floor had a round spot on the window sill/seat that bubbled ( i thought my daughter spilled perfume or something) Then after several years it seemed to grow larger. I had the builder come back and look at it, he took pictures and a Pella rep came to look at it. Pella sent new flashing. No one wanted to repair, do the labor or give me estimates on cost to do the labor. Just ignored the problem. Now, it has grown all across the seat and large bubbles on the one side. Local contractor advised to get a mediator to inspect. Sounds costly. Sounds like that is the next step. Anyone know the outcomes of the class action suit against Pella?

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Penny Greenless
Amherst, US
Apr 05, 2012 1:16 pm EDT
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I have been in my house for 11 years now and every winter we have moisture up at least half the window. I have black around the wood now and it looks awful. My sliding door has water laying in the run of the door and now my wood on the inside is rotted. They came out to check it and I have 2 sets of window's that fog up that they are replacing but as for the door they said it's because I didn't clean the snow away from the door. I guess I shouldn't live in Ohio where it snow's because that door doesn't hold up. I am very frustrated because they want me to pay to replace it and I feel it is there product that didn't last.

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Pella Squeaky, leaky expensive windows!

Spring, 2005 -- moved to our former rental house and paid $16,964.47 to Pella for new casement windows (doesn't include installation/finish labor and material costs). These windows replaced old double-pane sliding windows and newer outside storms. Casement windows were recommended because they were expected to provide maximum sealing when closed and offered "enclosed" blinds. We wanted triple-pane windows (the equivalent of doubles with storms), but later found we had double-pane ones (not obvious to the eye and little difference in price). We've had frost formations between "sealed" glass panes, bugs entering around locked windows, warping of a few frames (causing terrible noises when opening/closing during humid weather), and cold air coming inside from between "sealed" panes. However, we have NO problems with the 10-year-old spare room cheap side-slider we did not replace (doesn't even have a separate storm). The salesman claims we wanted double-pane windows to "save money" -- simply not true -- our contractor was present during the ordering and remembers distinctly that triple-panes were specified. We used top-quality oak wood for all the finishing, and wanted beautiful, new maintenance-free windows for our retirement residence. Technicians have come promptly after our calls and have done what they can to adjust, replace seals, etc., but they differ on opinions about whether or not the triple-panes would have prevented our cold air and frost problems. Funny -- we had no frost and cold air issues with the old windows/storms when tenants closed them properly during cold weather. We understand that these windows are a new design. Pella should have stuck with their former design -- we've checked out several homes with older Pella windows and they don't have such problems -- no frost by the blinds and no extremely cold or drafty interior frame/crank/lock areas. We'll see what the next "solution" is when the tech(s) come back, and we're considering having the gas company do an energy-saving review/recommendation on these "energy efficient" windows. In the meantime, we're trying tape and foam tubing in the worst areas, being grateful that we haven't seen any rain leakage, and trying to stop worrying about where water goes when frost melts. We've even stopped complaining about one small, high deep-set casement unit downstairs that opens from the top down for blind maintenance (in lieu of side-to-side), placing and our heads so close to the suspended ceiling that we can't reach down in to clean or dry off the melted frost -- we have to wait until it's warm enough to crank the windows open and climb up into the flower box outside to get into it comfortably. There is a cable that one tech offered to show us how to remove for wider opening inside, but that would lay the window down against the wide sill and add to the chances of our messing up the sliding locking mechanism of an already ill-sealed window. We'd rather just live with it, but feel that we should have been told initially that windows of that height would operate differently than taller ones when the blinds were enclosed. When we are ready to replace our really large living room windows, we'll probably just go to our local hardware store -- it would be likely be a less expensive and more efficient way to get quality windows.

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MountainMama2
Colorado Springs, US
Nov 04, 2023 5:12 pm EDT

I've contacted my local Pella store multiple times for a repair on my patio French door, for a repacement rubber seal on the bottom of the door...over two months ago. I have yet to have the replacement done. The Pella representitives refuse to follow up to have this done. I can't even get a response from them.

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lawman126
Memphis, US
Mar 12, 2023 1:38 am EST

stil waiting on doors i order 4 months ago. l could have built a house in this lenght of time. Your Memphis office keeps changing the install date.

Not offering a discount of any sort for the trouble they areputting in, I wil not buy my interior doors from Pella!

this order was placed in Jan

Memphis/Germantown Tn store

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Samantha Stachula
Chicago, US
Feb 06, 2023 2:18 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I purchased my sliding doors at full price in April 2021 and the since the day of install there has been nothing but problems. The doors had defects in them. Pella had to reorder them twice and we finally received our final product in DEC 2022. The screen doors are not locking and they have to re-order them and we are waiting once again.

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Jennifer Koelig
DES PLAINES, US
Jan 17, 2023 3:36 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have filled out the "Do Not Contact" form at least 10 times over the past couple of years. I want to get off their mailing list. I fill out my address the exact way it is on the mailers. I continue to get mail. Mailer number PN0321MARA0

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BarbaraCochran
, US
Nov 17, 2019 9:16 am EST
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Bad installation. Been out 3 times and still not fixed. Door catches on bottom.

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Kathy L. Johnson
, US
Jan 23, 2019 12:37 am EST

Our window is about 3 to 4 years old and does not have a good seal between the upper and lower piece. I can see the ground outside between the two pieces and air is coming in. We have replaced all of our windows with Pella and have never had a problem like this. Does Pella replace windows that are guaranteed against this?

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Pellum doors
, US
Sep 01, 2018 2:28 pm EDT
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The doors are coming apart. Bottom of doors are on the inside are bubbling and peeling off. There are 2 doors on the back porch. Both doors are in bad shape. I have sent photos of both doors for you to see. Need this fixed as soon as possible. If you have any questions you can email me at vickieburgess46@gmail.com. Thank you for your time.

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Monty Hougen
, US
Aug 16, 2018 4:10 am EDT

I was trying to replace a 33-5/8" high x 25-3/4" wide screen for one of my Pella windows. The parts person in Baltimore insisted that the cost for a half screen was $440. When I questioned him, he repeated the cost. I cannot believe that number. I am having a replacement made locally.

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Monty Hougen
, US
Jun 14, 2018 4:52 pm EDT

The interior coating on my 12-year-old casement windows has deteriorated so that the windows are cloudy. It looks like moisture has gotten into the space between the coating and the glassy. It is very unsightly. I do not see any fix other that scraping the coating off with a razor knife.

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ABailey
Knoxville, US
Jun 30, 2010 8:52 am EDT

I've experienced these same issues with my Pella Architect Series windows and doors (cladding problems, seal failure, rotting wood, spotted glass etc.) installed throughout my home in 1995. Pella denies responsibility for these issues. Please check out this website, detailing the various window and door failures/defects: www.onlinelitigationdiscovery.com I'm interested in hearing any similar stories regarding your problems with Pella on my website. Thanks for your time!

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