We're in the final stages of designing a 2000sqft custom home that we'll be building this summer in Eastern Ontario (cold dry winter, hot humid summer).

We've been comparing window quotes and it seems like the Pella Designer Series (Pine wood, aluminum clad, triple pane low-E argon) is coming in at the best value.  It's ridiculously lower than a quote from Hurd and lower even than Fiberglass triple-pane.  In fact it's almost on-par with a 2 pane vinyl quote we got.

So my question is "what's wrong with these Pella windows?".  One thing that bothers me a bit is their "between-glass" blind system.  To me this seems like a marketing gimmick that deflects customers away from what is really important (materials, quality and efficiency).  The fact that one of the panes snaps out to install these optional blinds makes me think there is probably an efficiency compromise.  But since we're hoping to get wood windows, the massively lower cost cannot be ignored.

I wonder if anyone can comment on these windows, pros and cons against other manufacturers.

Thanks.

We have Pella's with inglass blinds. We love the inglass blinds and would buy a product with them again.

I have, a long time ago, installed many Pella windows for customers and have not had a call back and/or complaint. "Knock on wood'.

The removable interior glass panel is a marketing decision by Pella to be able to sell the blinds you mention. They may tell you that the blinds between the glass panels keeps them dust free. Also they may point out that the double pane units are not a sealed glass unit, so the customer does not have to worry about seal failure and condensation between the glass panes.

My past customers did there homework just like you are doing. Ask questions!

With the removable panel you[b] will[/b] have extra surfaces to wash due to the vent holes in the sash that are present to equalize the atmospheric changes. This feature will still allow some dust to enter. The interior glass surfaces can be washed off by removal of the interior panel.

Some people don't mind washing the extra surfaces and [b]some people don't ever want to do that[/b], so they don't buy Pella. 

Pella windows are a top of the line quality window.

if you really want energy efficiency go with the triple-pane pella window that has a sealed dual-pane then the blinds then the removable panel. the one you describe is not very energy efficient and i am not sure even will meet energy star ratings.

I would do a little checking if you're thinknig about Hurd. Their parent company filed chapter 11 in september and the name was bought by an equity firm with what looks like no prior window/door experience.

I'm not saying the windows are good or bad, just keep their situation in mind as it relates to warranty issues, future support/parts and generally what the situation says of the company itself.

Matt the OP is talking about the same window that you are.

My Parents installed the Pella sliding Glass french doors. With the between glass blinds Back in 1983 to this day they work as good as the day they were installed. never had to do a single repair on them.

Any of you looked at all vinyl jams width of 11 7/8 Dalmen windows(double pan low-e)? No more maintenance for jams!!! I asked aroud and no one has complaints about them yet and custumer service seems good. They are manufactured in eastern ontario. I know some Rona's carry them.
Cheers!

While those pella windows have three pieces of glass, there is only low-E and argon between the outer two. The other one is just hanging out keeping the blinds from getting dirty. Better than nothing, but it won't perform the same as a "true" triple pane with argon and low-E between all the glass pieces. Also with the wood frame, the whole window R value will be much less than a insulated fiberglass frame.

I worked on a crew for about a couple weeks staining and polying these windows, and that is a real pain in the neck. But, they look amazing when they are done.

I compete against Pella in Florida and their roll-form cladding can allow water to penetrat into the sah leading to all kinds of problems.  Have seen this over and over.  You would be better of with an aluminum window made of and extrusion such as Koble & Kolbe and Marvin.  This moves less than a roll form cladding keeping the silicone seal intact.

To understand some of the trends in windows and doors read the article.

Pella triple pane windows have a U-value comparable to double panes with lowE2 and argon. If you can find the info check the U-value of you window assemblies, just because it's triple pane doesn't mean it's better. here is a link showing the performnce of the pella windows, notice the double hung triple glazed only have a .25 U-value at best. Not worth getting these triple pane windows, they just don't perform as they should. I would expect tirple panes to be at least 25-30% better than double panes, but this is not the case with the pellas. You can achieve a .30 U-value with a good double pane lowE 11 with argon in most window manufacturers. The new Energy Star code requires this for a compliance.

http://web.pella.com/products/Documents/energyperformance_designerseries.pdf

Tom Pittsley
ecobuilder@aol.com
www.eebt.org

Used a Pella triple pane for a replacement for a large picture  window in the living room.(replaced a 25 y.o. aluminum thermopane)  It was an instant upgrade but the finishing of the wood was horrible.  I came home from work for 2 weeks and worked on both the inside and the outside. It was summer in Mich, hot and humid. I always get comments about how nice they look, but I'll never do that again. And these came in at a higher cost than the other bids. There is a lot less air leakage, but I do regret not exploring further.

We bought Pella Designer Series triple pane windows for our ICF house. The U value is 0.25, as mentioned above -- not the best in class by that measure. Still, these windows are very nice. The bottom-up, between-the-glass shades are great for minimizing cleaning and for achieving privacy without blocking the entire window. The grills are also between the glass making window washing easier. The optional integrated roll screens allow us to roll up the bug screen when the window is closed for a clear view through the glass. We got the windows prefinished, as well. Energy efficiency is important, but so are other factors: ease of operation, quality of construction and overall appearance. To compensate for the higher U-value, we added insulated rolling shutters which provide additional energy efficiency along with greater security, privacy, and storm protection.

I completed an ICF home last May with Pella Designer triple pane windows with bottom up shade. I like the shade, but performance of the window is not what I'd expected! I paid extra for Impact resistance glass (outside pane) all would have low-E coating. Problem with the orginal order inside moveable pane wasn't low-E, but that was corrected by the local agent without cost. One problem Pella would not revise their energy rating sticker that seemed like poor business practice. Still got a 5+star energy rating! Right now I'm having some issues with seals (all are casement) a lot of air leakage in my book. Hopefully waranty will cover the problem! Really kind a of wish I could have justified the cost of the Thermotech Fibreglass windows about 3k more for all windows with same specs.

I have been reading nightmares about Pella in general, but as far as my own experience with the company I can say this...I ordered the wrong color Door/Window fixtures for our new home and when I called in to exchange them I was told it was my tough luck. I had no choice but to re-purchase the right color and sit on $6000 worth of Satin Nickel French Door handles & locks and Casement Window Hardware. So if anyone is interested in a great deal I just listed them on Ebay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270515374268&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123 Hopefully someone will get use out of them instead of sitting in the garage! The windows aren't so bad, but the customer service need ALOT of work. Thanks and good luck! Mel

Don't be concerned about the in-window shades being a gimmick. Pella Windows And Doors actually started out as the Pella Rollscreen Company, long, long ago, but their rollscreens weren't selling as well as hoped so they made a marketing decision to build quality windows with bulit-in rollscreens in the hopes of popularizing their primary product. The windows were a good product and soon became much more popular than the rollscreen. Pella has had the integral shades for years. It's not a new gimmick. They also made a very nice quality wood accordian door up until a few years ago. Personally, I prefer Marvin and Loewen windows to Pella's but mostly Marvin and Loewen have more glazing options available. Pella makes a good product for the price. They'll hold up well for many years, which is more than I can say for even the best quality vinyl window.

Posted By MBURR on 13 Mar 2009 04:23 PM
if you really want energy efficiency go with the triple-pane pella window that has a sealed dual-pane then the blinds then the removable panel. the one you describe is not very energy efficient and i am not sure even will meet energy star ratings.

Is that triple-Pella window available in impact/storm resistance?