Pella Windows Review

Pella is a very popular brand for windows, doors and related products, has been around since 1925. As you might expect from a company that has been around for nearly a century, they've built a reputation in the industry and in the construction world. But do their products hold up to the hype?

Let's take a closer look at everything Pella Windows has to offer, which kinds of projects they're best suited to, and whether they're truly worth the hype. 

Overview of Pella Windows

No matter what product you make, companies simply don't get to one hundred years in business unless they're doing something right. Pella offers a variety of replacement windows that you can customize to fit your home or business’s needs

The company has long been a leader in the window industry, but in recent years, some manufacturing and design changes have lead to some customers commenting on a slight decline in build quality and durability. However, like most good window companies, Pella Windows does still offer a warranty on their products, so customers do have that added insurance on the windows in their product lines.

Product Range

As you might imagine, from a company that has been around and is as established as Pella Windows, their product range is extensive. 

This includes a full range of window styles, including casement, single hung, double hung, picture, sliding, awning, pass-through, bay and bow, and several custom and specialty options. 

Most options are also available in vinyl, fiberglass, and wood options. Additionally, there is a huge range of color options, ranging from traditional choices like black, brown, and white to more unique colors like brick red, and wolf grey. Add to that the option to have a different color on the interior and exterior, and a vast array of sizes to suit nearly every home design, and you have almost endless combinations available. 

Pella windows also come with customization options like various grilles, and you can purchase different insect screens to suit your needs. 

When it comes to the sheer range of options available, it's safe to say that Pella Windows has something for everyone, so, in terms of choice, they definitely earn a check mark. 

Features and Benefits of Pella Windows

Modern windows are much more than just frames with glass in them. The windows you choose are an integral part of the design of your home, and affect the insulation and energy efficiency of your home.

That means that to properly evaluate Pella Windows, we have to also look at how they perform, rather than simply how they look.

Energy Efficiency

As an industry leader in the window world, you would expect Pella Windows to offer superior energy efficiency, and they do. In fact, windows that take advantage of low E glass, insulated glass and frames and triple pane glass systems are built for efficiency. 

It's important to note, however, that like any window on the market, all those features are only as good as the installation of the window in your home, so you really do need to ensure you use a reputable installer who knows what they are doing. 

According to EnergyStar, homeowners who choose Pella Windows for their new home or window replacement can expect to see up to 12% savings on their utility bills, which means these windows will pay for themselves fairly quickly. Some windows in the range are also eligible for energy efficiency rebates of up to $600 per year.

Durability and Materials

Pella Windows are available in vinyl, fiberglass and wood options, and of course, each of those options will have different durability and maintenance requirements. 

Generally, choosing a modern material like PVC or fiberglass will mean less maintenance over time however, so if you are looking for a hands off option, those should be at the top of your list.

Natural wood windows will require more maintenance more frequently, including painting or staining over time. However, this may also be a positive feature, as it is much easier to change the color of this type of window if you want a style update. 

Pella Windows are supplied with quality weather stripping, hardware and other accessories, but even with a high quality window, it's always a good idea to plan for regular annual maintenance of all your windows and doors. 

Aesthetic Appeal

One of the primary benefits of such a vast range of design styles, add ons and colors in the Pella Windows range is that there really is something for everyone. 

Whether you prefer your windows much more traditional and understated or want someting modern and dramatic like black window frames, there's something for every design style and taste in the range. 

Pella Windows sales representatives have also been working with designers for many years, and can offer professional advice to match your wants and needs as closely as possible, so if you're not sure where to start your window search, they have help on hand.

Cost Analysis

Cost should never be the only factor when choosing new windows, but there's no denying that it is a factor:

Pricing Overview

Depending on the range and style of window you choose, you can expect to pay anything from several hundred dollars per window to several thousand dollars. 

Some windows in the Pella catalog do not have online pricing and the only way to get pricing is to contact a sales representative. 

As with any window manufacturer, Pella's prices are influenced by the type of frame you choose, the size of the window, the accessories you choose, and sometimes even the finish color. 

Installation costs will be influenced by the location of your home, the difficulty of reaching the location your windows are being installed and various other factors too, so be sure to factor those costs into your planning too. 

Cost vs. Competitors

When it comes to cost, most of the major window manufacturers, including Anderson, Marvin, Milgard, and so on, are very close in terms of pricing. That makes sense, considering that they use similar materials, work to the same standards, and offer similar or comparable designs. 

That means that often, when you're choosing new windows, cost is a secondary consideration to design, availability, and service. 

It's also worth noting that when you're comparing the cost of your windows, you should compare the total cost for all windows and installation rather than window by window. Very often, small differences in pricing on individual items will be made up somewhere else, and the final cost is likely to be very similar. 

It's also worth talking to window suppliers about your pricing, and letting them know if you need to cut costs. Most professional window specialists will be able to recommend a product that meets your design, style, and functionality needs but also fits into your budget. 

Warranty and Customer Service

Navigating Pella Windows warranties can be quite tricky since different materials have different warranties and warranty limitations. Pella products automatically come with a warranty after purchase and most of the products they sell have anything from a 10-year to a limited lifetime warranty.

Different warranties also apply to the windows themselves and the installation of the windows, so it can be difficult to pinpoint which situations are covered under which warranty and under what circumstances. 

Our advice is to narrow the options Pella Windows offers down by window type then ask the sales representative you're working with to provide a copy of the warranty specific to the range you're interested in. 

Additionally, it is worth noting that Pella Warranties can be transferrable, which means if you ever sell your home, your buyers can assume coverage too. Transferable warranties are a great benefit for homeowners who are interested in increasing home value to sell in the upcoming years.

Regarding customer service, the experience tends to be mixed, with some clients praising a seamless and customer-focused experience and others bemoaning hard-to-reach customer support services. The Pella Windows website has an easy-to-navigate customer support service section with various options for different customer needs. However, as with many national construction materials brands, it's also a good idea to build a relationship with your local branch or distributor so that you can reach out directly when necessary.

Pros and Cons of Pella Windows

Like every window manufacturer, Pella Windows has both pros and cons, so you will need to evaluate all of those before you make a choice. 

Pella Alternatives

Other window options in the same sort of range as Pella Windows include JeldWen, Anderson, Marvin, and Milgard, with most offering similar pricing, quality, and design options. 

Andersen Windows

Founded in 1903, Anderson Window and Doors offers a variety of customizable windows to suit your needs. The Minnesota-based company has 5 exclusive brands under its name, from its namesake Andersen windows to its high-performance aluminum window under its Heritage brand. The company’s best-selling windows come from their popular 400 series which offer 7 window designs catered to your home or business needs. Interested buyers can choose from a range of specialty shapes and window materials including wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite. 

Jeld-Wen Windows

With humble roots in Klamath Falls, Oregon at its founding in 1960, the North Carolina-based company has grown to one of the largest window and door manufacturers in the world with over 117 facilities that span three continents. Jeld-Wen offers windows that cater to four unique home styles: Farmhouse, Coastal, Modern, and Traditional. With nearly 100 window styles available, customers can select from a range of materials and frames to fit their home or building’s needs.

Marvin

Founded in 1912 as a cedar and lumber company, Marvin has since expanded to windows and doors. Marvin windows come in a range of styles, including the company's signature collection. Customers can choose from 10 different window types that can be customized and four window materials from wood to high-density fiberglass. They offer replacement windows

Sierra Pacific

Sierra Pacific began in the early 20th century, soon evolving into a multigenerational company now headquartered in Anderson, California. With a focus on windows and doors, the company also offers distinct wall systems such as its Timber Curtain wall for easy incorporation of window and door units. Sierra Pacific windows come in four different materials which include Aluminum Clad, All-Wood, H3 Fusion Tech, and Vinyl. Customers can choose from 8 window styles and four applications for installation.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The customer is not always right, but past customers are a great indicator of what you can expect from a company and product like Pella Windows.

Positive Experiences

Most people and even industry publications that review Pella Windows note that they're usually well worth the price. The quality of the product and the expertise of the company and its team usually feature highly in reviews, and the overall impression is very favorable. 

Negative Experiences

Most of the negative reviews of Pella Windows online relate to their complicated warranties and customers who are not happy that damage they thought was covered was not. Again, this is a strong reminder that customers should always read all warranty and similar documentation very carefully. 

Some customers do also mention the cost, but since Pella Windows are comparable to other premium brands, that's really an industry wide factor, and not specific to this brand.

Final Verdict

Pella Windows is a quality window brand that is backed by a company with a long and reliable history. 

In terms of design, style, options and functionality, Pella Windows check most, if not all, the boxes, and they're generally a very good choice if you're looking for a good quality window for a new home or window replacement project.

Our recommendation is always to explore all options fully and ask as many questions as necessary to answer your specific issues and needs, but in general, you can expect to be pleased with Pella Windows for many years to come.