My Rating:

by Cynthia Adams (Round Lake Heights, IL)

We purchased 6 ThermaStar windows last year from Lowes and hired an independent contractor to install them. We got the ‘new construction’ windows with full vinyl sides and sills included, 5 with clear glass and 1 with SunDefense low e glass and argon-windy location on that side of house. The clear glass windows were placed in a south-facing wall to take advantage of winter solar heating. I called company to replace two screens which were defective. Customer service was great. When winter arrived I noticed some air flow in corners of sash where the sashes meet, and some along sides of sashes, so I called the company. They came out and installed weatherstripping, for free, which helped, but did not eliminate problem. They came out again and added even more weatherstripping to the SunDefense window (in the windy location) and explained that the lower sash was loose because of improper installation. Their fix helped, but did not eliminate air flow through those corners. I purchased double cell Bali blinds for all the windows to eliminate heat loss at nightsince clear glass would allow thatinstalling them inside the vinyl casing of the vinyl ‘frame’, invalidating my warrantee, but stopping cold air at the sill. It was a calculated decision to eliminate heat loss. In January, we had our lowest heat bill ever, with lower therms used, even though we still have many drafty windows in the house. I think our ‘system’ of clear glass dual-paned windows and Bali blinds have definitely helped. I don’t really see the advantage of the low-e in south facing windows in a cold climate with winter temps of 20 below common. I was pleased with their customer service here in the Chicago area-but these products are not air-tight as they wish you to believe. Makes you want to build your own. If I were skilled I would try. Given the costs (mid-line cheap) I am pleased with our results, but unsure if I will buy them again, since they do leak a little air. Some installers have told me I expect too much from windows. They all leak some air in windy/cold conditions. I still want them tight. I can accept heat transfer through glass, but joints and design should eliminate air flow. My other cheap Menard’s windows do NOT leak any air, but I cannot find a windows installer who will put any in because they keep saying they are low quality. I have had those two for 7 years with zero problems. Go figure.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-08-26

My Rating:

by patrick orourke (north reading, MA)

I could not agree more with thge majority of the reviews here on their disgusting customer service. In fact the ONLY thing poorer and more digusting than their doors is their customer service.
I am the unfortunate owner of 22 windows and one door, the windows look good but are average quality at best, the door is a complete disgrace and a safety hazard, I need to use a blow dryer to melt the ice after every snow storm to ensure that their “safety mechanism” locks the door. I have contacted the Haverhill, MA branch year after year and they refuse to acknowledge any problems, they blame the installer and wont even return my calls to add ifurther insult, So I contact the home office in Pella and I butter them up by pretending that I have nbeen satisfiedf with their windows and explain concerns about the door and they refujse to accept any responsability or adress the issue and send me back to the branch . Absolutely furious .. Stay away!!!!

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-08-21

My Rating:

by steve (newbury, MA)

I purchased the new construction double hung Pella Themastar (approx 22) for my home. The installer was a Pella certified installer. The installer was very professional and we werevery pleased with the installer and the window. Solid window and very easy to use. We had the window trimmed with composite and bull nose sill. We live in a coastal town in a large field and the windows are SOLID. No wind leaking and extremely durable.

Window technology has come A LONG WAY. Installers have not…..If this and most windows are installed properly they will outlast your home. I’m conviced most of the ppl who slam products liek this work for the competition.

It’s all about balance and budget. Spending 75K on a higher end window will leave a homeowner with a mountain on debt. unable to maintain other home projects that are as important as windows (roof shingles, painting, etc)

The Thermastar double hung is a fine window and looks great. Choose a QUALITY INSTALLER WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-08-17

My Rating:

by steve (newbury, MA)

I agree 100% with Paul from Atlanta. I have 22 double hung Thermastar and they are a fine window. The installer is the single most important piece of the install. The most expensive window on the market will fail if it is poorly installed. Spend the extra money for a quality installer

by Paul Sullivan (Atlanta, GA)
I see all these complaints about how bad the windows are, but if they dont open and close properly, are tilting, or leaking, do not lock properly, these are all indications that they are INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

I know they are easy to install but the are NOT EASY TO INSTALL CORRECTLY. Get someone who knows what they are doing to install your windows. FREE OR CHEAP IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. then alot of these complaints will go away. I KNOW… I HAVE BE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-08-17

My Rating:

by Lisa (tampa, FL)

SERVICE IS AWFUL when it comes to replacing a problem. Pella has taken my money over 8 months ago and there has been repeated problems. The measurements were wrong the first time and then there was a factory delay. I have a cracked glass door panel and it still has not been done. Stay away from Pella!

Fullfilled: Florida Green Building Coalition

Dated: 2010-07-27

My Rating:

by Steve (Cottonwood, CA)

Purchased 7 single hung windows, with LowE glass, in 2004. Have not had one problem. Would buy again and would recommend the product.

These were new construction windows, not retrofit. I’ve never been a fan of retrofit type products, but they do fill a market need.

I would recommend that consumers COMPARE products before buying. The instock windows, at Lowes, are not a luxury-high-end product. They are priced accordingly.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-07-05

My Rating:

by Terri (Wichia, KS)

We purchased a Lowe’s special order Pella patio sliding door w/blinds in between the glass. 17 months later the blinds will not raise or lower in one of the doors, it feels like the slider mechanism is off track or not catching. There’s 4 sliders total so now wondering when the other ones will break. I raise the blinds once a week to clean the glass, I don’t raise and lower them daily. Very disappointed w/the quality. We’ll see if I have any luck getting Pella to repair it.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-07-04

My Rating:

by dick becker (high point, NC)

Try getting service from Pella. Better yet, look into service availability
before purchasing any of their casement windows. Ask about what it takes
to get a broken pane replaced. Ask about how long it takes to get parts.
It is easy to get a new window, but not so on parts or repairs. Try to contact
their service department before buying, and see how long it takes for your
call to be answered.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-06-19

My Rating:

by tanvirmrt (alberta, AB)

Patio Door
If your looking to do some renovations at home, or you need to change your patio doors, you can go on this link and learn how to do it, and even get the best prices around for your patio doors… Patio Door

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-05-17

My Rating:

by Paul Sullivan (Atlanta, GA)

I see all these complaints about how bad the windows are, but if they dont open and close properly, are tilting, or leaking, do not lock properly, these are all indications that they are INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

I know they are easy to install but the are NOT EASY TO INSTALL CORRECTLY. Get someone who knows what they are doing to install your windows. FREE OR CHEAP IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. then alot of these complaints will go away. I KNOW… I HAVE BE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE.

Fullfilled: New York State Green Building Initiative

Dated: 2010-05-08

My Rating:

by Paul Sullivan (Atlanta, GA)

I see all these complaints about how bad the windows are, but if they dont open and close properly, are tilting, or leaking, do not lock properly, these are all indications that they are INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

I know they are easy to install but the are NOT EASY TO INSTALL CORRECTLY. Get someone who knows what they are doing to install your windows. FREE OR CHEAP IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. then alot of these complaints will go away. I KNOW… I HAVE BE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE.

Fullfilled: New York State Green Building Initiative

Dated: 2010-05-08

My Rating:

by Maureen (Rochester, NY)

We purchased 13 Pella Thermastar windows about 5 years ago and then bought another 10 windows two years ago. This year we plan on buying another 6 Pella Thermastar windows. We had a friend install them for us… he put in 10 windows for about 0. We had taken out our old windows and he was able to move right along popping in the new windows, screwing them into place and calking around the perimeter. It isn’t rocket science. He was done in a couple hours. All the windows work fine. They open and close easily. Cleaning is a snap. We have no problems with the locks. We live in an old 1920s Colonial… plaster walls, lots of windows and nothing is square. Yet these windows seem to be great. We bought them at Lowe’s on a Memorial Day sale. We paid about one hundred and fifty bucks per window- and I thought that was a bargain. Well obviously, right? Since I keep buying more windows!

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-27

My Rating:

by Andrew (Wichita, KS)

OK i see A lot of complaints in this. all about pella their doos and wdws.
My job is to build custom and std size doors and Wdw’s (vynal and clad not what i can do) But as i have seen Wood wdw’s last for the ages. I can help anyone out just call And i can give you all options if you would like 88-219-3440

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-23

My Rating:

by Andrew (Wichita, KS)

OK i see A lot of complaints in this. all about pella their doos and wdws.
My job is to build custom and std size doors and Wdw’s (vynal and clad not what i can do) But as i have seen Wood wdw’s last for the ages. I can help anyone out just call And i can give you all options if you would like 88-219-3440

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-23

My Rating:

by Taken (Charlottesville, VA)

In the summer of 2007 I purchased a home in which the owner (from whom I purchased) had replaced the windows in 2006 with double-hung Pella ThermaStar. The windows were purchased at and installed by Loews.

I have had nothing but trouble with the windows since I moved in. They do not fit correctly. The widows do not slide up and down easily. Most windows tilt to one side or the other when I try to open/close them.

Nor do they lock easily. I have to maneuver the windows when trying to lock them. One window will simply not lock. Fortunately, it is an upper window.

The screens in the two upstairs front windows popped out. I cannot get them back into place. Nor can the 4 contractors who have tried to replace them for me. All contractors have stated that they have never seen windows where the screens do not fit properly.

I spent my first year going around in circles with Pella and Lowes. Each one pointing to finger to the other for the problems. Pella said that it was due to Lowes faulty installation. Lowes said that the problems are due to Pella’s construction of the windows.

Each company dragged along until their warranties ran out & then each said that they are no longer responsible for the problematic windows.

At this point I am considering replacing the windows since the ones installed in 2006 are not working properly. The housing market bottomed out after I purchased so the value of my house is a lot less than what I paid for it in 2007. But, the windows, as they are now, I doubt will ever pass home inspection.

I would never recommend these windows to anyone.

NEVER.

The front of my home receives full afternoon sun and I have noticed that the windows change “shape” in summer and winter.

CHEAP WINDOWS.

Sadly, our landfills are going to be stacked with these windows because they are cheap and useless. There is nothing green about having to replace windows after a few years of service.

I used to have a farm house that was over 150 years old. Its original windows and wooden frames were in perfect working condition. That’s green.

Stay away from Pella ThermaStar and Lowes.

I will choose a different product and my own contractor to install the windows.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-21

My Rating:

by Candy Brown (Oklahoma City, OK)

Pella Doors and Windows are a huge letdown. The blinds inside the french doors have never worked properly. The windows are impossible to get back into place if you ever open them or attempt to clean them. When I would try to close a window, the top portion would slide down about 1 1’2” It was so frustrating I finally gave up on letting fresh air into the house. And when I think I have one locked, the bottom portion will just open right up horizontally on about half of the windows in this house. Stay away from Pella, from the reviews I have seen, it appears we are not alone when it comes to problems with Pella products.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-17

My Rating:

by nick (ayonne, NJ)

had therastar windows installed last week 20 series ,windows look great,insulated good,but are hard to open even more harder to close. called lowes and they will send someone next week to look at them.can anyone give advice.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-17

My Rating:

by Jason (Las Cruces, NM)

We replaced three windows with Pella windows. It’s difficult to tell if the windows are good, however, because the installation was so AWFUL! Up front, if you’re going to purchase Pella, carefully choose your own installer.

We came home after Thanksgiving to find boxes of windows on our back porch. They never bothered to make an appointment for the install, they just showed up. We were out-of-town, so they just left the windows there. The installers they sent didn’t shim the window correctly, so the frame bowed out and let wind and water in between the sashes and the frame. They didn’t appropriately seal the tar-paper/stucco exterior so I ended up collecting quarts of rainwater that poured into the house around the window frames. They came out several times to try to rectify the installation issues, but I couldn’t communicate with them effectively in English.

Many of the problems I’m seeing on this board could be related to installation rather than manufacture. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend the windows, because I haven’t had the opportunity to experience any properly installed Pella windows.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-15

My Rating:

by Pella (Chicago, IL)

How many people on this board have had Pella windows installed by a crap contractor? I have heard many times, “We bought our windows at Lowes”. Why? Buy direct from pella. You might spend a little more but it is worth it. Dont complain about pella windows because they were not installed correctly by a lowes installer or an incorrectly chosen installer on your part. You pay cheap, you get cheap. Installation is the most important part of any project.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-15

My Rating:

by Jeff (Cleveland, OH)

I rate thermastars as average because that is how they perform. The reality is that Thermastars are not really a Pella window. They (Viking) were bought by Pella to compete with all the “we’re gonna save you a lot of money guys” that everyone gets googly eyed about from watching to much TV. The reality is Thermastar is a get what you pay for product. Do any of you complainers know there is an upgrade available for the Theramstars? Pella knows there is a design flaw and has a fix for the air leaks. The real underlying problem with Thermastar is that they need redesigned by Pella to meet the quality level that Pella has become known for in the industry. Take a lock off and look down the cavity. It’s hollow. California based company designed these. It doesn’t get too cold in California. Use your head. If you live in cold climate get a window designed for cold climate. Would you buy a yugo if you lived on a polar ice cap? If you live a moist climate get a dehumidifier. DUH! My first year with Thermastars was a nightmare. Called Pella. They did everything they could for what I bought. Are they the best? NO. If you want the best get Proline. They are unbelievably tight. Rubber gaskets. Wood frames. Make sure you get a not so stupid person to install them right and you will be set. Don’t forget that Pella has been engineering these things for a very long time. There is no science behind putting glass in a wood frame, etc. You make a square, put some glass in and wa la! Ok you people need to relax. And Lowes can’t install anything right. Ever bought carpet there? They hirer monkies with vans that get paid by the job and are always in a hurry. They bump and run your carpet and skip the power stretchers because that’s the right way to do it. You got to love box stores. That’s what is wrong with the US. You go to a China supporter and you get the terrible results. Nice Gorilla ladders losers. Buy cheap get cheap Kia Drivers.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-07

My Rating:

by Brad (Kokomo, IN)

I purchased a sliding door from Pella to put into my new house. This is by far the worst purchase I have ever made. It has been in for two years now and I am ready to throw it in the trash. The last two winters there has been ice on the inside of the door, in some cases so much ice I could not even get the door open. After the first winter I called Pella to come and fix the door and it took them almost four months to come and look at the door. The repair man put in a new seal and it was worse then the first seal that was in the door. As soon as I get enough money saved up I am going to remove the door and throw it a way. I would not put a pella product in my house if they gave it to me.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-04-06

My Rating:

by Jim (Stafford, VA)

I recently purchased a new entry door and storm door from Costco through a Pella representative. The Pella representative was very courteous and arrived on time as promised. My wife and I wanted to compare the cost offered through Costco to other vendors before committing, so we told Mr. Dave Duncan that we would call him after looking at all of our options. After doing our own comparisons, we decided that Pella was the best value for our money. We called him back and purchased a new entry door and storm door for about 00.
About a week later, Mr. Steve Marsh came to our home and did the final measurements before ordering our new doors. While completing the measurements, Mr. Marsh was holding the tape measure with one hand and a camera in the other taking pictures of all of the measurements. I asked him if everything was alright and he said that he wanted to show Mr. Duncan something.
The following week, I received a call from Mr. Duncan saying that he had cancelled our order because our door jam is too wide to accommodate any of the Pella products. He offered to give me a list of local carpenters that could install a door for us, but it wasn’t going to be Pella.
My question is if all that you do are doors and windows, why can’t you do mine? I suspect that the original estimate was incorrect and that it was easier to cancel my order than it was to come back and say that a mistake had been made. The second Pella representative had already told me that Costco takes a “big chunk” out of your profit margin, but volume make up for the difference. If I had been purchasing this directly from Pella, would my order have been cancelled? Is my home that was built in 1980 too old to get replacement doors “custom made”?
I have already initiated a complaint with Costco and will be posting my experience on any and all websites that will accept a customer review.
Jim
Costco Purchase Order# 3859890

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-03-29

My Rating:

by N. T. (Fountain Hills, AZ)

Pella’s customer serv ice is atrocious! I have just spent half an hour trying to talk to someone to ask a couple product questions. At 3 o’clock in the afternoon, I could never reach anybody at either of their two local stores—not even a receptionist. I could only get recordings that routed my calls to call centers in the midwest. The call center people said they couldn’t answer questions about products. Then, twice, they transferred me back to the same local number I had started with, where no one answers the phone, and I would go around the phone menu again. Eventually, one recording said, “If you are in Alberta, press 1; If you are in British Columbia, press 2,” and so on throughout Canada, and then it was done. I was calling from Arizona! I can’t fathom how the company can stay in business with such a lousy phone system and such cavalier indifference to customers. After a long time on hold for a call-center supervisor, I finally gave up.

How would I be able to reach a person if I had a problem with a product or installation?! And this is their performance in the middle of a deep recession, when they ought to be hungry for work. What would their service be like if times were busy? There must be better vendors; I’m going to look.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-03-26

My Rating:

by Terri (Wyoming, RI)

We had a Pella slider installed in our bedroom as part of a renovation. When I looked at the slider after install, I asked the carpenter if he installed it wrong. The screen is on the INSIDE of the house. I wrote a letter to Pella to ask why and they explained that when the wind blows, it causes a tighter seal. OK, I get that, but how are you suppossed to keep the bugs out? If you want to open the slider to get breeze on a nice summer evening, then the bugs get on the screen. The only way to close the main door, is to open the screen and I’m sure some bugs will make it inside. It is Feb and already had flies caught between the doors. It’s alot of fun listening to them buzz around all night. Two summers ago there was a dead bllue jay in our yard that was sent to URI and it was determined that it had Eastern Equine Encephilitis. How can I possibly use this door during the summer? Which is why the door was installed. Let alone the security if someone were trying to enter my home. I’d have to open the screen to close the door. THIS DOOR SUCKS. DON’T MAKE THE SAME COSTLY MISTAKE WE DID! Do your homework and buy something else.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-02-23

My Rating:

by Mike (Chicago, IL)

******************************************************************************************************______________

These windows installed very easily. The instuctions were very clear, and if followed correctly, make the window perform properly. I installed some silver line windows in my sister’s house, and they have nothing but problems.
The Pella windows are awesome, and would suggest them to anyone looking for low cost replacement windows.

******************************************************************************************************
______________

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-02-14

My Rating:

by Valarie (Redondo Beach, CA)

I just had Pella vinyl windows installed and have nothing but problems beginning with the installation to customer service, which is non-existent. I have had a few issues, a window that leaks, sloppy installation and no trim or removal of old window casings. I’ve tried to contact the company and have met with resistance at every turn. They deny my problems, never return phone calls, and I have yet to get the problems resolved. They truly do not care about the customers’ being satisfied.

I would highly recommend you use another company.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2010-01-28

My Rating:

by Pete (Clifton Park, NY)

This is an addendum to my previous post, just below.

I was looking at my NFRC rating on my windows. Those little numbers on the sticker. The U-Factor has to do with non solar heat gain or loss and it’s a nice low number. 0.3. That’s good.

The next is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient or SHGC. In the South where you are trying to keep heat out, the lower number the better. Also, a little tinting helps reduce this Solar Heat Gain. In the North, where I live, a higher number here will help lower your heating costs in Winter since it will allow more heat gain from the sun. The rating on the Pella windows Loews sold me is .19 which is too low for the North. These would be good in Florida or an area where you are trying to keep heat out most of the time. For the North it is recommended to have an SHGC rating of .6 to help Solar Heating in Winter.

I will not speculate as to why these tinted windows are being sold in the North since I don’t know the answer to that.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-12-12

My Rating:

by Pete (Clifton Park, NY)

I just installed 14 double hung and 2 large picture windows purchased from Lowes. They all went in better than expected and slide up and down well. There is a green tint to them looking from the outside which is a little odd but explained by someone on this forum as, “that’s how you can tell they have the low E.” I didn’t know about that but it should be explained before you buy them. My large family room has been much warmer since installation and it’s a pleasure to be able to see out after living with 50 year windows that came with the house. The only leaks I have noticed have been from around the old window casings. Once those are addressed the window is very tight. The workmanship seems flawless on mine. All the hardware came with them and attention to detail on my order was perfect. I have to buy 6 more to finish the job and will go back to Lowes without a reservation. I just wish I hadn’t waited so long to get these.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-12-05

My Rating:

by Marie (Rochester Hills, MI)

I have month old Milgard fiberglass windows. 7 of the 18 I bought were scratched and need to be replaced. My neighbor pointed out that the windows were clear when we got them installed but now they have turned green. Another neighbor asked me if I had bought green curtains. Red brick and green windows do not look good together. The furnace goes on as often as before, they do not seem any better than my old Avon windows.

Does anyone know why a window can turn green? Does it have anything to do with the argon gas in beween the panes?

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-12-03

My Rating:

by Marief (Rochester Hills, MI)

7 of the 18 Milguard fiberglass windows I got last month are scratched. They are turning green also. Also, the brown color coat we paid extra for on the outside of the windows is thin and there are some scratches in it already revealing a lighter silver color below. Not happy about any of this.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-12-03

My Rating:

by Sharon Steuer (Smithtown, NY)

We paid a fortune for a very inferior product . I had Pella do the installationn which was done incorrectly. I have had loads of problems with the roll screen which cost 0.00 extra. It took weeks to get the order and months until it was installed properly. the front door is beautiful but it took them weeks and 4 do overs to get the molding correct. Kept sending the wrong color and on first delivery we got non molding. Poor quality control from company. I bought 2 sliding doors and in the kitchen the screen keeps coming off. What a diaster!!

The best one was on the first

day the lock fell off my front door…A ,000 door and I was left with no lock to protect me. This never happened with my old door. I screamed so loud that they camen that night to fix the lock.

theyvlost the sale of all my windows. I have told everyone to say away from this company!!! Sharon Steuer

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-11-24

My Rating:

by Sharon Steuer (Smithtown, NY)

We paid a fortune for a very inferior product . I had Pella do the installationn which was done incorrectly. I have had loads of problems with the roll screen which cost 0.00 extra. It took weeks to get the order and months until it was installed properly. the front door is beautiful but it took them weeks and 4 do overs to get the molding correct. Kept sending the wrong color and on first delivery we got non molding. Poor quality control from company. I bought 2 sliding doors and in the kitchen the screen keeps coming off. What a diaster!!

The best one was on the first

day the lock fell off my front door…A ,000 door and I was left with no lock to protect me. This never happened with my old door. I screamed so loud that they camen that night to fix the lock.

theyvlost the sale of all my windows. I have told everyone to say away from this company!!! Sharon Steuer

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-11-24

My Rating:

by Sharon Steuer (Smithtown, NY)

We paid a fortune for a very inferior product . I had Pella do the installationn which was done incorrectly. I have had loads of problems with the roll screen which cost 0.00 extra. It took weeks to get the order and months until it was installed properly. the front door is beautiful but it took them weeks and 4 do overs to get the molding correct. Kept sending the wrong color and on first delivery we got non molding. Poor quality control from company. I bought 2 sliding doors and in the kitchen the screen keeps coming off. What a diaster!!

The best one was on the first

day the lock fell off my front door…A ,000 door and I was left with no lock to protect me. This never happened with my old door. I screamed so loud that they camen that night to fix the lock.

theyvlost the sale of all my windows. I have told everyone to say away from this company!!! Sharon Steuer

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-11-24

My Rating:

by Tina (Powell River, BC)

Our home was built in 1993, there are 18 Pella windows installed in the home at the time it was built. We bought our home in 1999, it was 6 years old. After being in the home 2 years, we notice a problem with one of the widows, we could see by the silicon around the window that the previous owner had problems with it too. So we repair it, and we thought we had. Then this year, we got a leak through the ceiling of our living room, and directly above the leak is the window we had problems with. So know we are going to have to get a new window installed, and it WON”T be a PELLA window. We have had the same problems going on as ” R. Towles (Fort Wayne, IN)” we have notice rot in the corners due to moisture, and sweeting and mold & mildew. the windows one at a time are rotting away. Pella Windows should be responsible for their windows and the damage the consumers are having because of their windows. HOW ABOUT A CLASS ACTION SUIT???

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-11-16

My Rating:

by kevin (calumet, MI)

put five double hung..five single hung vinyl windows and two patio doors in nov 2008…..i will not ever buy these windows or i will not suggest these windows to anyone…...all of my windows leak air through the rails…..i am disappointed in pella…..now i have to replace all of these windows….stay away from pella single double hung vinyl windows…..also service sucked

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-11-12

My Rating:

by R. Towles (Fort Wayne, IN)

I had Pella windows installed on our brand new built home in 1994. Twenty one Pella windows were installed in our home of which 8 now have wood rot (at bottom corners of the windows) or seeping glue/caulk from the wood frames from where the water leaked inside the window and over time of wood swelling and contracting, it pushed out the wood glue/caulk. Some windows have completely crumbled from the black rot. I’ve been told that the rate the wood rotted on my windows had to have started long before my warranty expired. Now I’m stuck with either replacing all windows. I’m very UPSET with Pella. Other blog sites have stated that Pella had defective engineering design on some of their style windows. I am convinced my windows are included with the poorly constructed windows that were improperly sealed, allowing water to flow behind the windows and settle in the wood frame, thus resulting in wood rot.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-11-08

My Rating:

by dave frese (alberton, MT)

Replaced most of my windows with viking windows. All the vertical slider strings broke and hardware fell out. I cant find any parts or help on how to repair them. My windows dont leak and worked ok, just the string broke and fell apart. Which makes them worthless and cant open. Anybody else with same problem? These windows are less than 8 years old.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-10-17

My Rating:

by Kathy (Chicago, IL)

FYI - Crestline is not a good alternative to Pella. Even the Better Business Bureau in Crestline’s own state gives Peachtree and Crestline an “F” rating:

http://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/business-reviews/manufacturers-and-producers/peachtree-doors-windows-in-mosinee-wi-22000239/

I can’t begin to list the problems we have had with Crestline’s crappy windows and horrible service. Sure wish I had done my research online. . .

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-09-17

My Rating:

by B. Hudson (Wake Forest, NC)

DO NOT BUY THESE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS! I bought thirteen (13) of Pella’s ThermaStar replacement windows. I have never seen and worked with such a poorly manufactured product! Just about all the windows had to be remade. One window was made remade three (3) times. All had debris between the two glasses: plastic chips; finger prints; smudges and scratches. Latch/lock mechanisms are a problem. Most were not correctly align. One was so misaligned it could not even close. Some hardware was missing; Alignment screws were missing; Holes for securing windows were not properly drilled. . and the list goes on. I purchased these from Lowes and the salesperson worked with me to correct the problem (reorder/remake). The problem is Pella’s product. I started in the fall of 2008 and am just finishing in July of 2009: A project that should not have taken this long! The local sales rep called me and during the conversation told me that Pella was an old and reliable company… so was General Motors, etc. Go figure. Never again!

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-07-15

My Rating:

by Paul (Manchester, NH)

A recent burglary to my home made it necessary to replace a window. Since I was planning on replacing all the windows in my home I thought this would be a good test. I consider myself an accomplished “handyman” but had never tried replacement windows. After reading so many negative posts on this board about the Pella windows, I was a bit concerned. But I had recently installed a Pella Patio door in my home and have been very satisfied so I thought I would take the chance and give it a test. I did upgrade to the glass that meets the tax credit which actually saved me money. I carefully inspected the window after hearing all the horror stories, but it appeared in good shape. Installation was a breeze following their directions. The window opens and closes beautifully. All the mechanisms operate very nicely. I havent gone through a winter yet so I cant address that issue, but it sure looks and feels like a quality window. I’ll buy more.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-06-29

My Rating:

by Kate (Atlanta, GA)

Thermastar /Encompass Windows will meet the new tax codes if they are ordered with the Sundefense glass. Please be sure to ask for this as it is an option on the windows and doors.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-06-04

My Rating:

by Michael Shoemaker (Houston, TX)

Very simple – - These windows do not qualify for the 2009 Tax Credit. Just because they are Energy Star no longer means they are as efficient as they must be to meet the 30% tax credit that is available and these windows do not. You can spend a bit more up front and get greater efficiency than these windows and, after the tax credit of up to ,500, you will come out ahead on both the purchase and the energy savings over time. buyer beware. See www.energystar.gov for accurate info.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-05-29

My Rating:

by Art Kammerlohr (Warrensburg, MO)

I live in a “northern” built, single-wide mobile home and have suffered for years with leaking windows. Finally got enough promotions and the kids have left on their own so we’ve had some extra money to fix the problem. We went with Energystar Pella Windows because of the price (@300 bucks per window) – double hung. We have severe swings of weather here in Central Missouri – very cold and icy and very hot and humid. These windows have reduced our heating and cooling costs significantly! Since retiring from a 30 year Air Force career, I’ve been doing “handyman” work. After 15 years in this business, I can definitely say some homeowners and some contractors should not even remotely consider doing any type of installation or construction – they just don’t know what they’re doing or don’t take the time to do the job correctly. There is nothing wrong with Pella Windows – they have exceeded our expectations on every level. Just be sure you put them in correctly.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-04-16

My Rating:

by Michael (Pontiac, MI)

I read through several of the comments on this site, and I would like to reply to the ones who happened to have issues with the seal of the ThermaStar window(s)! #1) Did you use the Pella Flashing Tape when you installed your window? 2)Did you visually confirm that your window was level, or did you use a level to prove it upon installation? 3) Was the proper sealant(s) used to seal the site of installation. It is my experience that, more often than not when a consumer has had this type of issue with their window(s); they failed to do one or more of the preceding three…

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Dated: 2009-03-25

My Rating:

by Matt Bennett (Winston Salem, NC)

I am a sales specialist with Lowes Home Improvement #480. I have sold hundreds of jobs using Pellas Thermastar Vinyl Windows with great results. I am amazed to read some of the posts on here about lack of performance and poor customer service. I suppose I have a great rep in John Henkle. Thermastar windows are individually tested before they leave the factory. There are mishaps in manufacturing but they have an outstanding warranty that they cover. Alot of the time there are installation issues because windows are measured correctly to fit the hole or poor installation follows. This does happen as well. People hire contractors that think they know how to install these windows but do not and the company gets the bad rep. I am not saying they are flawless as no one is but whenever I had a problem I would just call my rep and he would take care of the situation in a day or two. One post stated that the windows do not have low-e or argon in the windows, did you order it in your windows? One way to tell if it has Low-e is that it will have a slight green tint to it, the argon gas will leak one cubic inch a year. Lowes now can get every option that the Pella stores can. One other note, Pella sold its storm door division to Larson storm doors, so Larson makes them now.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-03-16

My Rating:

by J Busch (tonica, IL)

I built a new house, and tried to use the best of everything so I was told Pella was an above average manufaturer. I wouldn’t put these windows in a barn. Every winter my windows form ice on the seals. My patio door got so bad this winter with ice build up on the inside that I couldn’t even get it open. When I called for assistance, all Pella did was try to throw the blame on myself and milk more money out of me. Do yourself a favor and go with a different brand. Pella is an overrated below average product that is overpriced.

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Dated: 2009-03-11

My Rating:

by Paul Z (fairlawn, OH)

These windows are fine, the price is reasonable and all things considered most all of the windows today are going to be the same. The way I look at it is there is about 100 or so complaints to the millions of windows that have been made/sold. Ratios like these are actually very good. I cant recall the number of times I have purchased something only to find out they are rated poorly. In fact I do not think there is one product that is available for purchase today that someone wont find substandard. Thats what make the internet wonderful; if you want to make yourself feel good about your purchase there is a sight for that and if you want to convince yourself that your ignorance did not lead to your dissatisfaction to a product then there is a sight for that. This is just one giant b***h fest and we all need to stop being so cheap or lazy when doing our home improvement projects. I love being a diy’er but if you can your a cordless drill to screw in a screw without stripping the head please set your project aside and give a call to your local handyman or the guy your wife has been hanging out with while your at work.

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Dated: 2009-01-30

My Rating:

by Paul Z (fairlawn, OH)

sorry about the spelling in the post below…tired…really did graduate from OSU with a 3.4…BTW I will be ordering all of my thermastar windows from lowes in the next couple of weeks and will def be reading the directions for any missed details

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Dated: 2009-01-30

My Rating:

by Dan (Massillon, OH)

If vinyl window quality worries you, consider Pella Impervia Fiberglass window. Fiberglass does not have the problems associated with vinyl expantion and contraction, and are priced same as a high end vinyl windows.

Fullfilled: Greater Cleveland Green Building Coalition

Dated: 2009-01-12

My Rating:

by Pella (guilford, CT)

I am a pella rep and been with Pella for many years and I hardly get customers calling me back with problems, if a window is installed the right way then you should not have any problems, A Pella window is installed different then any other window, alot of people that install it dont take the time to read Pella’s instructions on how to install the Pella way, if there is an issue I am right there to handle the problem, If you want to buy Pella Buy them straight from Pella not a third party,

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-01-10

My Rating:

by Karl Fuchs (Euclid, OH)

Two of my inside window panes have developed crackes over the course of 6 months after installation. There both double hung. And also had problems with hardware and on one the inside grid was crooked.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-01-02

My Rating:

by Karl Fuchs (Euclid, OH)

Two of my inside window panes have developed crackes over the course of 6 months after installation. There both double hung. And also had problems with hardware and on one the inside grid was crooked.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2009-01-02

My Rating:

by James (Spokane, WA)

WOW I wish I would have found this site a lot sooner. I bought the ThermaStar by Pella for my house. Not a good thing over here.

I replaced the windows because of the metal frames right after I bought it. My house was built in 1970 and I don’t have too many windows. At the same time I gutted the basement and insulated everything, including the concrete. The old was only R7 and the new is R13. The basement remained cold the first winter and I just figured it was a basement. The rest of the house was also cold but I just figured it was because it was an older house, besides the windows are brand new. So I have remodeled most of the upstairs and replace the windows and went to the R13 in the walls. My wife is still cold this year and the heater is kicking on 15 minutes after it shut off. In the Summer I cannot run the air con as it cannot keep up and will run from 10am until I shut it off at 8pm and it not that big of a help. It is better in the back year under the shade of the tree.

I have had heating and AC techs come out and take a look. Of course they blamed the duct work and this and that until the bill was over 10K. I never took them up on their offer.

This year I double checked my caulking on the windows and redid some that was lacking but I had the same results, While at Lowes I just happened to ask if they had kits to cover windows from the INSIDE of the windows. Of course I can’t take all the credit my wife was pushing me at the windows forever and since she is from a tropical place, I figured it was just her.

So now I got this plastic window kit that shrinks with a hair drier after you get it mounted on. I put up 6 kits and each kit does 5 windows so they say. I use four kits for my entire house the first time. I doubled every window, read on

To prove to my wife and Pella it was not my install I installed it directly on frame of the window and then another on the wall over the window case trim and shrunk each one down as I went. Within about 15 minutes of the heater being on my wife was complaining she was too hot and in a tank top and short. Wait it was only 68 degrees in my house, but I was sweating by the time it hit 70. The heater shut off and remained off for 58 minutes. The Heater / AC tech said my heater should only kick on about once an hour so I thought hey this is good.

Now the next step was to prove it was not my install. So I removed the plastic that was mounted directly to the wall. The heater kicked on in 54 minutes; remember it was kicking on 15 minutes after it shut off the last time.
Finally I pulled the plastic off the big living room window and within 20 minutes the heater kicked on and I felt cold. There is a leak in the window where they come together. I checked all of my windows and they all are leaking from just about the same spot. I put new plastic up on the frame of the window and the heater shut off in 15 minutes.
The only real reason I was even willing to try this was that Lowes, the same place where I bought this cr@p from had this kits discontinued and on sale for 3 bucks, normally 10. I called the store manager and told him if they going to sell these windows he should just give the plastic kits away with the windows and tell the customers in case they get cold dot call Pella just put this on!

I know this was long and I am sorry but in short I will NEVER EVER buy PELLA again! I am already looking to get these replaced. I won’t even call Pella as I know what they will say “We will send someone out”
Thanks for your time and don’t bother with Pella unless you get them extremely cheap off craigslist where mine will be going as soon as I can get them replaced!

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-12-21

My Rating:

by Jay T (Peabody, MA)

Bought a Pella Storm door 2 years ago, started rotting out from the inside out. They charged me to ship another storm door to me, requiring 2 hours installation and the window on the door was installed wrong. I had to take the window out of the old door to correct the problem. I think that Pella makes a poor quality product and would not purchase their product again! Also, they do not stand behind their product!

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-11-09

My Rating:

by Jeff (Chicago, IL)

Pella’s high end wood window is beautiful. Why would Home Depot discontinue carrying Pella? They have been get away with their old reputation. Folks you can get away with a low end window if you have a quality installer and you don’t use the window often. I’ve been in the industry for 18yrs and replaced a lot of pella’s vinyl and wood replacement windows after 6 yrs from installation.You get what you pay for unless you have a master craftsman!!!

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Dated: 2008-10-16

My Rating:

by Susan (Fairfield, PA)

It would be nice if you showed a sample of the the white and almond colors you have available for Thermastar doors. I cannot believe you don’t show the sample colors.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-10-15

My Rating:

by Jeff (marion, IA)

I bought Pell Therastar vinyl replacement windows from Lowes, knowing I was buying a low cost window. The installation was not too bad, it took maybe 45 minutes to an hour per window. The windows themselves are performing well. I am a little disappointed in the screens, as they tend to pop out on one corner. But all the comments about leaks – you have to make sure the windows are measured and fit properly, put good quality caulking where they tell you to put it, and make sure the window is set tight against the stops. Do that and you should be fine.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-10-09

My Rating:

by Evie (Columbia, MD)

I am thinking about having a Pella ThermaStar 6’ Slider Patio Door Vinyl 10 Series installed or an Anderson 400 series French Slider. I am leaning toward the Pella ThermaStar because it is more affordable and it seems to have few complaints. However, I am worried about all these complaints about installers and poor installation. I will have to use the Lowes’ installers. Could I hear from any of you who have purchased and had the Pella ThermaStar vinyl slider patio door installed by Lowes. How was your experience? Has it been a good purchase? Does it keep the elements out? Would you purchase it again? If not, what would you recommend?

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-09-27

My Rating:

by Zack (Kennebunk, ME)

I just ordered 4 more Thermastars. I installed a slide / picture Thermastar in June 2007 (with the help of my buddy, an excellent carpenter). So I know the window was installed right. The window has fulfilled all my expectations. Nice and airtight during the cold Maine winters, opens/closes easily. No water leak issues. My buddy did say while we were putting it in that most of the independent contractors you get from Lowe’s or Home Cheapo are dolts who don’t know or maybe don’t care whether the window is installed right. I sure saw this when HD At Home Services installed a huge picture window for me in 2005. My experience with the Thermastar has been good and I expect the rest of them on order to be fine too. Maybe buy them cash and carry and hire a trusted carpenter in your area rather than going with Lowe’s installers.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-09-17

My Rating:

by Robert (pepper pike, OH)

Thermastar are the worst windows. Gunton corporation who represents Pella in Cleveland are liars. First salesman missed meaasured windows. Thermastar do not have low egon or any thermal seal between the window. Have them tested for yourself. I received missing parts, non returned phone calls and lies and more lies, why windows still do not close properly. If you like Pintos, Kmart blue light specials, garbage out of the trash, Firestone 721 tires, being ripped off call Pella.
Gunton corporation is full of drug dependant, mental screw balls.

Fullfilled: Greater Cleveland Green Building Coalition

Dated: 2008-08-15

My Rating:

by Angela Pierce (Plainwell, MI)

American Craftsman window from Home Depot are junk. I put them in my new house and they all leak and the comapny will NOT do a thing about it. Disgusting an American Co will not stand behind its product at all. Or try to make a customer happy. We have had to chaulk them shut to preserve our wood floors until we can replace them. Customer care is rude and unhelpful. In my opinion I wouldnt reccommend to anyone for any use.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-07-22

My Rating:

by Patrick Walker (Lakewood, NY)

Two years ago I replaced all of my upstair windows with Pella Thermastar. They were replacement double hung with argon and low e glass. I had never installed a window in my life yet after the first one we were knocking them off at about 45 minutes each. Installation directions were not above average but ok. The windows performance has been great.

Last year we replaced (5) large old wood picture windows with Pella Sliders. This was more difficult and because of some unusual circumstances we had to call customer service a few times. They were very helpful and made some excellent suggestions. Not only were we warmer last winter, we are enjoying the ventilation the sliders give us during the summer.

I would buy from Pella Thermastar again

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-07-21

My Rating:

by concerned libertarian (Chicago, IL)

Why is someone editing the posts and removing dollar amouns from all postings. This practice of editing is a show of disrespect to those who take the time to enter the data and/or to the people who seem to not be trusted enough to evaluate the validity of the numbers. r maybe the moderator works for a window company. Please stop editing posts.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-07-16

My Rating:

by Un-HAPPY (Hudson, WI)

WOW! THE WIND BLOWS RIGHT THROUGH NON OPENING PELLA WINDOWS. ( WE BOUGHT PELLA IMPERVIA.)

BIG MISTAKE!

PELLA IMPERVIA WINDOWS ARE NOT FOR NORTHERN CLIMATES. WE SPENT 100 DOLLARS ON 3M SHRINK WRAP AND PUT IT ON ALL OUR NEW WINDOWS. EVER FEEL YOU’VE BEEN RIPPED OFF? THIS COMPANY IS GREAT AT IT.

I COULD HAVE BOUGHT A TARP, TAPED ITTO A HOLE IN THE WALL AND WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIER AND WARMER.

GREAT MARKETING - BAD WINDOWS

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-06-10

My Rating:

by Linda (Lexington, KY)

We replaced our 17 year old door +frame due to slow leakage. We purchased straight from the Pella store in town. They installed the door, frame & even repaired the flooring (extra 00), to set the door on. Not even 4 years later, the sill has rotted, the door leaks-at a much faster rate than before. The replaced flooring has rotted & is wet.
There is no customer service. They do not stand behind their installation. For , someone will come & look at it & tell me what I know. For 0 per hour, they will replace it. I did not say fix it. The repair costs will run me ruffly 1/2 of the original cost of the door, frame, flooring & installation!
Never again!

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-06-03

My Rating:

by bill P (cleveland, OH)

All windows are not equal, look at the “U” factor, big difference in one rated at

.49 and another at .29. the heat savings will add up, and they will pay for themselves. look at the balancer system, latches , etc…....

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-05-27

My Rating:

by Get A Clue (Salina, KS)

You people give way too much credit to these ” PROFESSIONAL INSTALLERS”.
If by definition professional installer means they work for the company then yeah, they are professionals I guess? Most home owners who are DIY’ers are willing to take the extra time and attention to make sure the job is done right. Notice I did say most. I have spent years watching the cosumer products get cheaper and cheaper. The problem is the companys trying to increase their profits by tricking you into thinking they are offering their same great product at a cheaper price. By todays standards it is even more evident that the “you get what you pay for” theory holds true now more then ever in a world where everyone is just trying to get by the best they can. My point is the belief that people who are willing to do the work themselves, should. Do your homework and ask plenty of questions and you will do just fine. If you think that having professional installers do the work will save you anything, i am here to tell you it will save you nothing. You are just as likely to have the same warranty arguements over the phone no matter who installs them. These installers are highly trained by reading the instruction sheet that comes with the windows. They advance to professionals when they no long have to read the instuctions. Professional is becoming a very loose and thrown around term that anyone seems to be able to just add to there title. I guess it is a good thing you can do that with the term DR. YET!

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-05-23

My Rating:

by Carol (ft. lupton, CO)

We purchased a Pella fiberglass entry door, spending just under 4000. dollars. Because of the door style we wanted we had to get the mahogany grain. To our surprise when we got the door it was tinted pink! Well gel stain would not cover the red color from coming thru. The Pella salesman, bought from a Pella store, had no idea they were tinted pink! After going around with Pella they sent someone out to finish the door to keep the red from coming thru. We now have a 4000 dollar door that looks like its PAINTED brown! Pella never offered to refund any money, take the door back or even apologize for the problem. Buyers beware this company does not stand behind their product, nor care about their customers satisfaction. We would never buy another Pella product, and would not recommend them to anyone. It looks like a cheap painted door, that we have to look at everyday.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-05-18

My Rating:

by Jake (St Paul, MN)

My house maintains an even temp even in sub degree weather. Slight condensation on the windows in weather below -10. Great noise reduction. For the price, good windows.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-03-25

My Rating:

by Carol Jang (Edmonton, AB)

Please let others know about CLASS ACTION SUIT IN ILLINOIS AGAINST PELLA,
FREED AND WEISS FIRM CONTACT 1-312-220-000 or info@freedweiss.com
started Feb 20, 2008
For proline windows, but they are collecting a data base for other potential window cases
I am currently dealing with a toronto firm, hoping we can do something in Canada too.

My designer casement windows have ice, leaks, mold. After 2 years, Pella refuses to visit (windows installed by them)

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-03-05

My Rating:

by SLK (Wausau, WI)

Pella has such a well known name, we thought we would go with the “best”. Wow, what a mistake. The windows failed and upon contacting Lowe’s, they simply instructed us to contact Pella direct. After many attempts, we finally got a return call, had to jump through hoops and after months our issues are still not resolved. In despair, we tried the Crestline Windows sold through Menards. For less money, we got much better product and value. We will finish our project with Crestline Windows, not Pella!

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-02-07

My Rating:

by Liam (So Cal, CA)

I will never buy Pella Thermastar windows again. Pella can not correctly assemble the hardware to their highes series thermastar windows (upgraded hardware with self lock feature). the lock mechanism mounted to the sliding window hits the vinyl of the fixed window (single hung or side-sliding style). I installed 2 before I realized the problem. This happened on 6 windows I ordered. I alerted them to the problem and later they said they corrected it on the assembly line. So, I ordered 2 more and the problem was even worse. What a shame. IF you have them installed, check and see if you have the same problem. Telltale is the black mark or gouges on the fixed window right in line with the lock mechanism. It should be under warranty. their customer service was awful, abrasive and just plain un-professional. Thermastar line gives Pella a bad name, they should either improve quality or drop the line. Wasted my time, gas, and left me frustrated.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-01-30

My Rating:

by AnnMarie (Ames, IA)

I hate to do this because the Pella Window plant is 10 miles from my home and they have experiences a number of layoffs recently. However, I must share how dissatisfied I am with their vinyl windows. They have two about 1” weep holes that allow cold air to stream through—so much so that the glass above the hole is covered with condensation. I had to cram towels in the tracks to prevent air flow into the house. When I called their corporate office, because their product service department could only provide me air permeable cheap plastic flaps to cover the outside holes, they said the window was suppose to be designed like that and that the window meets their tested energy standard. If that is the case, I suggest that people look for other brands because the air flows through, which does not seem to be a very energy efficient design. Plus the cheap flaps were only made because people were complaining about bugs crawling though the holes-something to look forward to in spring.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-01-23

My Rating:

by Tom (Tallahassee, FL)

I replaced all of my windows (12) with Pella Thermastar vinyl double hungs. The windows are great – I’ve already seen a reduction in both heating and cooling costs. Living in Tallahassee brings extremes in weather – high heat and humidity in the summer, along with the occasional hurricane, and rapid temperature changes in the winter (30 degrees at 8am, 80 degrees by noon) in the winter. The windows have performed well. Installation by Lowe’s is another story. I had to have the installers come back four times to make adjustments and re-caulk. It wasn’t a problem with the windows – it was a problem with the installer not knowing how to install the window and making sure things were square. Basic stuff. Two windows were so badly damaged by the installer that they had to be replaced (at Lowe’s expense).
I’d buy Pella vinyl windows again, but never from Lowe’s. Pella needs to dump their contract with Lowe’s or force them to hire quality contractors who know how to install their product.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-01-13

My Rating:

by Jeff (Valley Stream, NY)

Some of the criticisms here are just criticisms of vinyl windows in general. You buy a cheap vinyl window, you get a cheap vinyl window. You want high quality wood or fiberglass windows, Pella sells those too. What you’re not gonna get is the quality of an aluminum-clad wood window for a hundred bucks. And thinking you are just because they’ve got whatever brand name on them is a recipe for disappointment.

Ditto for installation. You’ve got rain leaking in? That’s a bad installation, not a bad window. Nobody sells windows that let rain in.

We looked at all sorts of wood and vinyl windows before settling on a mix of ThermaStar and Renovation wood windows. We used the wood for the living areas and the vinyl for places like the bathroom, attic and mud room. The vinyl windows are fine. They don’t let any cold air or water in, they work exactly like they’re supposed to, they don’t fog up in cold weather. What more could you want out of a vinyl window? Of course they look like vinyl windows, but then that’s what they are. We purposely put them in rooms where we don’t have to look at them a lot.

One thing – we actually bought two sets of ThermaStar windows. The first set was right after Pella bought the company and these windows were not Energy Star rated. The second set was a year later and they were Energy Star rated. So they changed something. The newer windows are obviously more efficient. Also, unlike some here, I got two sets of locks on my larger windows. They’re still cheaper than I’d like, but again, if you want the good stuff, pay for it. Pella’s wood windows come with heavy metal locks. You’re buying a company’s cheap line of windows, you can’t expect to get the same stuff that comes with the more expensive lines.

Some vinyl windows do come with better hardware, but then some vinyl windows cost more than Pella’s wood and fiberglass windows! You may as well get the real Pella stuff if you want to pay that much. You’re just wasting money paying 0 for a 30” x 54” double hung vinyl window (as one window retailer quoted me for a tripled paned “virgin vinyl” window). There’s no point even comparing ThermaStar to something like that; when there are good wood and fiber windows that cost less than that, that’s a product that really has no reason to even exist!

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-01-11

My Rating:

by Bill (Kingwood, TX)

I bought 9 Pella Thermastar slider replacement windows from Lowe’s. You get what you pay for when you buy the Pella replacement windows at Lowe’s. I have bought higher quality windows in homes where I want higher quality-and I pay for it . . . and it shows in their performance. I went with Lowe’s (Pella) this time because I needed afordable windows, as I rcently purchaed a home with seven 59×60 windows in it and didn’t have a lot of extra cash for a more expensive (higher quality) window. But, let m say thishaving worked with higher quality vinyl replacement windosthe Pella brand winow is constructed cheaply: the core of the window structure lacks a good labryinth to prevent air infiltration and it doesn’t have any internal fill (foam) that further prevents infiltation. Replacement windows have to be attached with screws (2 1/2”) through the side and top jambsthe Pella window side jambs have a raised channel so using and achieving a seal (even with the foam plugs they provide) is impossible when you attempt to use the plastic plugs; and, their hardware pakets came with 1 1/2” screwsI had to purchase the correct screw length to meet code myself. And, as many have already mentionedthe Pella hardware is cheaply madeit is loose and flimsy; in addition, on most moderately priced vinyl replacement windows there are two lock setson the Pella 59×60’s I purchased only one lock set came with themthat is taking cheap to a new level. There are other aspects about the Pella vinyl replacement window that make it less desirablethe glass thickness, the air gap between panes, the sealing mchanism of the gap/window panes are all importantand not the best quality I’ve seen. I could go on and on about my experiences with the Pell Thermastar vinyl replacemen windowand they are not positive; the only positive thing I can say about the window is they are inexpensiveperformance is hit or miss. So, if you’re out there and thinking about vinyl replacement windowsand you are a do-it-yourselfer (DIY)if your budget is small or you’re in the rental businessthis window is perfect. If you’re talking about your retiremet home, or if your home is in an extreme enironment (mine is not, livng on the gulfcoast of Texas) I would look at windows you can purchase through a reputable window dealer/representativenot your Home Depots or Lowe’s. Do your homeworkgo oline and read about vinyl replacement windowsthen pick your window dealer. Lastly, if you are a self proclaimed DIY but in reality you have never WATCHED or LEARNED from a professional then I wouldn’t recommend installing windows BY YOURSELF the first timethey can bite you in a heartbeat. But, if you’ve done your homewokyou know what your window manufacturer requires in order to preserve the window warranty; and, you know what good practices are that will augment a manufacturer’s requirements to make a good installation a great onethen go for ityou are well equipped and will succeed! Just remember you get what you pay for-no one should complain about the quality of a Chevy Neon if they decided they couldn’t afford a Cadillac. And, remember there is no excuse (in today’s world anyway) for not doing your homework before making a major purchase. I wish everyone success in ther window replacement edeavors! Bill (Tx)

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-01-09

My Rating:

by Gale Chain (Derby, KS)

I will try to make a long story short.

In late July of 2007 we purchased a thermastar patio door with blinds inside the glass. It was vinyl, in our price range and it was Pella sold through Lowes.

After having it installed we lowered the blinds and found that one of the sections had some twisted blinds in it. I contacted Lowes first and was told to contact Pella service which I did. They seemed quite concerned because it was a special deal with Lowes and a new product just for them. We were the first in Kansas to have one installed and they wanted to send out four techs to look at it. I took off work to be here but they didn’t show. We then made another appointment with one tech and he came to look at it to see what needed to be done. He said they would have to order a new section for the twisted blinds. He said he hadn’t seen one of these doors before and was checking to see how they worked. While moving the slide to move the blinds up and down it released and would not reattach so the blinds would not go up or down. He said that he would have to order two sections and replace them both. A couple of weeks later another appointment for instalation and a tech showed up with one replacement section and he replaced the one with the broken slide. Said the other one would be ordered. After a period of time I called to check on the status and found that it had not been ordered yet but that they would order it that day. So another apointment for the last section was made and the tech showed up to install but it was the wrong section, the controls were on the wrong side. Of course another section had to be ordered and another appointment had to be made. Now it was Dec. 13th and two techs show up with two sections, just in case, and install the one with the twisted blinds. After installing it they had trouble raising and lowering the blinds and at one point the slide let go but did reattach. They said they would make a note of it in case we had trouble later. At this point we are afraid to touch the controls for fear of what might happen but on Christmas day we decided to open them for a view of the backyard. The first time they were used after it was installed and the slide let go and would not reattach. I haven’t contacted Pella yet because of the holidays. At this point I don’t know what to do. We love the door if it would only work like it suppose to Lowes is no help, they say whatever it takes to make us happy but they have no options. They can’t even agree on the warranty, the store salesperson gave a pamplet that said it had a ten year warranty but their supervisor said five.
Pella said ten but then said they didn’t know and would have to check. We are convinced now that the door was a bad idea but it was in our budget and we can’t afford a more expensive one. I know that Pella has invested a lot of time and money in replacement parts and labor into a bad product that will probably continue until the warranty, what ever that is, runs out. Then we will be stuck with a door with the blinds either up or down permnantly. My advise to anyone wanting to buy one of these doors, don’t, or if you do don’t touch the controls.

Fullfilled: N/A

Dated: 2008-01-01

My Rating:

by Ignatius Keremito (New York, NY)

I have Pella Skylights that were installed 20 years ago. They are the type that are flush with the roof line.
BIGGEST MISTAKE! They have leaked since the day they were installed. I have had many very qualified roof and skylight specialists who have attempted to resolve the issues. In fact, Pella no longer services skylights! (They don’t even manufacture the type that I have….probably because of all the trouble that homeowners like myself have had with them!)
I don’t mean to diss the company, but I would ABSOLUTELY NEVER recommend a Pella product again! There are so many products out there that seem to work properly, that there is no reason in the world to use Pella products. I have no vested interest in any other company so I can’t make any recommendations; my only recommendation would be to STAY AWAY FROM PELLA! I’M ONLY TRYING TO SAVE YOU THE AGGREVATION OF CONSTANT LEAKS THAT I HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH FROM THE GET-GO!

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Dated: 2007-12-27

My Rating:

by Ken (Phila, PA)

I havent had any problems with either installing or the quality of the Therma star line. I have replaced double hungs that were standard and very large. All worked well, sealed nicely in the coldest weather and were a breeze to install.

Had a problem with a sash spring in one unit, called Pella, gave them the serial number embossed in the window and had a replacement part in one week, they also glady sent me two screens because I did not like the way a cross bar lined up

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Dated: 2007-12-16

My Rating:

by Bill (Smithsburg, MD)

I’m replacing all my windows with Thermastar I see nothing wrong with them.
I love all these stories about how they are crap looks to me like someone don’t like Lowes or someone wants to sell you another brand for 0 a window.
No matter what you read in these boards either this brand is junk or that brand is junk or don’t buy Lowes. or don’t but Home Depot, or Empire and on and on.
But oh yeah, buy these that that will cost you 500 and 600 bucks a pop what a gimmick.
I mean come on folks they are windows for heavens sake.

My dad bought vinyl windows 20 years ago for his house we installed them.
Not even a name brand paid 5 each. I guess most of you would consider “junk”. Geee guess what they are still working great after 20 years none is broke they all work fine. Hmmm explain that one.
(I had to repost for some reason it didn’t put the prices in right)

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Dated: 2007-12-07

My Rating:

by bill (smithsburg, MD)

I’m replacing all my windows with Thermastar I see nothing wrong with them.
I love all these stories about how they are crap looks to me like someone don’t like Lowes or someone wants to sell you another brand for 500 a window.
No matter what you read in these boards either this brand is junk or that brand is junk or don’t buy Lowes. or don’t but Home Depot, or Empire and on and on.
But oh yeah, buy these that that will cost you 500 and 600 bucks a pop what a gimmick.
I mean come on folks they are windows for heavens sake.

My dad bought vinyl windows 20 years ago for his house we installed them.
Not even a name brand paid 145 each. I guess most of you would consider “junk”. Geee guess what they are still working great after 20 years none is broke they all work fine. Hmmm explain that one.

( I’ll post once more should say 145 each not 5 and 500 not 0)

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Dated: 2007-12-07

My Rating:

by Bill (Smithsburg, MD)

I’m replacing all my windows with Thermastar I see nothing wrong with them.
I love all these stories about how they are crap looks to me like someone don’t like Lowes or someone wants to sell you another brand for 0 a window.
No matter what you read in these boards either this brand is junk or that brand is junk or don’t buy Lowes. or don’t but Home Depot, or Empire and on and on.
But oh yeah, buy these that that will cost you 500 and 600 bucks a pop what a gimmick.
I mean come on folks they are windows for heavens sake.

My dad bought vinyl windows 20 years ago for his house we installed them.
Not even a name brand paid 5 each. I guess most of you would consider “junk”. Geee guess what they are still working great after 20 years none is broke they all work fine. Hmmm explain that one.

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Dated: 2007-12-07

My Rating:

by Michael DiMaggio (Marshall, WI)

Don’t waste your money! We are on our 4th new house and the builder talked me out of Anderson Windows and put in Pella!
The worst mistake of my life! At Pella’s request we had our house tested for exsesive moisture, the test came out fine and Pella told us to take a hike! So for 3 years we get up in the morning and scrape ice of the inside of our windows ( have pitures to prove it) and try to keep them dry! I never had this problem with Anderson windows, so buy Anderson! One other thing are builder bought us a industrial dehumidifyer and guess what higher electric bills and water on the windows! So Pella said your heat is set to low, so now it is 70 F in our house and still water!
So now lets see higher gas & electric bills and constantly wiping your windows,what a great life!

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Dated: 2007-11-29

My Rating:

by Rose (Mt. Holly, NC)

I have just recently had lowes install 5 double hung thermaStar Pella windows in our house. So far, we have had them in our house for about 6 months and we love them. Have had no problem with them and even recommended them to a family member. But my husband and I decided to try to install ourselves( 2 ) 48”x 48” side sliding windows and have had a lot of problems with them. One of the locks will not work. The windows are very loose in the frames(the part of the window that slides). And, we have had our first heavy rain and found rain water in the bottom of the frames.. The windows that we installed had the j-channel built in the windows. The windows had to be nailed in from the outside. We made sure that when we installed the windows that they where level. If anyone is having trouble with this type of window please submit your review. We special ordered the windows with the grills in them and will have to rip the siding down of the whole wall to remove the windows to replace them…We feel that we wasted our money on these thermaStar windows!

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Dated: 2007-10-24

My Rating:

by well duh (CA, CA)

How could you be so stupid as to install windows on your own? Pella product is different than most and you have to be familiar. No offense…but it’s your fault not the windows. You need a Pella installer.

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Dated: 2007-10-24

My Rating:

by Michael (Grand Rapids, MI)

I replaced 11 old double hung windows with Pella Thermastar brand windows purchased from Lowes in a 1920 house. I replaced them a one or two at a time. I have had them for 2 years now and have had no complaints. I did the install by myself with no experience in replacing windows and saved a fortune verses hiring a contractor or installer. One thing I do recommend is doing your homework on how to install the windows properly. Proper measurement is key. Ordering one or two at a time will let you modify the next order. 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch makes a big difference in the operation and install. And also equally important is proper caulking and insulation.

The only problem I encountered was that I had to modify the windows slightly. The predrilled holes lined up directly with the old sash/rope holes in the opening. I did have to drill an additional holes in each window to properly secure them to the frame.

Overall I am happy with my new windows.

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Dated: 2007-09-30

My Rating:

by Joe Berry (Bakersfield, CA)

I also purchased the ThermaStar Pella plastic windows because of the Pella name and the Lowe’s sales agent. The windows are poorly manufactured and have about 25 cents worth of protective wrapping on them for shipping. I have had to have Lowe’s replace a very large and expensive window due to damages during shipment. The sash windows are CRAP. No one at Lowe’s knows how to adjust the strings. I will never ever purchase a Pella product again. It’s tough to see a giant such as Pella take the plunge into the Walmart style of business. Most of the comments I read are accurate. The few of you that had a positive experience with Pella windows are extremely lucky. I would have paid twice as much for my windows had I known the quality was going to be so poor.

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Dated: 2007-09-23

My Rating:

by Rodney Ebertowski (Grafton, ND)

We’ve just installed seven of the ThermaStar Single Hung, and will be installing the rest next year. They were put in for only a month now, but so far we have no complaints as far as they look, they are quieter then our old ones, which were badly needed in the first place, and they’ve been holding out the rain and wind much better than the old windows. Our house is stucco and don’t take the some channel as a regular siding house, as we found out from our installer from Lowes, and Lowes themselves talked to us to wait a couple more weeks to install the correct ones, so that was letting us know that from the beginning we had responsible people taking care to do it right, and right our installer seem to do everything. I had a friend staying with us for a few days that had some experience in carpentry, and he felt things were done as they should be, and liked the workmanship. The Oak casing and Red Oak board was very well done, looking very nicely fitted. Our installer impressed us by his strong work ethic, and seemed to enjoy his work. He is a contractor that Lowe’s out of Grand Forks ND, uses for their installment work. They both keep in good communication with us and each other and both call when the windows come in and when the installer will be coming. We asked to have the same installer backk for next year when we finish our house with installing the rest of the windows in the house. So until we see anything different, we have to give the best, because that’s all we’ve seen so far.

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Dated: 2007-09-21

My Rating:

by pella worker (Cali, CA)

I work for Pella and I can honestly say to stay away from all of the vinyl product…I wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole. I do admit alot of the problems are due to contractors that do not know what they are doing or from customers buying vinyl when they live in very hot conditions. The vinyl product was actually viking windows and then pella bought them out. They are horrible and always have issues to some degree. The material is crappy and all the spare parts are cheapie plastic crap. If you really want to go with a vinyl window….go with milgard…there stuff is alot better. All I deal with is the complaints…but i even agree…man…i need a new job!

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Dated: 2007-09-19

My Rating:

by pella worker (Cali, CA)

Forgot to mention. All Pella isn’t crap….just the vinyl stuff. If you want a good durable window take a look at Pella Impervia…it’s heavy duty durable stuff! It’s made out of fiberglass and should last for a long time.

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Dated: 2007-09-19

My Rating:

by bud (ontario, CA)

i have sold the pella/viking wdws. for 5+ years now . i have not had any complaints . buying a wdw. is like buying a car. .windows are rated and designed to be used within certain restrictions. before you buy any wdw. find out the following info. that is recommended for your area . design pressure,structural test pressure,water resistance pressure . example / the design pressure for a residential wdw is 15, structual test pressure 22.5 ,water resistance test pressure 2.86 .a light commercial wdw. design pressure. 25, structual test pressure. 37.5 ,water resistance test pressure. 3.75 .commercial and heavy commercial wdws. have higher ratings still. maybe instead of a single hung wdw., use a casement wdw..all info.is available from wdw.manufacturers

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Dated: 2007-09-17

My Rating:

by Suzanne (Phoenix, AZ)

I want to thank everyone who submitted their opinion. I’m trying to decide between ThermaStar by Pella at Lowe’s and Milgard, at Home Depot. I haven’t checked out Milgard reviews yet but based on what I have read so far, here, I will not buy Pella windows. I like the handle of the Milgard window best. It appeared to be of superior quality to all that I have seen. Thank you all for enlightening me into making a good decision. I value all of your opinions.

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Dated: 2007-09-07

My Rating:

by chuck lingenfelter (pottstown, PA)

I have had the thermal star window installed. I was putting it in to reduce sound and it did not seem to help much. I was just at a home show and a dealer told next time I order windows to get 2 idffrent thicknesses of glass. He said the inside should be a diffrent thickness the the outside. He said by doing so one glass pane would keep one range of sound and viberation out will the other glass pane would keep a diffrent range of sound and viberation out. Can anyone verify this to be true? thanks.

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Dated: 2007-09-03

My Rating:

by Specialist (Selinsgrove, PA)

I work Local Lowes and have vast experience as both an installer and Rep. for several other companys including all the big window and door guys Anderson, Jeld-Wen Ect.. and have found both Pella Vinyl and Aluminum-Clad windows to be vastly superior in design and quality! I go out on nearly 40 customer complaints about both windows and doors every year and have come to the conclusion that 90% of the complains by dissatisfied customers with windows from not just Pella but also other companys are from people expecting miracles from these products as well as improper installations.

Some good examples are customers expecting experiencing condensation on the windows glass, not between the glass but on the heated/cooled inside pane. While many many customers instantly assume this is a window unit failure or a broken seal between the glass panes; this has nothing to due with the window unit and everything to due with your venting of your wall cavity stemming from inadequate attic soffit venting. This causes your walls insulation to trap moisture when their is a temperature differential between inside climate and outside climate causing this moisture to condense at the weakest insulation point in the wall structure, a la the windows glass. Though usually measured in U-Value, even the best insulating windows exhibit an R-Value of R6 while your walls vary from R-13 to R30. Another example, this time stemming from an installation standpoint is customer feeling a draft appearing to come from your new windows. This draft is usually the fault of either not getting a window of the correct size to fit the opening and wedging the window unit into the opening leaving no space to insulate around the unit or just the installer feeling the casing/moulding and the airspace will be enough to insulate the unit and leaving the proper shim-space uninsulated completely. All windows and Doors that are Energy Star Qualitifed (A reasonable indicator of a quality window or door) will list a Design Pressure or DP Rating. A Good window will have a DP rating of 40 or above. A good door will have a DP rating of 45 to 50 or above. Pella gives a serial number to every product it sells and uses this serial number to negate the need for a receipt for warranty coverage of it’s products as this number supply’s Pella with everything both spec wise and manufacture date wise needed to offer the customer service directly for it’s products. I have found the Pella is very very solid with this service! I find that when I get angry with a company for not offering my customer service on their product that when I look at the problem from a logical stand-point that what is being offered IN MOST CASES is justified. You can never be unreasonable when requesting service for any product and must realize that with fraud running ramped these days any company must proceed with caution about what it is obligated to cover and not cover in it’s warranty. Example, a broken glass pane on a double pane window unit that was caused by a rock hitting it or someone dropping the sash. This broken glass was not fault of a badly manufactured product so an honest warranty will not cover this type of problem. Believe me I would be the first to downright bash a manufacture for not making a quality product and not having honest warranty and service on their product. However I have found that good reputable Window and Door manufacture like Pella that are out to make a good Energy Efficient and Quality product are going to ask a slightly higher price but will hands down out preform a cut-rate and cheaply priced manufacture/installer that is out in the game for just sales and price and not efficiency, service and reliability. As in most cases, you will get what you pay for and Pella is worth your money!

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Dated: 2007-08-31

My Rating:

by Bruce Fulda (Manahawkin, NJ)

Don’t know about these Pella windows, but I wouldn’t purchase another Pella product, or take it for free. A 4’x4’ insulated picture window failed in my home after seven years (20 year warranty). The seals went on it and mold started growing between the glass. I contacted Pella only to find out that although the window was under warranty for twenty years, there would be an inspection cost as well as labor. I had to deal with a Pella Service Center in Pennsylvania and it took over a year to finally get the window replaced at a cost of over 0 in labor and inspection fees. I see Pella’s commercials on TV showing people waving at the Pella workers and saying how great they are. I on the other hand would be throwing rocks at them.

Fullfilled: New Jersey Green Homes

Dated: 2007-08-20

My Rating:

by Chris (Virginia Beach, VA)

If you are having trouble with leaking windows this is what I found, I had 2 that leaked I removed them and re installed them setting them in the window frame further, and built a frame or jig on the indise with trim wood and on the outside with more expensive never need to paint initation wood trim. I then installed the rest of the windows the same way and had no problems. They must be shimmed properly and I also made soms additional screw holes in the top and bottom of the windows for more security. My windows are installed fine no leaking at all. Remember install the outer frame of the window even with the outer frame of your homes 2×4 window frame. The j channel will do the rest.

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Dated: 2007-07-30

My Rating:

by Jim (Nottingham, MD)

I installed 3 double hung windows and they are great. Problems are usually caused by installers who are stupid!

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Dated: 2007-07-26

My Rating:

by justagirl (salina, KS)

I installed three of these windows in less than 8 hours. They went in like a dream sealed nicely etc…I’ve had them a year now and don’t think I would buy them again. The string that keeps them going up and down snaps and whines a lot…i’m afraid i might break. I’m buying from the lumber yard next time…hoping for a better window. you get what you pay for.

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Dated: 2007-07-14

My Rating:

by jk (atlanta, GA)

I would like to put my two cents out there. The ThermaStar window is a vinyl window!! And yes the vinyl has come a long way but lets face it you purchased them because they were cheaper than anything else.
Also, if a window is not properly installed (not matter if vinyl or not) there are going to be issues with the performace of the window. This is true of any major brand out there. If installation was not done by Pella then take up your issue with who ever did your install.

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Dated: 2007-07-07

My Rating:

by Brian Holdridge (Springfield, IL)

I purchased 4 Thermastar windows from Lowes. They are all left to right sliding windows and they all leak. Water running down the window leaks right into the channel the window slides in. The little bit of weatherstripping doesn’t work. The local Pella rep has been horrible and I have not been able to get in contact with the regional service rep because he is always unavailable. Lowes involvment is limited to providing a national phone number for customer service. For now, my windows don’t leak because I duct taped plastic over the screen to keep the water out of the window. Do not buy these windows, do not buy Pella windows.

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Dated: 2007-06-26

My Rating:

by Peter Buckley (Fort Gratiot, MI)

I installed 4 double hung replacement windows about 28 inches wide by 40 inches high. There was no problem in placing them in fact they went in a lot easier than I anticipated. The problem came in replacing the screens. I had a hard time removing them and even harder job in replacingf them. Any suggestions?

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Dated: 2007-06-11

My Rating:

by T Hoque (Honolulu, HI)

I selected pella windows because they claimed they treated their wood to prevent termites. I’m having to replace a window that was eaten out by termites. Its the only wood in the whole house that has termite damage. They love the stuff. Pella is termite food.

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Dated: 2007-06-05

My Rating:

by John (Baltimore, MD)

I just stumbled across this site by accident and after reading some of the comments, I had to leave my two cents as well. The so called “Pella” ThermaStar window being offered by Lowes….is infact manufactured by SILVERLINE, NOT PELLA. Pella, Silverline and Lowes have conspired (in my opinion) to deceive the consumer into believing they are purchasing a quality window manufactured by a very well know name such as Pella Windows. Pella has agreed to put their name, label and basically their reputation on the line all for a quick buck. The only part of the ThermaStar window that is “Pella” is the sticker and the lock which has the word “Pella” stamped on it. Silverline also manufacturers this same window for Home Depot, known as the American Craftsman…with a slightly different screen, but the window itself is nearly identical in everyway, including the poor quality. There are a number of window manufacturers in the United States that produce and generate identical window products with slightly different components, such as lock hardware, screens etc…and they sell them to retailers under different names. Home Depot in this particular case doesn’t swindle the public into believing that their American Craftsman window is a Pella Window (it’s still junk) like their counterpart, Lowes is doing with the ThermaStar Window, which in NO way is manufactured by Pella. This is nothing more than a complete and total lie to deceive consumers, but the average consumer has no way of knowing that they are being ripped off and lied to. This story really needs to be picked up by one of the news channels for further investigation and possible charges of misleading the public. This of course can be verified by watching the Silverline delivery trucks unloading the infamous ThermaStar windows to any Lowes in the United States and most likely their vendor invoices to Silverline for the purchase of the windows, and their vendor invoices paid to Pella….not for the purchase of actual windows….but payment to Pella to use their name. Hope someone picks this up and runs with it and can actually bring this dirty little secret out of the darkness of lies and deceit and into the sunlight of truth for the American public to see Lowes and Pella for what they truly are….monsters preying on innoscent hard working consumers and swindling them out of millions of dollars every year.

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Dated: 2007-05-16

My Rating:

by ERIC (BOSTON, MA)

JOHN, You are wrong. The Thermaster line is manufactured by Pella Corp.(they bought out Viking Windows a few years ago) Silverline was just bought out by Anderson and has never marketed a Pella product.

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Dated: 2007-05-16

My Rating:

by PAT (STAATSBURG, NY)

QUESTION
I AM GOING TO BE INSTALLING REPLACEMENT WINDOWS ON A BEACH HOUSE ON LONG ISLAND.
I WAS SURPRISED AT THE POOR PELLA WINDOW RATINGS.
WHAT EXPERIENCE HAVE PEOPLE HAD WITH THE WOOD INSIDE AND THE ALUNIMUM OUTSIDE PELLA WINDOWS THAT ARE PRICIER THAN THE SOLID VINYLE PELLAS

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Dated: 2007-05-14

My Rating:

by Doug K. (Hollywood, MD)

Replaced a 37 year old patio door original to the house. Bought from Lowe’s a 6’ sliding patio door with the false window pane grid tucked between the plate glass sheets. Paid 8.00 before tax. After reading the thread of postings here I guess I’m one of the few happy campers. Had the door installed professionally. Installer used expansion foam to fill surrounding voids & gaps. Noticably quieter in the house when the new door is closed compared to the old. Cooler to sit at the dining room table in full sunlight. It’s been two weeks and we’re still completely satisfied. I could have spent ,200.00 for an Anderson brand (and that’s before install) but I also like the thought of retiring someday on more than just social security (if it exists when I need it.

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Dated: 2007-05-14

My Rating:

by Douglas K. (Hollywood, MD)

Replaced a 37 year old patio door original to the house. Bought from Lowes a six foot sliding patio door with the false window pane grid tucked between the plate glass sheets. Paid four hundred forty eight dollars before tax. After reading the thread of postings here I guess Im one of the few happy campers. Had the door installed professionally. Installer used expansion foam to fill surrounding voids & gaps. Noticably quieter in the house when the new door is closed compared to the old. Cooler to sit at the dining room table in full sunlight. Its been two weeks and were still completely satisfied. I could have spent twelve hiundred doolars for an Anderson brand (and thats before install) but I also like the thought of retiring someday on more than just social security (if it exists when I need it).

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Dated: 2007-05-14

My Rating:

by Aaron (New Bloomfield, MO)

I installed 9 Pella Double Hung vynil replacement windows (from Lowes). Years ago I used Crestline and have found that any brand I would buy, price will affect the outcome. I did however increase the efficiency of the house and they open, tilt, and lock smooth. The only thing I felt that could be improved was the sash locks. The sash locks are plastic, snap-in style and break easy. I would recommend buying extras to have on hand, they are easy to replace. I have not noticed any drafts after I installed them this winter and can tell a big difference in heating and cooling of the house. But, the original windows were not designed for effeicency so there had to be an improvement. I paid around 5 per window with low e glaze, gass filled ect. (they might not be the best but they are a good value) If I was to spend 0 or more per window I would have expected more (I feel price is the key to quality) If your on a budget and your house has really bad windows the pella’s are not out of the question….and they are as easy to install as any other brand I have delt with in the past. ( And I would agree with others on this site that correct..careful installation is the key ) If you try it yourself talk to folks that have installed windows for pointers and be patient and prepared before and during installation.

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Dated: 2007-05-03

My Rating:

by Carl (Bangor, PA)

We agree with some of the other writers, Thermastar by Pella windows are not the greatest. We were told they were middle of the line when we purchased them. We had 4 windows wouldn’t lock right. The service man came to “repair” them, said they weren’t middle of the line. They fit poorly, leave alot of cold air coming thru on the sides and bottom. When opening them, if you don’t open them exactly equal on both sides, they pop out of the brackets. The screens are all twisted (everyone of them) not straight like good windows (Anderson, etc.). What a time getting them in the window, need almost 2 people to do it because they are twisted .
Wouldn’t recommend them to anyone….Sorry we got them too, but we installed 12 replacement windows and thought we were getting good ones because of the Pella name.
Live and learn.

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Dated: 2007-04-24

My Rating:

by "john" (houston, TX)

I am the foreman for a Lowe’s window contractor. We also are independant and did over 500 windows last year alone about 70% of those being the Thermastar. I also installed Modern,Dakota and Atrium and found all three to be far supperior to the Pella. With the Pella’s we always say that you you leave your level in the truck it will do you no good. The windows to me seem to be manufactured very poorly. The screens often come in damaged or the sash balance strings will be broke or unconnected.

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Dated: 2007-04-23

My Rating:

by Russ (Rochester, NY)

I’m sitting here on a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee pondering what I just read about Pella Thermostar vinyl replacement windows. I bought one (36×38) at my local Lowes last night. This was going to be my trial run for replacing all of the double hungs in my 1954 colonial. I am confident in my abilities to install them properly. I am in no hurry and I want to do it right the first time.

After reading the comments above, I’m wondering if I should return the Thermastar and look elsewhere. I don’t mind spending a little more. Does anyone have any suggestions for good alternatives?

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Dated: 2007-04-22

My Rating:

by John (Virginia Beach, VA)

I bought the vinyl windows and patio sliding door from Lowes a few weeks ago. On a slightly windy day, I found that frigid air is getting past the windows via the latches (night latches and tilt latches). These windows are not good air barriers because on the weather exposed side of the windows, where the glass and the vinyl meet on the windows, there’s a 2 mm gap around each glass unit covered by four pieces of superficial strips of vinyl on the four sides of the glass unit. The strips are mechanically fastened to the edge of the vinyl window, and look like they had been put on in a hurry. Go to Lowes and take out the vinyl window strips on the windows (don’t worry, theyre not glued) and you will see it for yourself. The vinyl strips are cheap and poorly attached to the windows and doors; they leave behind huge gaps and in some cases help collect more dirt, water, pollen, etc, INSIDE the window. Air, dirt, and water easily penetrate the vinyl strips that do not help cover the gap.
The bottom sash has weep holes on the bottom surface that squeezes down on the weather strip foam at the bottom of the sill (meant to keep window from crashing down, and keep the weather out). The weather strips block the weep holes, preventing the water from leaving the bottom window. I now have water building up inside the sashes in the windows, and a moisture problem in my house. I found that the only way to relieve the water from the windows is to open the windows after a rain spell, to let the weep holes drain properly.
In time, dirt, water, mildew, mold, and fungus will penetrate the windows vinyl strips, go through the 2mm gap, collect, and grow inside the window. The dirt and mold will also encourage insects like ants and termites to move in as there’s moisture and food for them to live on. The windows will also be a health hazard since the mold and mildew will grow within the hollow windows and fly out of the holes on all the latches. As the water collects at the bottom over time, in cold climates, the water will freeze. The expanding ice within the bottom of the window will crack the vinyl.
Pella uses only one type of constant force balance system to assist in opening and closing all their vertical windows. The Pella constant force balance system is a reverse block and tackle system using nylon cords that have long been replaced with better technology like metal spring coils that do not make any noises when window is closed/opened, and the metal coils will last forever. Pella has lost any common sense in making these vinyl windows/patio doors. The no name, cheaper windows and patio doors will perform better than Pella’s vinyl window/patio doors. I’m now stuck with them and Pella service is blaming my contractor that installed them instead of assuming responsibility for the leaks and poor designs.

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Dated: 2007-04-20

My Rating:

by Jill Dillingham (Big Pine Key, FL)

I am just trying to find out what the wind load rating is on my Pella Thermostar windows. We have installed a few of them and so far we are very pleased – none of the problems I have read about in the above posts have occurred – no leaking or sticking . but we need a building permit and bought a bunch of these windows on clearance CHEAP but the wind load is not posted anywhere. can anyone help me?
Thanks! Jill

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Dated: 2007-04-11

My Rating:

by Window Specialist (Orange, CA)

The main reason for leaking windows, tough slide, etc. is a incorrect install. Whether its incorrect shimming or screwing in the wrong places you might have to realize that maybe its your mistake sometimes. Also, they get their hardware from “Truth”. The same company used by Milgard, Superior, and a whole lot of others.

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Dated: 2007-04-01

My Rating:

by Robert Fischer (Santa Rosa, CA)

Thermastar originally Viking: Where can I get a replacement screen for sliding patio door? Inside clearance is only 77 1/2 and screens are generally larger

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Dated: 2007-03-25

My Rating:

by john matthews (hutto, TX)

In Nov. of 2006 I purchased a 4050 singlehung Thermastar window from Lowes and it wouldn’t open upwards all the way. I measured the frame and found the window frame was 1/8” narrower at the top than the bottom of the frame. Lowes replaced the window after they confirmed the meassurement and the problem. The new window they gave was also difficult to open. Since then I have tried the displays of these windows at Lowes and found inconsistant ease of opening on the single hung Thermastar windows. I am starting a new home soon and I am very wary of buying Pella single hung.

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Dated: 2007-02-26

My Rating:

by Jim Brown (Cedarville, CA)

I had a broken latch and not knowing where to get one I called the fctory. I a few days I had 2 new latches and there was no charge. What service!

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Dated: 2007-02-14

My Rating:

by Chase (usa, MO)

Howdy to all “Do it yerselfers”

if your installing your replacement/ new construction, windows yourself , this might help in your installation … Read Instructions then ..if your window is a replacement and has the flap for attaching from the outside..caulk it before attaching on the backside of the flap ..at least on the top flap if no where else
(1) DO NOT use expandable foam insulation around your windows,..for expandable foam insulation does just what it is meant to do ..EXPANDS.. and this will put the “Squeeze” on any window reguardless of the manufacturer,,making the window hard to slide up or down.

(2) here is an idea that works well for me …after you remove your old window..or frame in for a new window ..take a piece of scrap wood that you can size to fit INSIDE of your new window frame at the bottom of the window on the inside ..dont make it so tight that you have to force it in ..but snug enough to get a litle friction..now … with this “JIG” that you have cunstructed ..you will use it to install your window and make life a little easier and not need to grow additional limbs to hold things while installing your window..as you place window in rough opening ..first ..making sure that sill is level…then making sure window is not binding anywhere in the rough opening…now shim the sides of the sill to hold window center of opening…again taking level and checking to ensure sill is still level…if it is ,,your next step is to check for vertical levelness … ok ..now …if your window is a casement or a double hung ..put the level on the inside of the casing on the hinged side of the casement window ,,,put the level on the inside of a double hung window on either side ..just remember to shim that same side first before placing your “JIG” in the center where your double hung windows seal in the closed position….. a level does 2things for you with window installation ..the obvious it ensures levelness with in the operators discreation …second it also checks for straightness …...while your checking for levelness ..just glance at the contact edge of your level and make sure your levels contact edge and the caseing of the window has no gaps…. if your seeing a gap ..there are 2 ways to fix this …and it depends on your dexterity as to how you choose to do this ..if your using a 4 foot level and your window is under 4 foot tall …and providing your not installing a 4 inch wall window casing into a 6 inch wall….take your level and place it on the inside of your casing so it is just inside of the casing about an 1/8 of an inch at the bottom of the casing..now put the top of the level alligned with the inside corner of the top of the casing ..do you see any gaps? ..no gaps is good …if you can not hold the bottom of the level against the casing and put the top of the level against the top inside casing corner..then window is bowed in the center some where…. now is where dexterity comes in….pull the bottom of your level out so it is flush with the edge of the casing top to bottom …...on the side that meets the vertical casing board ..or window track/ hinge side..making sure that both top and bottom corners on the inside of window casing ..are met with the edge of the level…since you have already shimmed the bottom ..you need to shim the top on the appropriate side of window to achieve vertical levelness …once you have shimmed the top ..ensuring vetical levelness ..now the edge of the level that was against the window casing ..replace the bottom of the level back at the bottom of the casing again about an 1/8” in and put the top of level again top of casing….remember that JIG we built? if the window casing is not straight and bowing into the middle ..place the JIG at the center of the window horizontally..if this action does not straighten the edge your checking ..then shim the opposite side of the casing in line with the JIG until it is straight ..once you accomplish straightness ..shim the side you were working …DO NOT drive these shims in with a hammer…just push it in to snug…...repeat these steps as neccessary until the complete window casing is square and level …also making sure window casing is against the outside of the wall snugly before installing screws…once you are satisfied that window is in proper position ( do not try to open window yet)..check size of your screws ..make sure they are long enough to go thru the casing and into the wall stud at least 3/4”...and check the screw diameter ..find a drill bit that is just under the size of the screws “biting” shank….ussually 1/2 the size of the screws head shank( the part that isnt machined with the “biting” part of the screw.)

now in the same order that you shimmed the window…...and checking inside of the windows track .. or area that the widow travels up or down ..or in and out on a casement…see if the manufacturer has already put a place to install the screws …( or check installation instructions again)...
in the same sequence you shimmed the window drill your holes and snug a screw in the hole….checking for level as you complete each side…suggestion ..if your shim is not in line with your screw…do not remove the shim that you have already placed and move it ..put another shim in line with the drilled hole so screw will go thru the shim. the 4 corners first then the middles …if you must remove your “JIG” to install screws ..put a pencil mark on your shim for depth and hieght before removing “JIG” ....if for some reason ..one side or the other of the casing allows the shim to fall ..screw the opposite side that did not fall first ..snug…not too tight ..replace “JIG” and apposing shim ..but a little bit lower allowing you to screw the screw in ..once completed..try your window thru its full range of movement…it should seal squarely at the top and bottom and slide vertically or slide in or out easily with slight friction… Once you are satisfied with your installation ..now ..with a thin board or a long shim ..take some fiber insulation and snugly stuff the edge of the window between the casing and the rough opening..personally I would not caulk any of the inside of a window …now ..for the outside ..depending on the type of siding or exterior of the building …and style of window…replacement windows have a flap with holes for attaching…new installation do not…. if trim is already on the window exterior ..caulk around the window completely before replacing any siding…if for some reason there is a gap at the top of your window and lets say brick or other rough exterior simular ..put a healthy bead of caulk on the top side of the window on the exterior surface..and the top edge of the window itself ..then take a piece of flashing and fasion it like a piece of angle ironmaking sure that it is at least 1 inch longer then the width of the window top trim ..center the flashing and press it firmly onto the caulk …if you have T-111 siding ..I have found that cutting a slit 2/3’s the thichness of the siding on a 45 degree angle ( so slope of cut will be up into the material ) then sliding the flashing into this grove with caulk works very well and ensures no water to get behind the window exterior trim.

I am not saying this is the proper way to install a window…and I am not trying to make anyone feel stupid in discribing this application.. it just seems ..with any manufactured ..window? door? flooring? anything at all reguardless of the name brand.. if you don’t take into concideration the human atribute in any project or product ..it’s human to err …..sit down and think it out before executing …it’s pretty self explanitory …I’m sure this will tick off a few installers ..but ..if your the buyer ..and having someone else install your windows, doors,..don’t be afraid to ask questions concerning installation ..if the installer can not answer them or is reluctant ..then he is in the wrong business ..get someone else to do it ..or ? follow above steps and do it yourself and have the confidence that you can do it .

Merry Christmas all ~!!!

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Dated: 2006-12-18

My Rating:

by mario (syracuse, NY)

i bought 6 pella thermastar windows from lowes. they all failed leak tests. and the pop lock breaks easily. These windows are cheap so you get what you pay for. If you live in a warm climate great but in cold climates expect to put up plastic window covers. even though cheap to not purchase

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Dated: 2006-12-05

My Rating:

by jeff (yukon, OK)

paul the reason why your windows make that noise is because there are two adjustable frame screws on each side of the window. all you need to do is turn those babies in and your noise will go away.

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Dated: 2006-11-16

My Rating:

by Lynn (Syracuse, NY)

We bought ThermaStar by Pella, and all of them leaked. Do NOT buy them. We are noe stuck with a house full of leaking windows.

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Dated: 2006-10-19

My Rating:

by john marfia (hollister, CA)

I purchased Viking windows ,now Thermastar,by Pella. The window mechanism are of poor quality and no longer slide correctly. Now i can’t find any replacement parts.

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Dated: 2006-07-17

My Rating:

by Don Farmer (Moody, AL)

The Pella Therma star windows are nice windows and the lowes store were very good to deal with, but the problem that I have is this is the single hung window and I did not reallize untill after we installed the windows that the angle flange to raise and lower the botton window is at the top of the botton window and we installed widow blinds, so to raise the window 6” you have to raise blind 3’ in order reach flange and the kitchen window we have to stand on stool to open and close it .This is a very poor design, I talk to lowes associate and was told to contact factory rep. when I called them the lady I talk To said she would talkto engineering to see what could be done without voiding factory warranty, she returned call promptly and said they have no answer (some engineering group) all I can figure is this is way over their head. My answer would be to the build bottom window the same as they build their double hung window with the angle flinge at the bottom, but I’m not a engineer.

Don in Alabama
o4/30/06

Thanks Don in Alabama

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Dated: 2006-04-30

My Rating:

by Lonnie Albright (Greensboro, NC)

The windows are good products, however, whoa be unto you if you need to locate a replacement part. The Pella Store on Senaca Drive is unless. The Lowes Store where I spent over ,000 on these windows wasn’t very helpful but they appeared to be interested in helping me find tempered glass replacement sashes. Pella definately has very poor customer satisfaction cares. I’ll look elsewhere in the future and stay clear of anything with the Pella name on it. Many phone call, multiple emails and even a personal visit to their store in Greensboro was unresponsive on Pella’s part.

Fullfilled: NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program

Dated: 2005-12-16

My Rating:

by Nate (Alexandria, VA, VA)

I installed 15 Pella Thermastars this summer, a couple each weekend in my 1963 Cape Cod, replacing all the original single pane double hung windows. First time installing windows. In general, I’m quite pleased with the outcome and product. I just hope the seals hold up well over the years. The windows look nice, open easily, and appear to be air tight (I have not been through cold wealther yet). Vast improvement over the worn out originals. I also removed all the inside window trim and trimmed back the drywall half an inch and insulated the entire window opening between the old casing and rough opening andbelow the original sill. For propoer performance its critical to shim the window correctly. The first few windows I installed I got too loose, and when the mounting screws were tightened the sashes had too much clearance in their channels because the channels were pulled towards the old casings. After the foam insulation is added, the window is set and can not be tightened up easily. I found the correct way is to shim the window in the casing left by removal of the old sashes very tight, to the point of where the window has a little difficulty sliding in its frame. The shims behind the middle mounting hole being the most criticle. Then, when the 6 mounting screws are installed through the shims and tightened down, the window tracks will be pulled towards the casing, loosening the window. In effect, you pre-load the shims. Then you adjust the tightness of the screws to get a 2 milimeter or so side to side play in the sash to frame. That makes for a nice snug installation and the window opens and closes easily. Hope this helps.
—Nate

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Dated: 2005-10-14

My Rating:

by Rob (New Brunswick, NJ)

Not very happy with this window but in fairness I will concede the possibility that my installation was not perfect. When closing the bottom sash, there is a lot of uneven resistence across the window’s length. It will often rub against and trigger the pop-out lock on the way down.

Now, like I said earlier, I didn’t frame this window to code. I don’t have any jack studs or trimmer studs; the header is nailed into the king studs and rests entirely on the window. This might cause some compression and warping to the window.
But—my helper tells me the window had the same problems with the lock popping out and the uneven resistence before we got it up in the wall.

It’s only been in for a couple days and I’m thinking of trying to return it to Lowes.

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Dated: 2005-09-13

My Rating:

by Paul (Warren, OH)

I installed a double hung unit one week ago and found that the counter balance springs are rubbing and make an annoying noise when the window sash is lowered. Also when the sashes are closed and locked they both will move about 3/8” up and down in the frame. I called the service dept twice and they have not returned my call. I will retrun this window and buy a different brand.

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Dated: 2005-06-03

My Rating:

by stephen (holly hill, SC)

Installed my first 13 windows of 31 in our old home. This was my first time installing windows, I have to admit I was pleased with the outcome. THe hardest part was removing the 70 year old windows. Panic set in when I found two that I had measured wrong and the windows were a quarter inch to wide, I removed the flange from each side and they slid in great with no problems. I do have one gripe, the screws that com with the windows strip out easy unless you predill the hole first, a square drive type screw would be and improvement. Can’t wait to see how my electric bill will be effected this coming winter. I certainly could use a military discount when I order my next 10 windows. Thanks for a great product.
Stephen

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Dated: 2005-05-22

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