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How do you spell Pella? G-A-R-B-A-G-E

High end *** that WILL leak, rot, and mold. Don't waste your money.

28 units installed in 2003 by top notch contractor. Thus far we have had 15 units fail, fortunately under warranty.

Specs: Pella ProLine Aluminum clad wood- with bad exterior seals- water intrusion happened where the seals failed. You spend big money & you expect to sit back and enjoy the view through your fancy windows, right? Yes!

But.. Sorry.... Wrong! Instead, nine years after installation your view is marred by the horrific image of the interior window frame wood (fixed sashes and crank-out awnings) turning black with mold. Not to mention outright leaking. Here's the thing folks, and potential Pella buyers: people are not making this stuff up. If you think that by buying Pella you are buying quality, then think again. Suggest you find another manufacturer.

Back end Pella customer service has been fine, dealing with this disaster. But that's small consolation.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

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Guest

We had Pella windows installed 16 years ago in our new addition. I believe the seal has been broken since they were installed because they have always fogged up. I checked them today because I noticed mold was growing inside them and they are all rotted out on the bottom. I take care of our house - maintain and clean it thoroughly, and this isn't our fault. I never thought I would be replacing these very, very expensive windows in this short amount of time. I am so upset right now because we do not have any money to spare for new ones. We have 2 children in college and now we have this to deal with. Pella ought to be put out of business completely. I plan to find every avenue possible to get the word out to people not to buy from Pella. They are supposed to high end windows, but are ***!!! I would get in on the class action suite, but it sounds like no one will be compensated. :cry :(

Guest

We had similar experience with several of our Pella aluminum clad windows installed in 1995: exterior seals failed by about 10 years, leading to extensive rotting. Found company difficult to deal with, even when warranty was no longer an issue. Switched to Andersen - good product match, lower price, and local dealer seemed more honest.

Guest

:cry Please take these comments to heart! Pella windows will rot in Texas and in the northern states.

They do let in water/snow/wind, even new and out of the package! Pella will not return your calls, after they have your money. They just deliver (sometimes) the product and RUN! Please do your homework!

You can read the 1000's of unhappy customers. Please do not be one of them!

Guest

Please note that the system placed my last comment as coming from Dallas, Tx. This is wrong. The windows live in a Zone 6, four-season environment, with ample airflow, and good sun- high on a ridge top, no nearby vegetation to hold in moisture.

Guest

Thank you RH for your note about homeowners and proper maintenance. I will note that in my case I practiced due diligence and never saw any evidence of seal failure.

(Didn't leave the windows open during rain, either!) If you do the research on the widespread disease affecting the Pella ProLine windows you will see that this is often the case- there is just plain NO Warning.

Pella techs themselves, pulling apart the exterior cladding of my window, saw nothing that would have indicated trouble. Yet, open opening, we had a patient with APR (Advanced Pella Rot).

Guest

Most people think windows are maintenance free. They are not.

Home owners have a responsibility in checking the windows every year. Windows do not rot overnight.

Another point with casement and awning windows; you can't leave them open during rain for years then close them whenever you feel like it and then 8-10 years later expect them not to rot. You need to check the cladding and make sure no gaps develop and if they do, seal them ASAP

Guest

I just had another window that couldnt close due to the rotting through. 7 out 17 windows have rotting issue.

Posted something on Pella Facebook to let others know about this issue.

Guest

Thank you Sandy Hanson, will look into that. I should note that subsequent to posting the above review, Pella techs arrived to replace sash & awning units.

If only the job had been that simple. Here's the update- upon peeling back the exterior cladding it was discovered that the punky wood rot went well beyond just the sash portion of the window.

The entire window assembly- fixed window above, crank-out awning below- will have to be replaced- and this is for numerous window openings. A nightmare.

Guest

I hope that you contacted the quality firm in Chicago that has won the classaction against Pella windows. Your windows, I think, will qualify your family in this suit. Pella is a crooked firm and should be avoided by all familys!

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