Pella

Randy of Glencoe, MN August 3, 2009

I put in new Pella Windows in a House addition, in 1995. These windows are all getting rotten and are falling apart. The main picture window is so rotten the hinges are falling off,the weatherstripping has fallen to the ground,the windows are cloudy,and the windows have never opened or closed properly from day 1. Not happy with these windows at all, and will never use this product again, and I make sure I tell everyone else.

Patrice of Brooklyn, NY July 31, 2009

She sold me a custom sliding door for my backyard. I spent over 7,000 on this door and it was installed in November 2008. The door also had a screen which his hidden, a wonderful feature. When the installer came in November, he told me to "be careful" when using the screen. I let the comment slide despite my huge investment. In addition, the entire door is not level. My husband hated the fact that it wasn't level when he came home from work - but I let this slide as well. However, in March or April 2009 when I went to use the screen door on the first hot day - I "carefully" put the door in the close position. When I opened it again carefully, it completely came off the hinge.

I called service and said this was unacceptable and after 2 weeks of trying to find the right person to talk to a technichin, Thomas, was here to correct the problem. Thomas knew exactly who the installer was and who the saleperson was for that matter because this screen was the incorrect one for the large area. I didn't have to mention any names - he knew on his own. Hmm. It then got cool out, no need for the screen, but in May when it got hot again, I used the door and guess what - it happened again. I called service again and Thomas was here again. This was May 21, 2009. He placed a call in saying that to keep me as a customer in the future, they should replace the door. He told me I should hear from someone within 2 weeks. Nothing.

I called whatever numbers I had and finally in June I got the sales manager in Connecticut, Jim. He told me that at no charge Pella would replace the screen at no additional charge and that I would need to replace the frame of my door. Someone (I didn't take the name) should be contacting me very soon for an installation time. Well here we are on the last day of July, 2009 and guess what? Nothing. I called Jim, he is on vacation. I called the head of the service department several times through this (Frank and he always has some story because he passes me to someone else. Today, I called to refresh him memory and he told me to call Lisa again. So I did and left 2 messages with the whole story and of course have not heard back.

Jim of Flemington , NJ July 22, 2009

I purchased a Pella French door with a sliding screen that came with a 10 year warranty. The guides on the bottom of the screen are cheap plastic and broke easily when my 3 year old ran into the door. They are not covered because this is apparently not a defect of the product. I would have no problem paying for the parts if the price was reasonable, but the cost is 49 plus 16 shipping for parts that are made for pennies and obviously designed to break. I intend to make a better quality product for less.

Uchman, of Maryville, TN July 10, 2009

Pella windows (architectural series) were installed in our new home in From the beginning we have a problem with leaking sliding doors and now also with arch window. It is almost impossible to get any assistance from the Pella.

Kimberlee of Virginia Beach, VA June 23, 2009

I have a 12 year old Pella patio sliding door. Several years ago I noticed the bottoms of both doors were rotting out. I contacted Pella and they offered to send out a technician for 55.00 to diagnose the problem even though it is obvious. I sent Pella a letter and a sample of the black rot.

Today, I cannot lock the door and can barely open it because the rot is so severe to the point that the bottom has totally rotted out. The only thing between me and the outdoors is the aluminum strip which is duct taped on.

Gayle of Lake City, , MN June 7, 2009

Purchased my home in 2000. We have all Pella windows. Two are fixed windows of the Archetecture line. Upstairs the seal broke so we had to have the huge window replaced. The home was built in 1997 and we were told that we would have to pay for installation of the new window. Big expense.

Our lower level fixed window has leaked whenever it rains for about five years now. It has been like raising the dead to get Pella out, first of all, and then to have them own up to a faulty window has been impossible. They have reset the window and we cautiously re-hung the window shades, only to be subject to another leaky window yesterday. I cannot understand a company that sells such obviously defective products to be so unconcerned about bad service and consequently bad press. Don't get me started on the awning windows by Pella in our sunroom: they hardly close. I am interested in a SOLUTION, not more excuses. Anyone?

Stephen of South Lake Tahoe, CA May 10, 2009

I am a builder in South Lake Tahoe, California. I have used Pella Windows on only one of my projects. The sliding patio doors will lock automatically when closed, potentially locking the user out. When installed on a high level deck, such as my project, the user is stranded. Users (children, pregnant women, etc.) have been locked out for hours, and I consider this to be extremely hazardous. The Pella representative always dismisses my concerns for an engineering redesign, saying that millions of these have been installed. He has given me no satisfaction in a resolution. I believe all of these locks should be recalled and replaced with a design that will not automatically lock.

Don of Las Cruces, NM May 5, 2009

They put incorrect installation instructions in the window unit. My contractor installed them as best he could trying to following the instructions. It turns out that the instructions were for windows with a nailing fin and the only place he could nail was through the outside trim. He showed me the first one and said that he didn't think that was correct and I called Pella. They then sent me the correct instructions, however that window was already ruined. They said that they didn't have any responsibility for putting the wrong instructions in the window. The contractor said he followed the instructions and I was left holding the bag. If you don't have Pella install these windows be extra careful because you might not have the correct instructions and Pella won't take any responsibility for this.

Lisa of Erlanger, KY May 4, 2009

I purchased Pella replacement windows for my home. They removed all my old windows, storm windows and mouldings. They replaced them with Pella Architect series double hung windows with argon gas inbetween the glass. They also replaced all my wood mouldings. I also had two designer series bay windows installed. All purchased and installed by Pella in July 2002. Beginning in late fall of 2002, I could feel cold air coming in through the sides of the windows. I had Pella service come out. They could feel the cold air, but didn't know how to fix it. They've been to my home every year since. Every year the same thing. They acknowledge the cold air coming in, but don't know how to stop it. They refuse to replace my windows. I spend almost 25,000.00 for junk.

D of Chagrin Falls, OH April 18, 2009