I have ranted about my Pella windows rotting and having to replace a large section (with Anderson Renewal).
Well, folks it appears that this is generic to a bunch of Pella windows. See http://www.freedweiss.com/investigations_main.cfm?IID=5.
This is discussed at http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33673 and at a couple of personal web sites that seem pretty clearly run, considering that they are thoroughly —– at Pella. These include http://www.rjhiggins.com/pella.htm and http://www.pellasealfailure.com.
It appears that the sealing that they used on the outside is failing.
I am apparently suffering from the same problem. Looking at the web site, it is clear that the one window that has been fogging regularly has this problem, as the black rot is showing a thin line at the base of the window.
So, if your Pella window fogs on a regular basis, ignore the “advice” of the Pella inspector who will tell you to open the round vents and go caulk your aluminum cladding. It might save you big money.
Edit: Oh yes–I will be contacting Freedweiss.
Edited 3/24/2009 3:29 pm by JohnD1
Replies
Pella had a problem with their windows 15-20 years ago. The frames were rotting, and they wouldn't stand behind their product back then, either. I think they blamed it on their paint supplier.
It ended up as a lawsuit.
Its the big reason why I won't buy Pella. I'll install them if the HO gets them, but I don't recommend them. I like Marvin and Andersen. I've found that Andersen in particular is very good about honoring their warantee.
87/89 Marvins were a problem. PPG MAYBE, but their treatment supplier was implicated by them. Initially they took care of product replacement and labor to do it. As the problem grew, they took care of product. The saga continued till they only offered 25 off the cost of the window's. Didn't know Pella had the same sort of problem.
I just replaced some 14 y.o fixed and operating casements in a RITZY house. These were Pella's. All clad, you didn't know they were bad till they were gone. The clad seals were bogus-you could see that but how many people look at their new windows that close?
Some of the 20/30 y.o. windows I've had to service were definately seal failure, but these were wood, no clad. Some neglected like they should last forever, some not.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Maybe it was just a regional thing, but I remember a number of newspaper arcticles about the problems with Pellas.
BTW, doing any golf yet? I'm going to Atlantic City area on Thurs. for 4 days of golfing and eating and drinking. Its only supposed to rain for 3 of the days right now.
I took an early break this aftn. Played 9 and mama mia was the wind strong and sharp. The weatherman claimed the direction would change and we'd see near 60..............
Boy, was he wrong. Spent the rest of the day till dark out in the garden. Our deer population really pruned this winter.
Today, only blew up on two holes. The rest of the round was pretty decent. I need to get to a green and chip chip chip. That's where the problem was.
Here's hoping the demands of the customers keeps right on demanding.........A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I was in a 2.1m home with Pella yesterday. Looked good. I was in a 1.9 also with Jen-Weld and another with Andersons
I bought Pella for my own home 3 years ago and have been very happy to date. No issues at all with them or the install.
Perhaps it's time to blame the hacks hanging them. I'm so sick of Pella suck threads. It's like a boating forum with Bayliner posts. (no, I own a Mako)
I'm sure there are problems due to installation, but what I'm referring to (from years ago) was definitely Pella's fault, and their reluctance to honor the warantee.
The failure is inherent in the windows themselves. The specific windows have an aluminum cladding on them which wraps around the sides of the window. Water is kept out by a sealant where the cladding comes up to the glass.
The problem is that the sealant disappears. If they use the same sealant as I can see inside the house, it gets brittle and falls out. Then water enters between the window and siding. This is not a fault of the installers.
Easy Rob. I have never complained about the windows, just the service I have recieved. I believe that Piffen has had simular problem.
One other thing, it seems that that might be a local problem. Riversong lives between Piffen and me, and swears by their dervice.
Edited 3/25/2009 7:42 pm ET by frammer52
I have seen this problem in numerous homes, but how do you tell if it is a PRO-LINE window?
"but how do you tell if it is a PRO-LINE window?"Good question. Short answer is (I think) that when these were installed in the early '90s they were all the "pro" model. There are design features, I am sure, but I certainly don't know them. I will post my experience with the lawyers after I talk with them.I looked at my windows, especially those that were fogging up. I can see that the seal (caulking, really) seems to be non-existent. I can look down the 1/32 crack and not really see anything.On those windows that are seemingly still in good shape, I can still see caulking/sealant.So, I am going to try to do a neat job of forcing color-matched sealant into the crack. Any suggestions for a bronze-colored material with good life and pretty easy to apply?
I would use a clear silicone.