We are building a new house which has a large window package, we are considering Pella, and Sierra Pacific. What are people’s views on the differences among window manufacturers? What brand should we also consider? Thanks for any input, experiences!
We are building a new house which has a large window package, we are considering Pella, and Sierra Pacific. What are people’s views on the differences among window manufacturers? What brand should we also consider? Thanks for any input, experiences!
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Replies
Andersen is also a highly regarded brand. My personal experience with Andersen had been good.
I've had good results with MW.
Chuck S
I have set Pella a few times, and I didnt care for their quality. Ive never heard of Sierra Pacific, but we use Andersen quite a bit on the expensive homes. They make a good window in my opinion. I havent set Marvin in years, but as I recall they were ok.
Chuck
We have no idea where you are building this house. what are the conditions? What type of windows? What price point? what options are you looking for? What windows are available?
There be people along that will whine about Pella. If we're talking Pella Pro..I agree.
Anderson's are fine..you pay for the name.
it's a guessing game without more info
We are building the home at ~5000 ft in the mountains of central Idaho, a cold climate in the winter and intense sun in the summer. It is a custom home with a LARGE amount of glass. Architects have spec'd out an andonized aluminum finish but I am finding this is an expensive upcharge even above the custom colors, if they'll do it at all. Looking for pine or possibly fir interior. Have looked at Pella, Sierra Pacific, and Lowen. Love the Loewen but not the cost.
We've used Loewen in the last few homes that I have been involved with. Sierra Pacific is a nice product also IMO. I believe both are available with a fir interior which is nice for matching trim since it's so available to us in the NW. One of the homes I'm working on now has Hurd windows and they have a pine interior. I have a house of Pellas being delivered tomorrow. I can give you my opinion after they are installed.
Best of Luck
HV
Our last project used Pella and our current project has similar windows made by Marvin. The Marvin windows are slightly, but nonetheless noticably better in fit, finish and material quality.
Milgard used to be tops and now seems to be suffering from sporatic quality.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Thanks ID - what was the price difference between the Pella and Marvin?
It's hard for me to say what the price differences are exactly since we had a number of custom dimentions on the Marvin order that Pella doesn't offer. It made the Marvin's more expensive up front, but saves us a significant amount of time in exterior and interior trim. I'd ballpark the difference for our uses and suppliers at 10% to 30%.
Definitely don't buy windows based on price alone.
We also had two windows that were simply not made square and couldn't be straightened out, and although we are the only ones who will ever know, it's disapointing in this day and age that a window built in a jig can't be better.
Then there was a fixed pain Pella built around a transom frame that looked terrible or the poor quality wood in some places, or the double hung operable section scratched by the painter that almost couldn't be removed as designed, but that's something else.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
We also had two windows that were simply not made square and couldn't be straightened out, and although we are the only ones who will ever know, it's disapointing in this day and age that a window built in a jig can't be better
I've had that same thing happen with and Anderson window. My objection to anderson clad windows is that the jambs start out much too thin....too much play. They easily squeeze inward if the other trades don't take care about clearances (they don't).
I would never buy any window that offered me a plastic flip out flange as the nailing member (Pella). I'd just tear that off and throw it in the dumpster and shoot nails through the jambs, like the old timers used to do.
I'm always mildly amused that all you guys that hate vinyl, will willingly endorse 50k worth of windows hung on a house by cheap vinyl flanges that split in the cold.
I'm easily amused...cant you tell?
blue"...if you just do what you think is best testing those limits... it's pretty easy to find exactly where the line is...."
From the best of TauntonU.
I'm always mildly amused that all you guys that hate vinyl, will willingly endorse 50k worth of windows hung on a house by cheap vinyl flanges that split in the cold.
We only use the flanges to hold the window in place until the spray foam hardens....
...and to stick ice and water to.
What drives me crazy are the companies that build windows with stain-grade insides that have crazy features in the sides that don't allow screws to be placed in hidden areas.
:-)
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
We only use the flanges to hold the window in place until the spray foam hardens....
The last time "I" had a "problem" with Anderson, it was because the insulators foamed around the interior (voided the warranty by Anderson and was specifically prohibited) and the Brickies bricked tight to the exterior jamb (also voided the warranty by Anderson and was specifically prohibitted). As I stood there dumbfounded (how do I explain to someone that is so clueless)....
Forget it...let's just say that I'm not a fan of Anderson, who supplies (or used to) a 1/2" plywood jamb wrapped in vinyl.
blue"...if you just do what you think is best testing those limits... it's pretty easy to find exactly where the line is...."
From the best of TauntonU.
The Integrity line by Marvin, at least the double hungs, really had by the short hairs after foaming them. The design simply doesn't deal well with any side pressure whatsoever and the windows bind. I wouldn't even want to stuff fiberglass next to them very tightly. I cut out the foam and tried just a tiny amount. Same bind. Cut out the foam again. At least the trim wasn't up yet. :-)
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
On the window part of my order, the prices were close. It was on the doors that Pella beat, and tyhey had some features that seemed to appeal to the customers.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Marvin doors do create a bit of sticker shock! :-)
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
But they are so much nicer than Andersen.
Haven't heard anyone mention Jeld-Wen, but see them advertised a lot on DIY channels. Are they not considered a "Pro-level" product?New knowledge is priceless.
Used knowledge is even more valuable.
As someone recently said, they are builders standard, AKA inferior. You get what you pay for, usually. Andersen are usually fine, I installed them for years. I used to install Pella's too. I just find Marvin to be a better product, good reviews from others, I used them on my own place.
Edited 1/7/2007 11:04 pm ET by TGNY
I installed a houseful or two of Jeldwens in 06.
They are good windows: The millwork was nice. The windows were stout. The nailing flanges were superior to Pella's and Andersons (it's been a while since I set an anderson...so their flanges might have been improved, but I doubt it).
I'd put Jeldwen in before Pella or Anderson.
blue"...if you just do what you think is best testing those limits... it's pretty easy to find exactly where the line is...."
From the best of TauntonU.
I've used JeldWin / BilltBest, always clad exterior + wood interior: they've been fine. Pella were nicer. Anderson's okay NOW (not 20 years ago).
Used to love Peachtree 'til they changed 15 years ago.
Looking forward to Marvin someday.
I'm a Marvin fan, but I bought Jeld-Wens to replace the French doors on my shop last weekend. Didn't want to pay for Marvins for a shop. The Jeld-Wens didn't cost much and they're worth it.http://logancustomcopper.com
http://grantlogan.net/
It's like the whole world's walking pretty and you can't find no room to move. - the Boss
I married my cousin in Arkansas - I married two more when I got to Utah. - the Gourds
SeeYou invented windows.Just filling in for Rez.
Yeah, he got busted for reshowing G8####'s pic. I never got to see it.
I think I might have a slight case of Tourette's syndrome. It's all I can do to keep myself from posting something that'll get me in trouble. What to do, what to do?http://logancustomcopper.com
http://grantlogan.net/
It's like the whole world's walking pretty and you can't find no room to move. - the Boss
I married my cousin in Arkansas - I married two more when I got to Utah. - the Gourds
You want a copy?
Na - I'm sure it's spectacularly less than the least thing that I could possibly imagine. I'd like to think all this stink is over something rather than nothing and I'm sure actually seeing it is gonna really piss me off. Thanks, though.http://logancustomcopper.com
http://grantlogan.net/
It's like the whole world's walking pretty and you can't find no room to move. - the Boss
I married my cousin in Arkansas - I married two more when I got to Utah. - the Gourds
This is one of those topics that come up at least once a month here. Give the advanced search button on your left a try.
I used some archi grade Pella speced to me about 12 years ago and had soo much bad experience with them that I swopre I never would again.
Two years ago, I had reason touse Pella again after they worked to convince me their problems were behind them and they were twenty grand cheaper than marvin for the same job and similar specs.
I'm right back to "Never again!"
The next job got Marvins and everyone was thoroughly impressed
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
Bout the only good thing I ever had to say about Pella was that their sales rep here used to be really good looking and she was willing to go to any length to make the sale.;-)
I've installed Marvins and Pella. Honestly I didnt notice a ton of difference. My only complaint about Pella (I use them in my investment houses) was that my last order was for a full house. Nine of Ten came painted. No one along the whole order line questioned one window not being painted.
Lowes fix was to give my $50 cash and the receipt for pellas white paint. I kept to $50 and had my painter paint the window trim white.
It was in the bathroom so it wasnt noticeable.
the fact that Pella commonly FU orders is only one of the reasons I come to hate dealing with them. I don't think any of their people know how to read and double check themselves.You wouldn't notice much difference upon installation. It is in using and living with the two that the differences become apparent, with Pella growing increasingly annoying and Marvin winning your heart and recommendations.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
As with many things, it is the quality of the local service that counts.
Where we are, the Pella salesmen are real pros, and always do a walkaround with a notepad and tape before the final order goes to the factory. And then the factory seems to get it right.
Type in an "8" instead of a "6," miss a handing code, and the next thing you know, you have a messed up order.
Maybe those Pella guys near you got their typing skills from U! ;-)
You bring up a good point. No matter what window you buy, 40% of the value is the service reps
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
What Piffin said.
Pella's distribution system is not something that I'd want to deal with as a GC or a carpenter. They are geared up and cater to direct homeowner sales. They have showrooms that directly compete with me, so why should I supplement them?
blue"...if you just do what you think is best testing those limits... it's pretty easy to find exactly where the line is...."
From the best of TauntonU.
No mater what window you choose, ask them how long they support parts for their products.
Never heard of Sierra Pacific, love Marvin, hate Pella, Andersens are very good. Even though they're vinyl. Guess I'm not alone!
I've installed lots of different ones. Marvin are the best quality and the best operating windows I've seen. I know the company also takes great care of its employees. That's something that deserves noting.
I wish I had Marvins in my house. I have Andersons and Pellas right now.
You will find Sierra Pacific on this board if you search for
them. Like Marvin and others they had problems with rot in
the past and seem to have dealt with them.
To get an objective idea about the performance of these various
makes, why not look up their test scores on the NFRC website?
As I recall, Sierra Pacific doesn't quite have stack up to Pella
or Loewen performancewise.
Are you married to having a woody looking window? If not, you
may be able to get better cost performance by looking into some
of the Canadian fiberglass superwindows: Accurate Dorwin,
Fibertech, Thermatech, Inline, etc.
What is large?
Please tell us the mix of types (double hung, casement, awning, etc) and very importantly, the types, if any, of patio doors.
One more thing. What type of exterior material and finish is acceptable for the outside cladding?
living here in minnesota where both anderson and marvin are made i would have to say marvin is at the top of my list followed by
1 marvin
2 eagle
3 anderson
4 pella
I used Pella Designer Series for an addition and remodel of my home because of the pleated shades option between panes of glass. This a meant I didn't have to cover my window trim details with window treatment.
I've also speced out Vetter windows and have had no problems. I've also found that Kolbe & Kolbe have a very good detailed removable muttin system, not flimsy as Pella and Anderson.
I used Pella Designer Series for an addition and remodel of my home because of the pleated shades option between panes of glass. This a meant I didn't have to cover my window trim details with window treatment.
I was selling a bay window deal once to a mom and her cute teenage daughter. The mom and daughter were thrilled with the idea that they could get the pleated shades inside the panes of glass without creating a need for additional window treatments. When I mentioned that the shades don't work real well in the warmer summer months when the windows were open and that someone could see in when the daughter might be changing...the daughter chirped in "I don't care!".
Hmmmmm.
blue"...if you just do what you think is best testing those limits... it's pretty easy to find exactly where the line is...."
From the best of TauntonU.
A very good point for discussion with your client in pointing out the operation of the window at different times of the year, the window package based on the room use, the various types of pleated shades offered. I also point out many of the functions and scenarios to my clients, trying not to put a no good or good lable on it unless it's and obvious life and safety issue. In addition, I get asked what does everyone else do, and I respond that we're designing for you, not for everyone else.
First mention here of Kolbe & Kolbe, I used them once some years back and was impressed with them. The price is a sticking point though if I remeMber correctly.
I know Kolbe & Kolbe were a lot more expensive than Pella at a time, but in a recent large addition project, the Owner chose Kolbe & Kolbe for the clean detail and more solid look for not as large of an difference in price as you would expect.
We used K+K on a couple of big jobs recently. They had a couple of details we couldn't find in others, like 5/8" simulated divided light (industry standard is 7/8") and they had some unique options for clad exterior trim.
We won't be using them again. Back to tried and true Marvin.
K+K changed ownership in the last year or two, I guess it shook things up.
K+K were slightly more expensive than the Marvin quotes on those jobs, and Marvins aren't cheap.
Hi Pash,
There is an outfit called American Dream Windows. They are a manufacturer of triple pane windows. I have not used them but am going to. They are super energy efficient. They are also pretty expensive. Sorry I can't vouch for them cause I have not used them but I have spoken with the owner a coupla times and I am going to use them in my own house. Certainly worth checkin out anyway. Good Luck.
KD
I'm leary of the claim super efficient. A double pane window with LowE2 would have the same u factor as triple with out, but cost @$50 less. At waht point does the extra cost pay for itself?
Here's a homeowner's view:
My contractor recently finished our addition here in Maine (1400 square feet or so). We used Marvin windows (mostly double hung) and doors, primarily because our contractor recommended either Marvin or Andersen. We looked at both. There was a relatively small cost premium for the Marvin over the Anderson (I don't remember now how much the difference was and they were both pretty expensive). We chose Marvin because the contractor told us he preferred them and he had been happy with Marvin's service. We are very pleased with the windows and doors and don't regret spending the money. We had a minor issue with one window and the Marvin rep took care of it.
I think windows are the last place to try to save money. The Marvin hardware is really nice.
Marvin is the only way to go......
I build homes in a beachfromt area on the east coast. I,ve installed Andersen, Pella, Peachtree, and some others. I have had the best experience with the vinyl windows from Certainteed.
Its not so much the brand as much as the type of window that you want. such as casement, slider , hung, double hung, single hung, wood, clad wood, pvc, vinyl clad, aluminum clad, alumunum, paint grade, stain grade, sizes, shapes and price ranges and availability. It's good to know what you want first then go to a window and door broker. Also some outfits like pella and others have graveyards where you can pick through and save considerably.
I used to work for Loewen Windows, selling their product in Japan, when I had a time-out period from carpentry. Two summers ago I worked for Pella, in Calgary, doing installations/renovations for them.
I've studied pretty well all the brands of wood windows, all their inner parts, options, etc., and Loewen beats everybody by a long shot, as far as I'm concerned. Using Douglas fir for their windows beats out most companies right away, extruded aluminum-clad, etc. Their only downfall is their price, and lead time. Pella has a lot of good options and gimmicks for their windows (blinds between the glass, etc.), but as far as I'm concerned their quality comes close to matching Loewen, but doesn't.
Marvin sold a lot of product here in Japan, so did Anderson, and I've met most of their dealers here, and almost everybody I met said the same thing, Loewen Windows are #1, but they are just too expensive..; At least you can be assured that the quality is there with Loewen.
Scott S
Look at Eagle,they are a very good window with a huge (standard)color selection.They use extrusions instead of roll forming their cladding.
Anybody ever use Windsor windows? They have been around since the 1950s
Pahsimeroi, you may consider Traco Power of Two's. They are metal clad on the outside and vinyl on the inside, with a choice of colors on the outside and simulated woodgrain on the inside.The glass may be ordered tempered at a resonable cost, also heatmirror , low-E, and there is an excellent warranty on the frame and the glass, which is transferable. In my opinion, they are better than the wood windows, because of the durability and the low maintenance. One tip: Stay away from the window salesmen, deal directly with a proffesional window installer, and it will save you about 30%. Good luck with which ever you choose