Which Pella?

[jimbob]

I'm doing an addition on my house and I've looked at a couple of windows and I'm leaning towards the Pella windows. I went to Lowes and they have a good price on the double hungs I like. The problem is the Pella windows Lowes carries are not listed in their catalog. Are these a cheaper version of real Pella's?

Does anyone know the differences and/or have any first hand knowledge of using these?

Any window recommendations in general would be helpful.

[Dragon]

Pella might have changed their stocking #'s, though that usually only happens when something is being discontinued.

I am way too familiar with Pella Corporation's structure though that is a story in itself.

[bkrahmer]

Are you talking wood or vinyl? I noticed the same thing the other day. I was looking at Lowe's website, and saw that they had Pella vinyl windows at pretty darn cheap prices, but you go to their website, and there isn't vinyl to be found...

[Rich]

Those are ThermaStar windows by Pella. Same backing by Pella - just in a vinyl media.

[jimbob]

Those are ThermaStar windows by Pella. Same backing by Pella - just in a vinyl media.
If they are vinyl window it's a good fake wood. How are these windows? Will I get what I pay for?

[Rich]

From the data I was looking at - the only difference was one was vinyl and the other wood. Performance data was pretty close to the same.
I think they'll be fine windows.

[CurtisS]

We installed Pella Thermastar windows (although they are sliders) in our new garage and they seem fine. We chose them over several other manufacturers. We installed some of their higher-end double hung windows (aluminum frame, wood clad on the inside) in our house two years ago and they have held up very nicely.

[myvalk]

alot of times, lowes and home depot, have things made just for them. which is why they can say " find the same model for less, and well blah, blah , blah"
its only for them.. you wont find it anywhere else.

[Tom R]

I have 'heard' they use this method on their tools. Have 1 number or digit added to the model # to make it 'different'. I don't know of this for a fact, but do believe it is very possible.

[jimbob]

The windows I'm considering are not the Thermastar by Pella windows. They are Pella 450 series, low E, argon filled windows. It's an aluminum frame with wood inside.

If you go to Pella's website they list Architect, Designer, and ProLine series.

[Rich]

I'm not back in the office until Wednesday but I'll give my Pella rep a call and ask about the 450 series. But from the sounds of it there are several series 250, 450, 850, and Thermastar that Pella is marketing/releasing with Lowes.
http://pressroom.pella.com/news_releases/display.htm?section=3&release=61

[sandmn3]

About 2 years ago, I bought a Pella's Proline series patio door. At that time the rep said this series was voted best value in a consumer magazine, possibly Consumer Reports. She also said this is the same series that Home Depot and Lowes carries. I believe that those stores, Home Depot, Lowes etc., would have the manufacturers lower line product. They seem to have the same quality, just with less options and bells and whistles.

I have had mine for a couple of years and think it is well worth the money. It was reasonable, cost appx. $1,300 for 6 foot slider with low E, and snap-on muttin grids. I don't know anything about the windows, but these doors are great.

[kadoka]

Just a thought on the different model numbers. In the home electronics industry model numbers of identical (for all practical purposes) home stereo equipment will very from store to store. This is done to protect each store from their price guarantees. Even though the stereo from Best Buy is just like the one from Circuit City, it has a slightly different model number. That way they can't and won't under cut each other and will never have to give discounts for price guarantees. I would imagine that Home Depot and Lowes use this same scenario.

[Tom_in_SC]

Anyone know about Pella Impervia fiberglass windows?

[Sweep]

Pella's product line is incomprehensible to me but I don't spend a lot of time trying to understand it because Pella has proven itself to be so unreliable that I no longer use them. They have a bad habit of delivering the wrong window configurations and refusing to take responsibility for the error. If you use them be sure to document all transactions and check the actual order before it is subimitted to the factory.