Windows did not stand up to expectation. Window leak and sash rot within 12 years. Pella had been contacted several times about condensation between the panes while under warranty (10 years at this time); and was told it was a problem with my heating system and humidifier (which was installed due to dryness in house during winter months)---so tried to adjust for windows also, but condensation continued. Later after warranty and the discovery of wood rod, I was told via a certified Pella contractor that the condensation was probably the result of poor caulking allowing water leakage, thus condensation and the sash would have to be replace at my expense. While under warranty, I was never told to check the caulking nor did Pella Service rep. This was new contruction and every window in the house was a Pella--would never use again or recommend to anyone--very poor service department/reps.

We purchased 49 Pella Architect Series Douglas Fir Double Hung windows and one patio door. We specifically wanted Douglas Fir windows and door. When I, Sharron, called Pella Corp. to inquire about the fact that we wanted Douglas Fir because it did not rot and was very strong, I was told that "Yes we have Douglas Fir products." I had to deal with the salesman, John McDonald, to purchase the products. We spent nearly two months getting our order together. On September 21, 2009, we met John McDonald. He took our money and we signed our contract. Our contract stated that our order would be delivered on or before October 8, 2009. The delivery was two weeks late. It was delivered on October 22, 2009. We installed some and I, along with some men, started to prepare them to finish the inside. We found that there were many problems with the windows. They leak snow/water/air in every single window. We now have a mold problem under the windows in the insulation. We have not been able to put on the drywall because of the water problem. We are homeless. A neighbor took us in. The straw that broke the camel's back was when we found out that the product that we ordered was not what we got. We ordered and paid for Douglas Fir windows and door. We were told that because Douglas Fir was so expensive the product was very very expensive. We told John that we did not want pine because it did not last as long. John agreed with us and told us that we could get Douglas Fir windows and door, but it would be a lot more money. We told him that we wanted Douglas Fir no matter. He told us and showed us in the Pella informational booklet he gave us that Pella offered 4 wood types: Alder, Douglas Fir, Mahogony, or Pint. We could get Douglas Fir and completed the order for Douglas Fir. Our order contract states "Douglas Fir". We just found out that we did not get Douglas Fir. Our door is pine with Douglas Fir veneer. Our windows only have Douglas Fir where we can see. They have pine everywhere that we cannot see. Pella concealed the fact that they did NOT deliver to our home Douglas Fir windows, but in fact they delivered a 100% FAKE product. They were trying to get away with selling us a lower quality product at a much higher price. We only ordered Douglas Fir windows so that they would not rot and so that they would last longer. We were lied to and concealment is against the law.

We did give Pella a chance to make the window order correct. They did bring to our home in February 2010 new windows but not a door. They installed all but 21 windows, which they left stacked in our garage. Pella did not ever make an attempt to get those window installed as they are still sitting in the garage in September 2010. Pella had not been to our house since February 2010 to fin the windows that all allow snow/water/air to come into our home.

If you would like to talk to us about this problem please get ahold of us at gsmckee0740 AT aol.com. We have dozen's of photographs of our problems, if you would like to see the mess. We are still living in a neighbor's house because our home is unliveable. We encourage you not to purchase Pella or you might find yourself in our shoes.