Well... in 2002 I bought a pair a double hung Pella 850 series windows. The frame of two of the sashes has started to corrode (aluminum).

What do you recommend?
Thanks.

Update:

I purchased the 850 from Lowe's and installed them myself. I couldn't imagine paying somebody to install a window. The windows were in no way damaged or incorrectly installed, the frames *seem* fine for now, and the problem seems only limited to the sash frames. I have made contact with Pella and we'll see what they do. I'm curious to find out since I want to see how they handle it before I do the rest of the house. Lucky for me I've been so busy with other things that I didn't do the rest! Thank God!! I am now looking at Anderson 400 series which is wood on the inside (I like that) and vinyl on the outside.

I'll keep you folks in the loop...

Thanks,

Pete

 

Aluminum has white rust. Salty air will cause it, and even rain exposure. But I have never had a problem with Pella making good on a problem window or door. If it is just the sash, they very well may send a rep out to look at it and will authorize a return for exchange. Keep in touch with Pella directly as Lowe's made the sale and forgot about you.

 

chandler, thanks for the reply...

What do the folks here recommend I do next? I have a Pella 850 triple panel slider right next to the windows... and I'm worried that this is going to turn to trash next. This is A LOT of money to me...

Please help if you can,

Thanks,

Pete

 

Out of curiousity, OldPete, what kind of siding do you have?

 

Vinyl Dutch Lap. Why would that matter? the sash is corroded as well. (So is the frame @ the top drip edge).

What do you think I should do, any other ideas?

 

I asked about the siding because I was wondering if perhaps it was fiber cement. Fiber cement and raw aluminum don't get along, especially in very wet conditions or instances where water is infiltrating behind the siding. The alkali in the fiber cement can cause the aluminum to corrode.

It would be interesting to see some pictures of what you're dealing with. I've never heard of corrosion problems for no apparent reason. Do you get a lot of rain there? Or live next to a cement plant? Or the ocean? There's got to be some explanation for it- I wouldn't think it would just be a batch of "bad cladding"? Have they given you any indication of what they think might be occurring?

 

I was told that since it was a waterfront (salt/bay) application I should go with the 850.

Why? Would that matter? I didn't read anywhere on the Pella site that their windows and doors are not for use on waterfront properties.

 

I live 1500 miles from the nearest ocean, so I don't know anything about salt related corrosion and don't know anything about Pella products in that regard. I was just curious as to the cause of the corrosion. Sounds like it's definately salt related- probably caused by salt water contacting unpainted milled aluminum surfaces such as the back side of the cladding. Hope you can come to some sort of amicable agreement with them.