I need to install TWO 36x48 casement windows in my kitchen and ONE 32x80 Single Patio Door.

I have narrowed my choices between using Anderson 400 or the Pella ProLine (wood) series.

My kitchen wall is being rebuilt from ground up and the patio door is being converted from an existing window. This is a brick house.

I would love to hear from the "experts" about the longevity and quality of both.

 

Crud...lost a reply....anyway...here's my opinion.
I don't like Pella..prob due to the aluminum. It gives more color options but seems to leak at seams more often, than vinyl. Of the higher end brands I saw when I was doing windows and doors (Is the ProLine even considered higher end?) I saw more issues with Pella rotting out than any others. Do they even have adjustable hinges?

I like Anderson...always have. Good experience with their customer service when required...lock up like vault doors. I had a slider at my last house and a Frenchwood double door here. I like the way the hinged doors seal like a refrigerator door does...what are the Pellas like?

You can certainly spend much more with some of the pricey brands like Marvin and the others...but for the money, I think Andersons are great value.

 

Just did 24 Anderson 400 custom made windows. Overall excellent fit and quality on the windows. Had minor adjustments made after installation by factory rep on 6 of the windows. Only problem was that since they were custom made/sized had lots of problems with the screens. Of 24, only two fit the first time. Of the next order of 22 replacements every one was made wrong. After the third order, were down to just 5 that did not fit. Still trying for the last 5 after three months... I have used Marvin and every fit was right the first time.

 

Thanks for the comments. Marvin is tempting but very pricey.

Anyone else with comments?

The more the merrier...

 

Marvin's Ultra windows are probably the best. Proline is kinda crappy builders grade stuff. I don't like Andersen's too much but have to admit that they are probably better than the Proline.

 

I put Marvins into my house. The quote I received was about 10k less than Andersen and Pella installed. I can tell you it wasn't just a difference in cost of labor.

 

I'd look at Marvin Integrity windows. After that I'd use AW. The Marvin Integrity will hold color much better then the AW. The interior of the sash on Integrity is real wood and the sticking has a better profile. The AW is a good product but the Integrity is my favorite in that price range. The Marvin Ultimate Casement is very nice (I have them in my house) but will be a step up from all the products you are looking at.

You could can give me Pella for free and I still would not put it in my house.

 

If those are your two choices, I would most definitely choose Anderson 400. Way better than Pella ProLine

 

I have Marvins in my house and they are my preference. Of the two you listed, I go Andersen as well.

 

I'm not sure what Anderson 400 is made of, but here is some info you might find useful.

There are three basic types of window materials commonly used, plastic, wood and fiberglass, with plastic being the crappiest and fiberglass being the best. Wood sits somewhere in the middle, whether clad with plastic (PVC) or aluminum or not clad at all.

I had Pella give me a quote on some aluminum clad wood windows and they wanted 3 times more than the windows were worth. I ended up buying fiberglass for a fraction of Pella's quote.

Here is a link to some good stuff.

HomeStars Forum - Topic - WHY I CHOSE FIBERGLASS WINDOWS

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