Replacing Rotted Pella Wood Casement Windows

[JEgan]

We purchased a house in St. Louis MO. We have multiple sets of Pella wood casement windows. One set of 4 casements is rotting. We want to remove that set and replace while matching the other sets of casement windows. Pella came out and gave us a bid that’s over 13k. Are there brands we should consider?

[HomeSealed]

It depends on how discerning you are about matching the look of your other windows, as well as whether or not you plan to replace the other windows (now or in the future).

Personally, I'd opt for a window choice that cannot rot out, either a composite or high end vinyl. For the same budget, instead of 4 windows, perhaps you could get twice as many (8 or more) replaced. You may not be thinking of this in terms of a larger project, but if these are rotted out, odds are that the others in your home aren't all that far behind. Because of this, I'd recommend considering your options based on a full home window replacement and what your priorities would be (even if done in phases), as opposed to just this one opening where you may be prioritizing a match over performance, quality, durability, etc.

[JEgan]

Thanks for the reply. We have thought of that but these are at the front of our house and the most visible. Unfortunately there are three other sets at the front so it seems to be an all or nothing situation if we replace with composite or high end vinyl. If we find that makes more sense, do you have any brand recommendations?

[Windows on Washington]

While I appreciate the wanting to match, the remaining Pella windows are not what we would consider of "historic value" and will inevitably experience the same fate that you one set is now.

You can get a good bit of quality window for 52K (i.e. 4x13K).

What that quality window is, depends on what you want it to look/feel like on the interior as much as then exterior. Are you a wood purist? If so, I would suggest you look at some of the hybrids that have wood or a laminate to the interior whilst the frame material is still completely moisture insensitive.

If you don't need the wood feel, Soft-Lite, Sunrise (now MI) and Okna all make a great casement in vinyl. In Fiberglass, the Marvin Elevate is a good looking product as is the Essentials (only in the casement though for the Essentials).

[JEgan]

Thank you. We are getting a quote for Marvin and when the guy comes out, we’ll ask about alternatives. We’re certainly open to them, but want to maintain the style of the house.

[TheWindowNerd]

How old are the Pella windows?
Are they aluminum on the exterior?
What is the glass system? Seal insulated glass, dual glazing panel ( removable) hinged glazing panel? What type of grids if any?
Flat screens or rolscreens?
Send me the Pella bid to review.
wayne@thewindownerds.com