When it comes time to replace the windows in your home, you want to make sure you choose a high-quality product that will stand the test of time. Two popular brands known for their craftsmanship and performance are Castle windows and Pella windows.
But which is the better option for your home improvement project?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros, cons, features, and other key factors of Castle and Pella windows to help you determine the right investment for your needs. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Comparison | Castle Windows | Pella Windows |
| Frame Materials | Vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, wood | Vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood, 100% wood |
| Window Styles | Double hung, sliding, casement, more | Double hung, casement, architectural, round top, more |
| Exterior Color Options | 3 vinyl colors | More vinyl and wood finish options |
| Energy Efficiency | Triple pane, foam insulation, argon gas | Up to quadruple pane, foam, argon, Low-E |
| Warranties | Lifetime vinyl and 20-year aluminum clad | Lifetime vinyl and 2-year wood finish |
| Price Range | $350 – $2,500 | $500 – $5,000+ |
| Customer Ratings | 4.6 out of 5 stars | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
Overview of Castle Windows
Founded in 1909, Castle Windows is one of the oldest window manufacturers in the United States.
The company offers a full range of replacement windows including double hung, sliding, casement, awning, and specialty shapes.
Castle windows are made from premium vinyl, aluminum, wood, or fiberglass.
They feature multiple layers of weatherstripping and the proprietary CastleWeld frame welding system for enhanced durability and energy efficiency.
Some key benefits of Castle windows include:
- Custom craftsmanship – Each window is custom built to your specifications for a perfect fit.
- High energy efficiency – Multiple glazing options and thermally optimized frame materials provide excellent insulation. Specialty glass coating reduces solar heat gain.
- Noise reduction – The snug fit and laminated glass effectively decrease outside noise.
- Low maintenance – Vinyl and fiberglass won’t rot while aluminum resists corrosion. The vinyl exterior never needs painting.
- Strong warranties – Lifetime limited warranty on vinyl and fiberglass windows. 20-year warranty on aluminum clad windows.
Overview of Pella Windows
Established in 1925, Pella is another leading window brand that offers premium products. Their window collections include fiberglass, vinyl, wood, and aluminum-clad wood options.
Notable features of Pella windows include:
- Innovative design – Stylish contemporary look along with historic architectural styles. Many exclusive features like integrated blinds and screens.
- Superior energy efficiency – Multiple panes, argon gas, foam insulation, and other advances provide excellent thermal performance.
- Enhanced durability – Durable EnduraClad exteriors on wood models shed water and resist fading, scratching, and peeling.
- Smooth operation – Pella’s patented lift and slide sash design allows windows to open and close effortlessly.
- Advanced security – Strong frames, multi-point locks, and shatter-resistant glass keep your home secure.
- Comprehensive warranties – 10-year warranty on installation. 20-year warranty on vinyl windows. 2-year warranty on Pella wood window finishes.
Key Differences Between Castle Windows And Pella Windows
Now that we’ve highlighted some key features of both brands, let’s compare them across some important factors:
Frame Materials
One of the biggest differences between Pella and Castle is the variety of frame materials they offer.
Castle Windows
- Vinyl – Durable, low-maintenance, and energy efficient. Available in white or clay colors.
- Aluminum – Strong and corrosion resistant but conducts more heat/cold. Only offered with cladding.
- Fiberglass – Very durable with great insulation. More expensive option.
- Wood – Beautiful traditional material that requires frequent repainting/refinishing.
Pella Windows
- Vinyl – Affordable, low-maintenance, available in several color options.
- Fiberglass – Exceptionally strong, won’t swell/warp/rot. Natural woodgrain finish.
- Aluminum-clad wood – Combines beauty of real wood with low-maintenance aluminum exterior.
- 100% wood – For classic style and intricate architectural designs.
While Castle has more vinyl options, Pella offers more high-end materials like 100% wood and aluminum-clad wood.
Window Styles
Both brands provide an excellent selection of operating styles.
Popular styles offered by Castle Windows include:
- Double hung
- Sliding
- Casement
- Awning
- Picture
- Bay
- Bow
- Garden
Some notable Pella window styles include:
- Double hung
- Casement
- Awning
- Hopper
- Sliding
- Fixed picture windows
- Geometric shapes
- Round top
- Architectural styles like gothic arch
Pella has a edge in style selection including more architectural designs while Castle offers more standard shapes.
Both have similar offerings for most typical homes.
Color and Finish Options
Castle and Pella windows come in a array of different exterior colors and wood finish options.
For vinyl windows, Castle offers:
- White
- Beige
- Clay
Pella vinyl color choices include:
- White
- Tan
- Brown
- Gray
- Black
For interior wood finishes, Pella has over 50 stain options from Golden Oak to Cherry. Castle’s wood windows can be painted or stained to your desired finish.
So when it comes to color selection, Pella provides more vinyl colors while Castle wins for custom wood finish flexibility.
Energy Efficiency
A major factor for new windows is energy efficiency, which can vary based on the frame material, number of panes, and other advanced features.
Castle Windows energy-saving highlights:
- Triple pane glass options
- Thermal optimization for each climate
- Internal foam insulation
- Argon/krypton gas filled
- U-factors as low as 0.27 (lower is better)
Pella Energy Efficiency:
- Up to quadruple pane glass
- Optional foam insulation
- Argon/krypton gas
- Low-E options to reduce solar heat
- U-factors as low as 0.16 on fiberglass models
Both brands offer excellent energy efficiency with similar top-end technology. Pella wins slightly with more panes and lower U-factors on some models.
Cost Comparison
As premium brands, both Castle and Pella windows come at a higher cost than basic vinyl replacements. Here’s how they compare:
Castle Windows
- Vinyl models – $350 to $700 per window
- Aluminum-clad – $800 to $1,500
- Fiberglass – $900 to $1,800
- Wood – $1,000 to $2,500
Pella Windows
- Vinyl – $500 to $1,000
- Aluminum-clad wood – $800 to $2,500
- 100% wood – $1,500 to $5,000+
Castle vinyl and fiberglass prices are generally a bit lower while Pella’s top-end wood windows can cost significantly more. Both offer affordable vinyl options along with premium materials at higher price points.
Warranties
When making a major home investment, a strong product warranty brings peace of mind. Here’s how the warranties compare:
Castle Windows Warranties
- Lifetime limited warranty on vinyl windows
- 20-year warranty on aluminum clad wood windows
- 10-year warranty on fiberglass
Pella Warranties
- Lifetime limited warranty on vinyl
- 10-year coverage on installation
- 20-year warranty for aluminum clad wood
- 2-year finish protection on wood models
The warranties offered by each brand are fairly similar and industry-standard.
One advantage of Pella is the 2-year wood finish warranty, while Castle provides longer fiberglass coverage.
Customer Reviews
Looking at customer feedback is often the best indicator of real-world performance and service.
Castle Windows Reviews
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by HomeAdvisor based on over 1,300 reviews
- Positive feedback for quality, appearance, energy savings
- Some complaints of high pricing and long lead times
Pella Windows Reviews
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by HomeAdvisor based on over 2,600 reviews
- Praise for durability, timeless style, noise reduction
- Drawbacks mentioned include high cost and heavy wood models
Both brands receive consistently positive reviews and high ratings for their premium window products. Pella gets slightly higher overall ratings but the customer feedback is quite similar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some brands that offer comparable quality and features as Pella include Andersen, Marvin, Milgard, JELD-WEN, Simonton, and Castle Windows.
According to most experts, some of the top window brands are Pella, Andersen, Marvin, Milgard, Simonton, JELD-WEN, and Castle. Key factors to consider are materials, energy efficiency, styles, cost, and warranties.
Based on market share of window sales, the top window companies in the US are Andersen Corporation, Pella Corporation, JELD-WEN, and MI Home Products. However, there are many reputable brands to choose from.
In terms of product quality, performance, and customer satisfaction, some of the best window brands include Pella, Andersen, Marvin, Milgard, Castle, Simonton, Atrium, Kendall, and JELD-WEN. It’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple brands.
The Bottom Line
When comparing Castle and Pella windows, both brands offer outstanding products using advanced materials and technology. Key differences are Castle’s lower cost fiberglass and vinyl options compared to Pella’s high-end wood models and larger color selection.
Ultimately, choosing between these two excellent brands comes down to the style and price range that fits your specific needs. Comparing warranties, energy ratings, reviews, and getting quotes from local dealers can further help make the right decision for your home.
With either Castle or Pella, you can be confident you’re investing in long-lasting windows and ease of mind.