When it comes time to replace the windows in your home, two big names often come up – Quaker and Pella. As leading manufacturers of windows and doors, both companies produce high-quality products that can transform your living space.
But how do you decide which brand is right for your needs and budget?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Quaker and Pella windows to help you make an informed decision. We’ll examine the key factors like materials, energy efficiency, cost, warranties, and more. Whether you’re looking for vinyl, wood, or fiberglass windows, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Quaker | Pella |
| Frame materials | Vinyl | Wood, fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum |
| Glass | Double-pane | Double and triple-pane |
| Efficiency features | Low-E, argon fill | AdvancedLow-E, foam insulation, mixed gas fill |
| Style options | Limited colors, grid patterns | Extensive choices, custom sizes/shapes |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited | Lifetime limited |
Overview of Quaker and Pella Windows
First, let’s get familiar with each brand.
Quaker Windows
Founded in 1947, Quaker Windows & Doors manufactures vinyl windows and patio doors.
They offer both new construction and replacement windows in single-hung, double-hung, sliding, casement, awning, and picture styles.
Their vinyl windows are engineered for strength, durability, and energy efficiency.
Key features:
- Vinyl frame material
- Double-pane insulated glass
- Composite reinforcement for stability
- Several frame color options
- Various grid patterns available
- Lifetime limited warranty
Pella Windows
Operating since 1925, Pella is known for exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design in their windows and doors. They offer products made from wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum. Their diverse product line includes single-hung, double-hung, casement, awning, sliding, and specialty shape windows.
Key features:
- Wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum options
- AdvancedLow-E insulated glass
- Integrated blinds and shades
- Enduraclad exterior protection
- Custom sizes and shapes
- Lifetime limited warranty
Key Differences Between Quaker And Pella Windows
Now that you know a bit about each brand, let’s compare them across several factors:
- Materials
One of the biggest differences between Pella vs Quaker is the variety of materials offered.
Quaker
Quaker windows are exclusively made from vinyl frames. Vinyl is a versatile, low-maintenance material. It resists rotting, swelling, cracking, and peeling. Quaker vinyl contains UV inhibitors to prevent fading or yellowing over time.
Vinyl frames have good insulating properties to keep your home comfortable. They block air infiltration while preventing condensation. Quaker vinyl windows come with composite reinforcement for added stability.
Overall, vinyl is a great choice if you want affordable, low-maintenance windows. The material is resistant to weather and wear-and-tear. Quaker offers vinyl in several neutral, attractive colors.
Pella
Pella offers much more choice when it comes to materials:
- Wood – Pella wood windows highlight the natural beauty of wood grains. They offer pine, oak, cherry, and mahogany options. The wood is coated to protect against rotting and swelling. An aluminum exterior cladding provides weather protection.
- Vinyl – Pella vinyl windows offer similar benefits to Quaker vinyl. Their vinyl contains proprietary compounds and UV blockers for enhanced weather resistance.
- Fiberglass – For incredible strength and durability, Pella fiberglass windows are virtually indestructible. This composite material resists rotting, swelling, shrinking, and warping from heat or cold. It never needs repainting and has excellent thermal performance.
- Aluminum – Pella aluminum-clad windows feature sleek, contemporary styling. The aluminum exterior is durable and low-maintenance.
This extensive selection of window materials sets Pella apart. You can find the perfect fit for the architecture and style of your home, whether traditional or modern.
Quaker vs Pella: Material Winner
Winner: Pella offers far more material options to suit any home aesthetic and performance needs.
- Energy Efficiency
Energy efficient windows keep your home comfortable while saving money on energy bills. Let’s see how Quaker and Pella compare:
Quaker
All Quaker windows feature double-pane glass with an inner argon gas fill. This improves the insulation capability compared to a single pane. It reduces temperature transfer through the glass.
Quaker double-hung and sliding windows have an interlocking vinyl sash for a tight seal against air infiltration. Their casement and awning models use a compression seal.
For even better energy savings, Quaker offers the Climate Shield glass package. It has a Low-E coated metallic layer to reflect heat back into the home. An upgraded argon fill and insulating foam further reduce energy loss and UV damage.
Pella
Pella windows are designed for impeccable energy efficiency. Their AdvancedLow-E insulated glass comes standard. This proprietary coating blocks heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. It rejects up to 73% of UV rays to protect furnishings from fading.
Depending on the model, Pella windows feature triple-pane glass, argon/krypton gas blend, foam insulation, and EdgeGuard spacer. Together these advancements achieve excellent thermal performance.
Pella Insynctive technology even lets some windows adapt to ambient conditions. This automatically adjusts insulation levels for the season.
Quaker vs Pella: Energy Efficiency Winner
Winner: Pella. While Quaker offers good double-pane windows, Pella sets the bar higher with exclusive glass coatings and triple-pane options for unbeatable efficiency.
- Costs and Warranties
Let’s compare the costs and warranties of Quaker vs Pella windows.
Quaker Cost
Quaker vinyl windows are affordably priced. Their Streamline Series starts around $200 per window, while higher-end models like the Select Series cost $500 to $700+.
You’ll enjoy low lifetime ownership costs thanks to the durability and efficiency of Quaker vinyl. Low-maintenance vinyl means no time or money spent on repainting or rot repairs. Energy savings help recover your investment faster too.
Quaker Warranty
Every Quaker window and door comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. Glass components have a 20-year warranty.
Pella Costs
Pella windows are pricier than Quaker, but the quality matches the investment. Here are rough price ranges:
- Vinyl – $300 to $700 per window
- Wood – $800 to $1,500 per window
- Fiberglass – $700 to $1,200 per window
- Aluminum – $1,000 to $2,000 per window
Pella’s innovative features, custom options, and superb craftsmanship justify the higher cost. Energy savings help offset the investment over time.
Pella Warranty
Pella has an excellent Lifetime Limited Warranty.
It covers the glass, vinyl, and aluminum components from defects for as long as you own your home.
Separate 20-year warranties apply to wood window materials and exterior finishes.
Quaker vs Pella: Costs and Warranty Winner
Winner: Draw. Both brands offer competitive warranties.
Quaker wins on affordability, while Pella provides premium features and materials that validate the higher prices.
- Appearance and Design
Windows make a statement, so style matters. Here is how Quaker and Pella compare aesthetically:
Quaker Appearance
With neutral vinyl colors like white, beige, and clay, Quaker windows complement most homes. Their Select series adds darker shades like brown and bronze.
Quaker windows come with factory-applied glazing for a clean, consistent look. Choose from colonial or prairie grid patterns in flat or sculptured profiles. Full screens are standard.
Their vinyl windows emulate the look of traditional wood windows, with brickmould casing and attractive curves. But Quaker lacks some of the custom design options seen with Pella.
Pella Design
Beauty and flexibility define Pella windows. The authentic wood grains showcase craftsmanship. Their popular Architect Series line adds contemporary styling with crisp lines and trim detailing.
Pella offers exclusive features like integrated blinds between glass panes and mixed window combinations for full design freedom. Choose from a rainbow of colors, wood types, hardware finishes, and grid patterns.
With custom sizing, unique shapes like circles or arches, and innovative features like shimmering caming, Pella’s artistic versatility is unmatched.
Winner: Pella. Both brands offer attractive options, but Pella exceeds expectations for bespoke, elegant windows full of charm and character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Quaker and Pella:
Yes, Quaker makes very good quality vinyl windows. They are engineered to be durable and energy efficient. Quaker double-hung and sliding windows have reliable weather-tight seals. The vinyl material resists rot, warping, and wear. Overall, Quaker offers reliable performance at affordable prices.
The ‘best’ window brand depends on your priorities. Key factors are budget, efficiency needs, noise reduction, and aesthetic style. Top national window brands include Pella, Andersen, Marvin, JELD-WEN, Milgard, and Simonton. Quaker is an excellent choice for affordable vinyl replacement windows. Pella stands out for exceptional durability, energy savings, and custom designs.
Major competitors of Quaker Windows include Andersen, Pella, JELD-WEN, Simonton, and Milgard. Each brand offers different materials, features, and prices. Like Quaker, brands like JELD-WEN and Simonton focus on vinyl windows while Pella and Andersen sell wood and fiberglass. All provide good options for replacement windows.
Every Quaker window and patio door comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship as long as you own the home. The insulated glass units have a 20-year warranty. Make sure to review what is covered under warranty for parts, labor, and transferability to future homeowners.
The Bottom Line
When comparing Quaker and Pella windows, you can’t go wrong with either brand. Both companies engineer exceptional windows beloved by homeowners and builders alike.
For affordability, low maintenance, and reliable performance, Quaker vinyl windows are a great choice. Their durable construction and insulating glass keep homes comfortable in any weather.
If budget allows, Pella windows warrant the higher investment. Their innovative features, energy efficiency, design aesthetics, and material quality result in lasting value and curb appeal.
Carefully assess your needs, style preferences, and budget when deciding between Quaker and Pella. With proper installation, both brands deliver lasting performance and transform your living space with natural light. Ensure your new windows comply with ENERGY STAR guidelines for savings on energy costs.
With this overview, you are fully equipped to make your window selection! Upgrade your home with beautiful new windows that you’ll enjoy for decades to come.
Hey Ralph enjoyed reading your article Pella vs Quaker. How do Pella windows stack up to Showcase windows ?