Wincore Vs. Pella Windows: A Detailed Comparison

If you’re in the market for new windows, two big names you’ll likely encounter are Wincore and Pella. Both companies make high-quality windows designed to improve your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal.

But which is the better choice for your next window replacement project?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Wincore and Pella windows to help you decide which is the right fit for your home and budget. We’ll look at the key factors like materials, energy efficiency, cost, warranties, styles, and more.

Whether you’re concerned about low maintenance, noise reduction, or maximizing natural light, we’ve got you covered.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Wincore	Pella
Materials	Composite of vinyl, wood, and fiberglass	Wood, vinyl, fiberglass
Energy Efficiency	Very good, meet ENERGY STAR standards	Excellent, patented technologies for optimal insulation
Cost	Affordable, $325-$550 installed	Premium, $600-$1,200 installed
Warranties	20 years on glass, 10 years parts	10 years glass and parts, lifetime for wood
Styles	Good selection of operating and fixed styles	Extensive style options, ultimate customization
Installation	Rely on authorized dealers	Use Pella Certified installers
Key Benefits	Low maintenance, very energy efficient, great value	Unmatched quality and aesthetics, endless customization
Best For	Budget-focused homeowners who still want performance	Homeowners who want the very best in materials, features and design

Wincore Windows Overview

Wincore windows are manufactured by Jeld-Wen, one of the largest window and door manufacturers in the world. Wincore aims to provide a good balance of quality, energy efficiency, and value. Here are some quick facts about Wincore windows:

• Constructed from a composite of PVC vinyl, wood, and fiberglass
• Offer double-hung, casement, awning, sliding, and fixed styles
• Come with triple-pane glass options for increased insulation
• Feature inert gas-filled glass units to reduce conduction
• Qualify for ENERGY STAR ratings in all 50 states
• Have solid warranties: 20 years on glass, 10 years on parts
• Offer a range of customization options like grids, colors, hardware
• Average cost is $325-$550 per window installed

Wincore touts its fiberglass-reinforced frames as providing superior strength and thermal performance compared to vinyl.

The composite material aims to get the best of both vinyl and wood frames.

Overall, Wincore is positioned as a “value” brand that makes efficient, customizable windows without the premium price tag.

Pella Windows Overview

Founded in 1925, Pella is an established leader in the window industry with a reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovative design. Here’s an overview of Pella’s windows:

• Constructed from wood, vinyl, or fiberglass
• Offer double and triple-pane glass with advanced thermal insulation
• Feature proprietary technologies like Rolscreen retractable screens
• Qualify for the highest ENERGY STAR ratings nationwide
• Have excellent warranties: 10 years on glass, 10 years on parts
• Wide range of styles from modern to old-world classics
• Robust customization options from exterior finishes to hardware
• Average cost is $600-$1,200 per window installed

Pella is known for its exceptional wood windows, which it produces in its own sawmills. But it also offers durable vinyl and fiberglass options designed to perfectly replicate the beauty of wood.

With advanced insulation and innovations like triple-pane glass, Pella windows meet the highest energy efficiency standards. But you can expect to pay a premium for the quality.

Key Differences Between Wincore And Pella Windows

Now that we’ve covered the basics on each brand, let’s do a detailed comparison of the most important factors in choosing new windows.

Materials

One of the biggest differences between Pella and Wincore is the materials used to construct the windows.

Pella

Pella windows come in three main material types:

• Wood – Made from premium pine and alder wood and treated to withstand moisture. Offers unbeatable aesthetics but requires more maintenance.
• Vinyl – Durable extruded vinyl frame and sashes. More affordable and most low maintenance option.
• Fiberglass – Composite glass fibers bonded with resin. Very strong yet still has wood-like appearance.

Wincore

Wincore uses a composite of three materials for their windows:

• PVC vinyl – Durable exterior provides weather protection and low maintenance.
• Wood – Interior wood veneer gives warmth and classic aesthetics.
• Fiberglass – Reinforced for increased structural strength.

While Pella offers more material options with 100% wood and fiberglass windows, Wincore aims to get the benefits of each material in one composite frame.

Both brands offer durable, energy efficient windows. Pella’s wood windows provide unmatched visual appeal but need periodic refinishing. For the most affordable, low-maintenance option, vinyl is the way to go.

Energy Efficiency

With rising energy costs, insulation is one of the most important factors when choosing new windows. Here is how Wincore and Pella compare:

Energy Ratings

• Both offer windows that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements in all 50 states. This means they meet standards for U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).
• Many Pella models meet Most Efficient criteria, the highest rating for energy performance given by the ENERGY STAR program.

Glass

• Pella uses premium grade glass materials and proprietary Warm-Edge glass spacer technology.
• Wincore also uses inert gas filled glass units and warm edge spacers.
• Both offer triple-pane glass options which provide excellent thermal insulation. Pella uses an argon/krypton gas blend while Wincore uses argon gas.
• Pella’s triple-pane windows can achieve whole window U-Factors as low as 0.17 which exceeds the most efficient ENERGY STAR requirements.

Weatherstripping

• Both use high-quality weatherstripping around the sashes to seal out drafts and air leaks.

So when it comes to energy performance, both deliver excellent insulation. Pella edges out Wincore slightly with lower U-factors particularly on triple-pane models.

But both will significantly reduce heating and cooling costs compared to older windows.

Cost and Value

One of the biggest differences between Pella and Wincore is cost. Here’s how they compare on pricing and overall value:

Pella

As a premium brand, Pella windows skew towards the high end of the price spectrum.

Their wood windows in particular are an investment.

• Double-hung wood windows – $700 – $1,200 per window installed
• Vinyl double-hung – $500 – $800 per window installed
• Fiberglass double-hung – $800 to $1,400 per window installed

You pay more for Pella’s craftsmanship, quality materials, and innovative features.

And many homeowners say the superior longevity, performance, and aesthetics are worth the investment.

Wincore

Wincore windows are positioned as an affordable choice offering better value:

• Composite double-hung – $325 to $550 per window installed

As a mid-range brand, Wincore makes efficient and stylish windows for 20-50% less than Pella without sacrificing key features like triple-pane glass and customization options. If keeping costs down is a priority, Wincore is likely the better value.

Both companies make windows that will improve your home’s comfort and efficiency. Pella offers the utmost in quality while Wincore provides an attractive combination of performance and price.

Warranties

When making a long-term investment in windows, it’s important to consider the warranties that stand behind the products. Here is how Pella and Wincore compare:

Pella Limited Lifetime Warranty

• 10 years on glass units
• 10 years on non-glass parts including screens and hardware
• Transferable limited lifetime warranty

Pella’s warranties reflect the longevity of their windows. The limited lifetime coverage is on par or better than other leading brands.

Wincore Warranty

• 20 years on glass
• 10 years on all non-glass components
• Transferrable to new homeowners

Wincore also provides reassurance with strong double-decade coverage.

The especially generous 20-year glass warranty shows the company’s confidence.

Both Pella and Wincore provide excellent assurances against defects in materials and workmanship.

For budget-minded shoppers, Wincore’s industry leading glass coverage is a definite plus.

Styles and Customization

When it comes to options and aesthetics, both brands offer extensive choices:

Pella

• Dozens of styles from contemporary to historic including double hung, casement, awning, sliding, fixed frame, bay, and more
• Customizable options:
  • Exterior finishes in vinyl, wood, or fiberglass
  • 50 exterior paint and stain colors
  • Interior wood stains and paints
  • Decorative glass, grilles, between-the-glass blinds
  • Unique hardware styles and finishes
• Ability to completely mix-and-match features provides unlimited possibilities

Pella is the leader when it comes to distinctive, one-of-a-kind windows. Their specialized Craftsman service can create whole home designs with a custom style for each room.

Wincore

• Good selection of operating and fixed styles including double-hung, sliders, casements, awnings
• Customization options:
  • 8 solid exterior vinyl colors
  • White or beige frame interiors
  • Array of between-the-glass grid styles
  • Add internal blinds
  • Optional decorative glass upgrades
  • Choose grille color and finish

While not as robust as Pella, Wincore provides plenty of ways to personalize with color, hardware, and grille patterns. Enough options for most homeowners’ needs.

Both Pella and Wincore allow you to put your own stamp on your windows. Pella offers the ultimate in customization for distinctive period homes. Wincore has plenty of versatile options at a more affordable price point.

Installation and Contractors

Proper installation is critical to ensuring your windows function correctly and prevent leaks. Here are some things to know:

Pella Certified Installers

• Pella has a network of factory-trained local installers certified to do Pella projects
• Use of authorized installers helps ensure correct installation and provides peace of mind
• Certified installers have passed background checks and demonstrated proper licensure

Wincore Authorized Dealers

• Wincore relies on its authorized dealers to install and service projects correctly
• Dealers have access to installation instructions, training, and technical support
• Ask dealers about training/certification and how long they’ve been installing Wincore

For either brand, do your research to pick qualified, experienced installers familiar with the product. Be sure to get multiple quotes and ask about workmanship warranties.

Proper installation is just as important as the windows themselves. Take time to pick contractors carefully to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Wincore Or Pella Windows: Which Is Best For You?

Now that we’ve compared the ins and outs of Wincore and Pella windows, let’s recap the key differences:

Pella

• Unmatched wood window quality and customization
• Excellent energy efficiency with triple-pane performance
• Premium materials like wood, fiberglass, and architect series vinyl
• Highest lifetime quality with advanced technologies
• 50+ exotic exterior finishes and hardware options
• Highest cost windows on the market

Wincore

• Composite wood and vinyl construction
• Very good energy ratings and insulation
• Affordable price point provides good value
• 20-year glass warranty coverage
• Low-maintenance exterior and easy cleaning
• Limited style and color options compared to Pella

While Pella offers superior design flexibility, materials, and luxury features, Wincore provides impressive thermal performance for the price.

Wincore is ideal if you want affordable, low-maintenance windows without cutting back on energy efficiency. Homeowners looking for premium wood aesthetics and endless customization will prefer Pella.

Make sure to get quotes from each brand during your research. While Pella represents the gold standard for windows, Wincore offers virtually the same insulation at a significantly lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Bottom Line

When comparing Wincore vs. Pella windows, you can expect quality and performance from both established brands. For those who prioritize affordability and value, Wincore is the clear choice.

Homeowners wanting the finest materials, endless customization, and prestige will be drawn to Pella.

Whichever you choose, be sure to hire professional installers to ensure your investment provides comfort and visual appeal for decades to come. With good routine maintenance, both Wincore and Pella represent windows you’ll love coming home to.