When it comes to choosing new windows for your home, two popular brands often come to mind – Windsor Windows and Pella Windows. Both companies produce quality windows with a wide range of options, so it can be tough deciding between the two.
This comprehensive guide will compare Windsor and Pella windows to help you determine which is the better choice for your home and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Windsor Windows | Pella Windows |
| Materials | Vinyl, wood, aluminum, hybrids | Vinyl, wood, fiberglass, aluminum |
| Quality & Durability | Very durable, multi-layer weatherstripping, surface mounted hardware | Extremely durable, concealed hinges, excellent weathersealing |
| Energy Efficiency | Efficient glass, argon gas, LoE2 coating, R-3 to R-4 ratings | Very efficient, triple pane glass, foam-filled frames, LoE3 coating, R-5 ratings |
| Cost | Vinyl from $600 – $1000, wood $1000 – $2000 | Vinyl from $1200 – $2000, wood from $2000 – $5000+ |
| Warranties | 20 years on vinyl, 10 years on wood | 10 years vinyl and wood, transferable warranty |
| Appearance | Classic styles and lines, woodgrain or smooth vinyl | Very modern and slim, realistic woodgrain finish |
| Customization | Very versatile standard sizes | Limitless customization available |
| Reviews | Excellent reviews, praised for value and quality | Great reviews, concerns over high cost |
Overview of Windsor Windows
Founded in 1946, Windsor Windows & Doors is one of the largest family-owned and operated window manufacturers in the U.S. The company offers a complete line of windows including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and hybrid options. Some key things to know about Windsor Windows:
- Highly Customizable: Windsor offers custom-built windows so you can get the exact size, design, and features you want. They offer a range of configurations, styles, and hardware options to suit any home.
- Innovative Technologies: Windsor windows feature several proprietary technologies like Windsor Glazing System, ActivSeal, and Welsystem. These enhance energy-efficiency, durability, and longevity of the windows.
- Exceptional Warranties: Windsor products come with outstanding warranties including 20 years on vinyl windows, 10 years on wood windows, and lifetime limited on glass and hardware. This shows the company really stands behind their product quality.
- Wide Range of Prices: From budget-friendly to ultra high-end, Windsor offers windows at nearly any price point. Expect to pay around $600 to $1000 on average for a standard double hung vinyl window.
Overview of Pella Windows
Founded in 1925, Pella Corporation is headquartered in Iowa and employs over 5,000 people. They offer a wide selection of windows and doors for residential and commercial use. Here are some key facts about Pella:
- Premium Reputation: Known for quality craftsmanship and innovative designs, Pella is a premium brand and typically costs more than average windows. Their products are very popular in luxury custom homes.
- Numerous Lines & Styles: Pella has different lines like Architect Series, Designer Series, Traditional, Encompass and 350 Series to suit varying needs and budgets. They make both wood and vinyl windows in many styles.
- Leading Energy Efficiency: Pella windows are some of the most energy efficient with leading technology like triple-pane glass and foam insulation between frames. This results in excellent insulation.
- Impressive Warranties: Pella provides a 10-year comprehensive warranty that can be transferred to a new homeowner. Some products have limited lifetime warranties. This shows Pella stands behind their craftsmanship.
- Costs $1200 to $2000 On Average: Pella’s windows have premium pricing with most vinyl double hung windows starting around $1200-2000 installed. Wood windows are even more expensive at $2000 to $5000 installed.
Key Differences Between Windsor And Pella Windows
Now that we’ve reviewed some key facts about each brand, let’s directly compare the two in several important window categories:
Materials
One of the main differences between Pella and Windsor is the materials they use. Here’s an overview:
- Windsor – Offers vinyl, wood, aluminum, and hybrid windows combining multiple frame types. Windsor is especially known for its high-quality wood windows.
- Pella – Also provides vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum options. Pella offers more premium materials like mahogany, pine, and oak for their wood windows.
Vinyl – Both Windsor and Pella vinyl windows are incredibly durable, energy efficient, and low maintenance. Windsor vinyl is thicker than competitors at .075 inches but Pella frames have excellent insulating chambers.
Wood – Pella uses more exotic woods while Windsor relies on pine.
Though Windsor wood windows have great warranties against rotting and decay.
Overall, Pella wood windows are considered more upscale.
Fiberglass – Pella wins when it comes to fiberglass, as they offer a complete line of fiberglass windows but Windsor doesn’t.
Fiberglass is low-maintenance like vinyl but has the aesthetic of painted wood.
Aluminum & Hybrids – Both brands offer aluminum and hybrid windows combining materials like aluminum cladding on wood frames. Pella has a wider selection while Windsor aluminum-clad wood windows are more affordable.
Quality & Durability
Windsor and Pella are both exceptionally durable and well-built. Here’s how they compare:
- Frame Construction – Pella often uses thicker extruded vinyl while Windsor relies more on welded vinyl corner joints. Most Pella wood windows have mortise-and-tenon joints while Windsor uses Doweled frame joints.
- Weatherstripping – Both feature multi-layer weatherstripping but Pella seems to have a slight edge. Their dual-seal weatherstriping with fin-seal middle flaps provide excellent protection from air and water infiltration.
- Hardware – Standard hardware from both companies is durable and operates smoothly. Pella impresses with concealed, integrated hinges on several wood window lines while Windsor tends to use surface-mounted hinges.
- Glass – They both offer exceptional glass options like double-strength, obscure, laminated, and Low-E coatings. Pella uses top-tier LoE3-366 on many windows while Windsor relies on LoE2-272.
- Testing & Certification – Both companies thoroughly test products to meet the highest certification standards for water infiltration, air leakage, structural integrity, and forced entry resistance.
Overall, while Pella wins on a few construction details and attributes like weatherstripping, Windsor windows aren’t far behind when it comes to overall durability and longevity. Both produce incredibly stable, solid windows.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important consideration for most homeowners these days. Here’s how Windsor and Pella compare:
- Glass Options – Both offer high-performance Low-E insulated glass, argon gas fills, and warm-edge spacer technology. Pella takes it a step further with triple-pane glass and foam-filled frame cavities for even better thermal insulation.
- Performance Ratings – Top-tier Pella wood windows with triple glazing rate around R-5 while Windsor wood windows with Low-E and argon fill are around R-3. Thermally improved vinyl windows from both brands rate between R-3 to R-4.
- Air Infiltration – Pella wins slightly when it comes to limiting air leakage thanks to their excellent weatherstripping. Both brands fall well within energy certification standards for air tightness however.
- Solar Heat Gain – Pella offers more advanced Low-E coatings that rejects more of the sun’s heat in hot climates. Windsor still offers good solar control glasses like Solarban 70XL but Pella takes the lead here.
Overall, while Pella eeks ahead in thermal performance ratings thanks to excellent glazing and insulation, Windsor windows are still very energy efficient and will substantially reduce heating and cooling costs.
Costs & Value Comparison
One of the biggest differences between Pella and Windsor is cost. Here’s an overview:
- Vinyl Windows – A standard vinyl double hung window from Windsor averages $600 to $1000. Pella vinyl windows start around $1200 to $2000 installed.
- Wood Windows – Windsor wood windows cost from $1000 to $2000 on average. Pella wood windows range from $2000 on the low end to over $5000 for exotic woods and custom designs.
- Installation Costs – Installation costs are similar between Pella and Windsor at around $150 per opening nationally. Get 3 quotes to find the best local pricing.
- Cost vs Value – Though they cost more upfront, Pella windows have very good resale value and ROI due to their premium brand reputation. Windsor offers excellent quality for the price.
- Discounts – Both companies offer seasonal discounts of 10-20% at various times of the year. Negotiating with installers can also help lower costs for either brand.
Overall Pella windows do cost significantly more than Windsor, but they offer outstanding quality and performance to match. Windsor provides excellent value at lower price points. Consider your budget and whether premium features are worth extra costs.
Visual Appearance
Beauty is subjective when it comes to windows, but here are some notes on aesthetics:
- Frame Design – Many Pella lines like Architect Series have very slim and sleek frames for maximum glass visibility. Windsor offers both traditional and contemporary window frame styles.
- Color Options – Windsor and Pella both offer popular vinyl colors like white, tan, and black. Pella has around 16 exterior vinyl colors while Windsor has 10 including grey and brick red. Both provide interior wood stain options.
- Wood Grain – Pella’s EnduraClad exterior vinyl coating has a realistic wood grain finish while Windsor uses a smoother vinyl exterior. Windsor has more authentic interior wood veneers.
- Customization – Pella wins for pure customization with the ability to design your dream windows with the specifications, divided lite patterns, and muntin profiles you desire.
For those that prefer a very modern, streamlined look Pella is hard to beat. Windsor windows are attractive with more traditional styling in most cases. Customization from either brand can provide beautiful results.
Warranties
It’s important to consider coverage when making this investment. Here’s how the warranties compare:
- Vinyl – Windsor offers an industry-leading 20-year warranty on vinyl windows while Pella provides 10 years of coverage. Nearly all vinyl window components are covered.
- Wood – Pella has a 10-year wood window warranty. Windsor provides 10 years against defects but an incredible lifetime warranty on wood components against rotting and decay.
- Glass – Pella offers 20 years on glass with a lifetime limited warranty on some products. Windsor provides a lifetime limited warranty on all insulated glass units.
- Transferability – Pella has a huge advantage here, as their 10-year comprehensive warranty can be transferred to subsequent homeowners if you sell. Windsor’s warranties are non-transferrable.
Overall, Windsor offers outstanding long-term warranties particularly on vinyl frames while Pella provides better coverage for new homeowners that’s transferable. Both back up their products impressively.
Customer Reviews
Looking at feedback from homeowners that have installed these brands is helpful. Here’s an overview:
- Windsor – Reviews are overwhelmingly positive and mention quality construction, smooth operation, excellent warranties, and great value for the cost. Issues with sealing/leaking are occasionally reported.
- Pella – Also earns largely positive feedback. Praised for premium materials, energy savings, and good noise reduction. Some concerns over the very high prices and occasional lead times for custom orders.
- Reviews – Windsor earns an A+ rating from the BBB with over 220 reviews and a 4.2/5 stars on sites like Trustpilot. Pella has an A+ BBB rating with 600+ reviews and 4/5 star average.
Both Windsor and Pella earn tons of praise from customers and have very satisfied homeowners overall according to reviews. Pella dissatisfaction over high costs is the main drawback mentioned.
Windsor And Pella Windows: Key Differences
To recap, here are some of the major differences between Windsor and Pella:
- Cost – Pella windows cost significantly more, from 2 to 4X+ the price of Windsor depending on materials.
- Materials – Pella offers more premium woods and an expansive fiberglass line. Windsor has excellent standard vinlys and woods.
- Energy Efficiency – Pella is slightly more efficient, especially models with triple-pane glass and foam-filled frames.
- Warranties – Pella has a transferable warranty while Windsor’s vinyl coverage is longer at 20 years.
- Styles – Pella has very modern, slimline aesthetics while Windsor offers more classic styling.
- Customization – Pella enables more intricate window customization while Windsor focuses on versatile stock sizes.
Which Is Better For You?
With this overview of how Windsor and Pella compare, which brand is better for your home? Here are a few closing recommendations:
- Choose Pella if you want the absolute best quality, energy efficiency, and premium aesthetics. The higher cost is justified for many homeowners wanting customized luxury windows.
- Select Windsor if you want excellent quality and performance for a more affordable price point. Windsor offers great choices if you’re on a tighter budget but still want durable, attractive windows.
- Those wanting a middle ground between cost and benefits may opt for one of Pella’s vinyl or mid-range wood lines like 350 Series or Encompass. You get good looks and efficiency for lower prices than top-tier Pella products.
- Consult with local window installers to potentially save more on either brand. Ask what they recommend for your home and climate. Experienced contractors know these brands inside and out.
FAQ – Windsor & Pella Windows
Some brands offering windows comparable to Pella in terms of quality and performance include: Marvin Windows, Jeld-Wen Windows, Milgard Windows, Andersen Windows, Windsor Windows, Kolbe Windows, Sierra Pacific Windows.
Like Pella, these brands provide premium materials, high-end designs, excellent energy efficiency, and impressive warranties. They can cost slightly less than Pella when you want a similar upscale window without the top-tier pricing.
Yes, Pella windows are considered very high-quality in the industry and live up to their premium brand reputation. From meticulous woodworking to innovative vinyl engineering, they excel at craftsmanship and durability. Multiple pane glass options and advanced weathersealing also contribute to excellent performance over the long run.
Pella windows are definitely on the high end of pricing, but a few specialty brands like Marvin cost even more for top-tier custom wood windows. Among mass market nationally available brands, Pella’s typical price of $1200 – $2000 for a basic vinyl window does make them one of the most expensive options. You’re paying for first-class materials and energy savings.
Pella consistently ranks as one of the top 4 or 5 window manufacturers out of over a dozen major national brands. In most expert window rating guides and reviews, the top brands are usually: Marvin, Andersen, Pella / Jeld-Wen (tie), Milgard, Windsor.
So Pella windows firmly rate in the top tier for overall quality in the window industry. Their innovative designs and technologies have helped Pella windows achieve this elite status.
Closing Remarks
And those are the key differences and factors to weigh when choosing between Windsor and Pella windows for your next window replacement or installation project.
Considering your budget, home style, and needs will help determine which respected brand is the better choice for you. With their outstanding products and offerings, you’re sure to be happy with either of these window manufacturers.