JELD-WEN is a worthy competitor and have been serving their clients faithfully since 1960. They’re part of a family of brands that includes Kilsgaard, Domoferm, LaCantina, Karona, Zargag, Kellpax, DANA, Swedoor, and more. They have received numerous prestigious recognitions, like the Customer Excellence Award from Navex and listing among Newsweek’s World’s Most Trustworthy Companies, and JELD-WEN Canada was awarded Manufacturer of the Year by ENERGY. As you’ve been researching windows lately, you have likely seen their vinyl windows repeatedly among your most promising options, and for good reason.
Today we’re going to compare those windows to Pella’s Fiberglass, to help you visualize, budget, and plan for your best purchase.
This part of the process can feel both overwhelming and monotonous, but it’s important for your home’s safety, security, value, energy efficiency, and look that you get as much information about your investment as you can before you spend a single dollar. Let’s break it down.
Our proprietary fiberglass material is engineered for superior strength and longevity, making it an investment that lasts, even in Nebraska’s harshest conditions. You will enjoy the benefits of:
- Unmatched Strength – Stronger than vinyl and built to last.
- Minimal Expansion and Contraction – Designed to mitigate warping and cracking.
- Superior Energy Efficiency – The indoor temperature is well regulated year-round, despite Nebraska’s extreme weather fluctuations.
- Beautiful Esthetic with Minimal Maintenance – Count on Pella Fiberglass to keep its look and integrity with minimal upkeep, repainting, or repairs.
Pella Fiberglass is best suited for homeowners seeking maximum durability and energy efficiency that withstands Nebraska’s extreme weather and looks great doing it.
JELD-WEN has been a trustworthy company for clients looking for low-maintenance, budget-friendly windows. JELD-WEN vinyl windows offer a low up-front cost and moderate energy efficiency, and you can expect little to no maintenance for the life of the windows. They are resistant to rot and corrosion and provide decent insulative properties.
We are always proud to compete with companies that stand behind their product, and JELD-WEN does just that. As strong as this competition is, there are elements of JELD-WEN Vinyl windows that just can’t beat Pella’s Fiberglass. Some limiting elements of JELD-WEN Vinyl include:
- Not as Strong as Fiberglass – JELD-WEN Vinyl windows are more prone to bending, cracking, and warping over time.
- Expansion and Contraction Issues – The extreme weather in the Midwest can cause these windows to swell and shrink, leaving you with air leaks, poor energy efficiency, and drafty windows.
- Limited Longevity – While these are very affordable windows in the short-term, the reduced lifespan means you’re paying to replace them much more often.
These windows are best suited to homeowners looking for a budget-friendly choice with moderate durability, but who are prepared to replace their windows sooner.
Midwest homeowners know that there are some non-negotiables when it comes to choosing windows for their homes. They’re looking for windows that are:
- Built for Nebraska/Iowa’s Harsh Climate – Pella Fiberglass is designed to withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations, intense winds, and heavy storms the Midwest is famous for.
- Durable and Long Lasting – Fiberglass is an excellent long-term investment, as it outlasts vinyl regardless of weather fluctuations.
- Energy Efficient – Drafts are a thing of the past, and energy costs are slashed when your thermostat doesn’t have to work so hard against an inefficient window.
- Minimal Upkeep – Avoid the cost of frequent maintenance, repainting, and costly upkeep by investing in a window that endures.
- Covered by an Excellent Warranty – Pella keeps you covered with some of the best warranties in the industry.
There is a lot to consider when investing in new windows, and it can be difficult to see beyond the keywords and catchphrases, but it comes down to a few key factors:
- Budget vs. Long Term Investment:
Decide if you can afford to spend a moderate amount now for windows that last, or if you need to budget now and replace your windows again sooner. Pella financing makes paying for your dream windows and doors simple and affordable.
- Climate Resistance:
Choose windows that can tolerate extreme temperature swings, high winds, and stormy weather.
- Energy Savings and Insulation:
Budget for windows that keep the extreme temperatures out, or plan to budget more for utility costs and insulating curtains.
- Aesthetic Preferences and Home Value Impact:
Find windows that positively contribute to your home’s curb appeal, and that will turn into an improved resell value.