Kolbe & Kolbe or Pella?

13 years ago

Anyone have any input on Kolbe & Kolbe windows? We need about 15 windows in our new addition and the quotes for Pella vs. Kolbe were so close. I had heard Kolbe is a better window, anyone with experience with Kolbe? Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

afsa
13 years ago
In my humble opinion there is no choice to be made, Kolbe without a doubt
sandlll
Original Author
13 years ago
That is what the architect said too. But, the GC said to stick with Pella since that is what we already had and the "brand" name. Can you tell me why Kplbe wins hands down? I'd appreciate it! Of course I need to decide in 2 days! Thank you!
Related Discussions
Issues with Kolbe and Kolbe windows-FYI
Q
Comments (17)
Well, I just talked to the rep and asked if this was her decision or someone up the chain. "Er, well, it's what Kolbe decides. We're kind of just the middle man." I explained to her why this was not any problem of ours and was far removed from anything resembling good customer service, in light of the fact that we've already paid in full for what we don't yet have, we have to rehire people to reinstall the replacement at our cost and we have to put off finishing that part of the house until the window is here in 3 or 4 more weeks. I suggested when they deliver the new frame, their guy waits for the old frame or maybe puts it in for us and they can then charge Kolbe for their trouble. She said she understood and maybe if I could "sign something" saying we'll return the old frame it would be okay. Do they think we're going to split town with a defective frame or something? Jeepers. I asked to talk to her boss who said this was the first he'd heard of it and would let me know what he found out. I told him that whatever he 'found out', the answer from us was the same. Not paying for anything further. I think I may look for another Kolbe dealer.
...See More
Pella, Hurd, Andersen, Kolbe -- or whatever
Q
Comments (1)
Was the quote for Pella from the Pella distributor or from a lumberyard that carries Pella? I find it amazing that a true "Pella distributor" would quote anything but Pella products, as they are supposed to carry exclusively Pella product, unless it is not available through Pella itself.
...See More
price of Infinity v Kolbe v Pella Proline
Q
Comments (7)
Pella pro line is garbage and it should be cheaper. Kolbe is much better made than Pella..there is the reason.. Next- infinity is an expensive window, thats just the way it is, plus its fiberglass which is expensive. Marvin also make the integrity in all fiberglass but not only is it ugly, its kind of flimsy. The pella impervia fiberglass is garbage and made cheaply. So, if you want fiberglass, go with Infinity. If wood, choose the kolbe.
...See More
Kolbe Kolbe windows
Q
Comments (26)
@Robin: Our Kolbe and Kolbe windows look great--in fact they look new, if they were clean, after 13 years. No problems with condensation between the panes. We had to replace one large window but that was due to installation error, not the window. The issue we have had is with service. We had some broken handles and some of the windows are difficult to close (casement, due to settling, I suppose, in earthquake country). Our GC went out of business so I don't know where they sourced the windows from. I called several local places that 'carry' Kolbe and Kolbe and they could not help me. I called Kolbe and Kolbe and they were impossible. When we had the window replaced, the new contractor was able to assist with the other windows (11 years later). Also, in retrospect, I wish I had gotten sliders instead of french doors. One of the handles has been dysfunctional (a K/K thing), and I think french doors in general are not very secure (not a K/K thing).
...See More
afsa
13 years ago
Search the forums and you will see what I am speaking. Kolbe is a quality product with a good reputation and good customer service in general, and Pella not so much on all accounts
theporchguy
13 years ago
Kolbe probably cost more than Pella, but not by much.
I agree with the forum, go with Kolbe & Kolbe.
I used them about 10 to 15 years ago on an Historic
Home in North Jersey and they still are like new. I
haven't had one service call on that home to date.

All the Best,
The Porch Guy

Here is a link that might be useful: My Album
xoldtimecarpenter
13 years ago
Kolbe, for certain. Pella may have the name outside the trades, but inside the trades Kolbe is the hands down winner - much better quality, much better post sale support, generally a better company and a better window.
mark98115_yahoo_com
12 years ago
Have not used Kolbe and only seen them as displays, but the quality looked impressive.
Pella on the other hand is some of the worst junk out there.
I speak from first hand experience as I have installed top of the line Pella Architectural series windows and french door in my new addition. These windows are garbage and I will never ever buy Pella again. My issue with them mostly is the lack of attention to detail. Issues like hardware being screwed on crooked, bed miter joints. The overall construction is however functional. After I have spent massive amounts of time correcting them, the windows have functioned fine for the last 5 years. Still I will never forgive them for the product that was delivered.

Related Stories

DINING ROOMS Room of the Day: Dining Room Surprise

By Bryan Anthony

A wife’s Valentine’s Day gift to her husband provides a visual treat for all

Full Story

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

It’s more than just a patio door — it’s an architectural design element. Here’s help for finding the right one for your home and lifestyle

Full Story

214

REMODELING GUIDES Top 10 Solutions for Architectural Peeves

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Cavelike hallways, immovable shutters, poorly proportioned doors ... avoid these and other common gaffes with these renovation solutions

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Architect's Toolbox: Strike a Balance With Symmetry

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Home exteriors, landscapes and interior rooms feel orderly and restful when designed with two mirror-image halves

Full Story

WINDOWS Open Walls Widen Home Possibilities

By Samantha Schoech

Doing away with the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, open walls add space, light and drama to a home

Full Story

DESIGNER SHOWCASES Glamour Ahead: Get In on the 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase

By Vanessa Brunner

Take an inspiring virtual tour of 20 luxurious spaces in a Georgian mansion that push design and decorating drama to the max

Full Story

EXTERIOR COLOR Exterior Color of the Week: Rich, Fall-Friendly Reds

By Jennifer Ott Design

Look to the crimsons and burgundies of turning autumn leaves for a deep, captivating home color

Full Story

BATHROOM STYLES 8 Elements of Beach-Style Bathrooms

By Mitchell Parker

Use seaside colors, raw finishes and coastal accessories to conjure the perfect outing in your indoor bath

Full Story

ARCHITECTURE Houzz Tour: Modern Plays Nice in a Historic Houston Neighborhood

By Mitchell Parker

Subtle modern details make this new home stand out from its elderly neighbors without disrespecting them

Full Story

116

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Updates Honor a 1930s Cottage's History

By Becky Harris

The facade stays true to the original, but inside lie a newly opened layout, higher ceilings and 600 more square feet of space

Full Story

107

Kolbe & Kolbe or Pella?

Comments (6)

afsa

sandlll
Original Author

Related Discussions

afsa

theporchguy

xoldtimecarpenter

mark98115_yahoo_com

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Kolbe & Kolbe or Pella?

Comments (6)

afsa

sandlllOriginal Author

Related Discussions

afsa

theporchguy

xoldtimecarpenter

mark98115_yahoo_com

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

sandlll
Original Author