# Pella Architect Series Windows - Link: https://www.oldhouseguy.com/pella-architect-series-windows/ - Published: 2015-04-04T17:51:09-04:00 - Author: Ken Roginski Pella Architect Series Windows brochure and website boasts: * Built like fine furniture. * The most authentic look of individual window panes (not real true divided light but supposedly a true divided light look). * Can match unique windows in unique shapes. Custom sizes. [⌊pella architect series window⌉⌊pella architect series window⌉[ Pella Architect Series window – a high end product? The Pella Architect Series window brochure is quite impressive for it shows Pella’s high end windows in high end homes. Each photo looks striking. You should have no doubt this is a superior product that can replace the most exquisite historic window there is. **But wait – Pella forgot one important part. What about the window’s exterior? ** They hypnotized you with such impressive window interiors you probably have no need to see the exterior. If the interior of a Pella window is so good then the exterior has to be equal or better, right?  WRONG! (Truthfully they almost had me sold.) **The exterior of these super high quality windows look cheap and unfinished**. Let me explain. What you SHOULD have is a top and bottom window sash, inserted into and held in place by the window casing. Instead what you have is both window sashes contained in their own separate unit. The unit holding the sashes is **like having a duplicate window casing in a miniature size.** Seeing two window casings for one window looks strange. The reason the window is manufactured this way is to make it easier for installers. A window casing is constructed creating a nice looking opening in the wall of the house. Then a small window casing unit containing the sashes is inserted into the opening. The problem with this additional casing unit is that it does not insert into the main casing all the way. **It is designed to stick out about a half inch!!!!!** This is not an installation error, this is the design. Pella designed a Frankenstein window.  Does anyone notice this? **Just like Frankenstein seemed human at first glance, a Pella Architect Series Window looks like a normal window at first glance too.** You the homeowner must be aware of the manufacturers design issues and sales tactics. Pay attention to what you are buying. **Pella Architect Series is a mutated window.** [⌊pella architect series window⌉⌊pella architect series window⌉[ Pella Architect Series window with hideous double casing.   [⌊pella window⌉⌊pella window⌉[ If you don’t like the front view, the side view is just awful. I was inspired to write this because a homeowner contacted me with her dilemma when installing new windows and new siding. Thank you Jennifer! One would think that installing the unit deeper into the window opening would correct the problem. The homeowner was told that could not be done. They suggested a thicker window casing to meet the lip. Yes that would hide Pella Window’s bad design but create another problem for the window casing would be too far away from the clapboard. _**UPDATE:**_ Unfortunately, other people are experiencing this same problem. Read about their [Pella window problems here ](http://www.houzz.com/discussions/2921193/window-trim-seeking-perfectionists?n=41). We didn’t address the problem if you want a different color. Through this link, you will understand the limitations of having a different color window sash with Pella Architect Series windows and other lower-quality Pella windows. All this shows just how valuable original old windows are. What people once discarded will soon become priceless. Of course you already know that once you replace your original window that could last 200+ years, you will be replacing replacements every 15-20 years. These window manufacturers are brilliant. They have customers for life. These new customers will never again have curb appeal. Their house survived over 100 years and they will be the person that ruined their house because they fell for a sales scam.