Okna, provia, pella

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Hoosier1991
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Okna, provia, pella

#1 Post by Hoosier1991 »

We are replacing 17 wood windows with vinyl windows. Full frame replacement with exterior wrapping. We have researched countless brands and done our best to locate dealers but we live in a rural area and most companies arent willing to travel that far. Here are the best options that serve our area and have a good reputation.

Pella 250. Company an hour away. Offers 2 year install warranty. Limited warranty on windows. Pella obviously established Company that's not going anywhere.

OKNA 500. Company hour away. The only okna dealer in our entire state. Current owner bought the business 10 years ago. Will sell when he retires but says in many years. Lifetime window warranty plus 1 year window install warranty.

Provia aspect. Local company. Been around over 20 years. Kids will take over when owners retire. Lifetime warranty on windows and glass(even if we break it) plus 15 year warranty on install.

From our research pella seems the most reputable company. Okna seems to have the best vinyl window. But that install warranty for provia is extremely appealing.

What would you rate these options. 1st. 2nd. 3rd.

Ricknez
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Re: Okna, provia, pella

#2 Post by Ricknez »

I would get rid of the pella quote.
Number 1 would be okna followed by provia.

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Delaware Mike
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Re: Okna, provia, pella

#3 Post by Delaware Mike »

I agree with Rick.

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HomeSealed
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Re: Okna, provia, pella

#4 Post by HomeSealed »

+1.
I'd also eliminate the Provia personally. The Okna option is the only top level product that you are considering.

With regard to the installation companies and warranty, 98% of installation defects will appear within the first year of service, and the other 2% within a year or so after that. The longer installation warranty sounds nice to be sure, but I'd be careful not to give that too much weight, as in no way does that make up for an inferior product nor does it guarantee a good install.

In the interest of full disclosure, I offer a lifetime workmanship warranty on our window installs, however for the reasons above, it's really more about offering peace of mind. Workmanship issues found 5 and 10+ years after install are pretty much non-existent.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Okna, provia, pella

#5 Post by Windows on Washington »

Agree with HomeSealed.

While that one window from your local company has mass distribution...it's really that that good a window. Numbers on it are sub par and while they make a good door...the window is questionable at best and QA/QC has been really hit or miss.

Hoosier1991
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Re: Okna, provia, pella

#6 Post by Hoosier1991 »

We got our exact number back and were able to do even more research. I honestly was leaning towards provia based on glowing reviews with the installers and solid brand reviews but now I'm second guessing.

Pella 250 18k full frame replacement. 4/5 star reviews for installers

Okna 500 15k full frame replacement 3.5/5 star for installers. It makes me nervous that he's the only installer in the state if something happens to him. Who is gonna service our windows?

Provia aspect 17k for insert. I just requested full frame numbers but haven't heard back yet. 5/5 reviews for installer. This is the one with 15 year install warranty.

I really like the company installing provia BUT now that I see numbers they seem way overpriced. I know okna is the superior window but it shocks me that they are so much cheaper and makes me question the quality of install. This is a HUGE investment for us and we just want to make the right choice.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Okna, provia, pella

#7 Post by Windows on Washington »

Have a conversation with the guy that you are worried about. I'd also see what the 3.5 was about vs. 4 or 5 stars.

Here's what I can tell you...if the window is hung correctly...you should never have an issue with the window. Will a seal maybe fail or something break...sure. But all stuff that is serviceable and not requiring a re-installation.

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