A class action lawsuit filed by an Alabama couple claims that Pella windows are built defectively in a way that results in wood rot.
Plaintiffs Belinda and Tony Gowins allege Pella Architect Series windows contain a latent defect that causes wood rot, damaging the windows themselves and the surrounding structures.
According to their Pella windows class action lawsuit, the defect allows water to seep behind the windows’ aluminum cladding. This leakage leads to wood rot in the windows’ sashes, the plaintiffs claim.
They say this wood rot can spread throughout the windows’ frames and adjoining structures.
The resulting wood rot is not immediately detectable, the plaintiffs say. They claim it does not become visible upon ordinary inspection until years after the Pella windows are installed.
The plaintiffs allege the defect threatens not just the Pella windows themselves but the integrity of the surrounding structures. Water that gets through the windows can damage the surrounding drywall, sheathing and framing materials, they claim.
Because of this alleged defect, the Pella windows fail to meet consumers’ reasonable expectations. The class action asserts that a window should last as long as the exterior wall in which it’s installed – 20 to 25 years, per industry standards.
The plaintiffs claim Pella knew about the defects, yet the company never informed purchasers, never recalled the affected windows, never offered repairs for windows that had already been purchased, and never offered to replace the windows with a better product.
Plaintiffs further allege the warranty for Pella windows is purposely written in a way that avoids any obligation to cover the defect at issue. They say Pella uses this limited warranty to secure its profits from the premium it charges for these allegedly defective windows.
The couple says they purchased and installed over 70 windows from the Pella Architect Series when constructing their lake home in Talladega, Ala., completed in 2009.
They say they chose those Pella windows based on a sales representative’s assurance that they were suitable to withstand the high winds and wind-driven rain they expected at the home’s location.
In April 2016, Belinda says she noticed one of the Pella windows had rot so severe that its hinge fell off. Further inspection revealed more rot in other windows.
When the plaintiffs brought the problem to Pella’s attention, they say the company refused to replace the windows. Instead, the plaintiffs claim they were offered a quote on a purchase price for new Pella windows, with the delivery fee waived.
The plaintiffs are proposing to represent separate Classes for damages and injunctive relief. The proposed injunctive relief Class would include all “current or former owners of a structure on which Pella Designer or Architect Windows are installed.”
The damages Class would include all current or former owners of a structure within Alabama in which the Pella windows at issue have been installed, whose windows have exhibited wood rot, and who have paid to fix the windows and other property damaged by the alleged defect.
The couple is seeking an award of damages, court costs and attorneys’ fees, with pre- and post-judgment interest.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Eric D. Hoaglund of McCallum Hoaglund Cook & Irby LLP and K. Edward Sexton II of Gentle Turner Sexton & Harbison LLC.
The Pella Windows Class Action Lawsuit is Gowins v. Pella Corp., Case No. 1:16-cv-01640, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.
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41 thoughts onPella Class Action Lawsuit Claims Window Defect Leads to Wood Rot
I have the Pella Architect series placed 2002 and they are rotted also. Poor customer support. Pella claimed it was my fault 7 windows total. Is this class action lawsuit open on Architect Pella windows?
Has anyone ever responded to you? We are having the rot and mold problems everyone.os ststaimg.
Is this still active? I’m looking at $15-20k to fix/replace…
I have the same Pella rot problem as everyone else seems to have on this posting. I have about 18 more Pella casement windows in this house which I am afraid are going to also rot out. How can I join this class action suit?
I have been dealing with Pella wood windows for years.
We have replaces (2j sliding doors, (4) double casement windows assemblies, (1) triple window, (18) Sashes so far.
I know Pella lost the case on the Pro-Line, which was the same material with less options.
Why is there any question about this product made from the same company?
Chris -Indiana
We have the “Best” Architect series Pella windows and doorwalls that have rotted and resulted in mold damage. Many have been replaced, including a doorwall for the third time. The glass has slipped down and window cranks fallen out due to wood rot. Our latest replacement purchased was for non-rotting fiberglass (we hope). We would like to join in any lawsuit.
Pinehurst, NC.
We have the Pella Designer Series that were purchased in 2006. It was a new build and we are currently taking 2 rotted windows out today along with the rotted trim work inside. No idea what was going on until we found the issues inside with the trim. I am so afraid of what the rest of our windows are going to do. Our house is FULL of large windows! Pella rep said that they would discount new windows, if we want new ones. Does anyone know if this lawsuit was pursued or any info on any avenues for all of us to get our windows replaced and cost of repairs??!!!
We purchased the Designer Series windows and doors in 2001, I am in the process of replacing them due to the rotting of the windows. We have called Pella several times and they told us to clean the air vents. We now have mold climbing in our house and our health issues have been impacted from these windows. We built our house in 2001 because we wanted a good home without mold. Now, we are in the process of replacing them, because Pella would not asssist us and now our warranty has expired. I really do not want to put all new windows and doors in just 17 years after building the home. If the Pro line series was manufactured wrong, then the Architect Series and Designer Series was too. We had to put new Sashes in one window before winter, and the window leaked air and did not seal. We called Pella they came out and adjusted the window and told us the latch was to small. When they replaced the sash, they took my original latch and replaced it with a smaller one. The window had ice on it and we could not keep it cleaned off all winter. Pella also said it was our GEO putting to much moisture in the air. Our humidity device keeps saying we are in the normal. Pella just tells me we need to purchase new windows. We just had them over last week for a quote. They want us to go to triple pane windows and to me this is just another way for them to try and get more money for windows which are not correctly made.
Pella came and gave a quote….how can I get in the class action lawsuit I am looking at another $25000 for repairs to my house I built in 2001.
Vickie,
Have you found any info or avenue to cover windows and repairs? We, too, have removed 2 windows today and may have more. Our exterior and interior are going to very costly to repair, as well. Pella admits no issues and only offer a discount for new windows. They have to know that there is a problem…there are WAY too many people with the same problems. It is not coincidental!!!
We have had rot issues with Pella Architect series windows. I received a Eubank v.Pella corporation Settlement notice in the mail this week. This settlement pertains to Proline Series Pella windows only.
When I called a Pella, they charged me $175.00 to send a representative to our house to assess the damage and order new windows. The fee,to my surprise, was not reimbursed with my order and the representative denied having ever heard or seen issues with Pella windows installed during same time frame as ours.
Add me! This happened in Kansas also!
Sharon Fisher
All of my Pella Architect windows are drafty, rotting and falling apart, etc. Bad product, no customer support!
How can we join the lawsuit, we are in Ocean City NJ, we have several rotting Pella windows in our home that was built in 1998
The case is still moving through the courts and has not yet reached a settlement. Claim forms are usually not made available to consumers until after a court approved settlement is reached. We recommend you sign up for a free account at TopClassActions.com and follow the case. We will update the article with any major case developments or settlement news! Setting up a free account with Top Class Actions will allow you to receive instant updates on ANY article that you ‘Follow’ on our website. A link to creating an account may be found here: https://topclassactions.com/signup/. You can then ‘Follow’ the article above, and get notified immediately when we post updates!
I am also wondering what is being done with this lawsuit any answers?
we have the same issue with the pella architecture series in atlantic highlands, nj
8 of my Pella windows rotten. How can OI join the class action?
Jim
Call Clifford Law firm in Chicago. Handling national lawsuit
Our home has Pella Pro Line windows and double doors. Our windows have rooted and some structure of house too. We need to change out all windows and double doors. We have 59 or so windows main level and 28 or so windows in the lower level, 4 sets of double doors. Our insurance only paid us $5,000 after deductible. The house needs to be repaired where the windows were and the stucco finished again due to this damage. Is there a new class action lawsuit we can join for restitution? We are not going to replace with Pella again. Going with Anderson series 400. Our home was built in 1997. It was architect designed and he was the head general contractor. Some windows have already been replaced due to broken glass or condensation between panes or rotted casement where hinge fittings would be. Unfortunately we were extremely naive about looking out for ourselves. Is there any hope for us concerning dollar payout from a class action lawsuit?
Thank you for your time.
Elonn, Tom Harman
5118 Connemara Ln. NE
Rochester, Mn.
55906
507 282 3108
Same here in Alabama. I am a contractor and I installed 61 or so units in my house. First noticed rotten sash 18 months after installation. Called Pella and they wanted $2600 or more to replace the damaged ones. Call Clifford Law in Chicago.. Built in 1994 All windows except two are rotted.