Canadian Windows and Doors Reviews: Pella vs. Jeld-Wen [2024]

Are there any disadvantages to bigger window companies?

Most of the time, big box manufacturers work with numerous dealers, have the latest product, and offer plenty of options for all budget levels. However, one area where almost all large window companies struggle is following up and providing prompt warranty service. It might not seem like a big deal if your windows are installed properly.

But if you consider that your windows are generally warranted for around twenty years, it is almost impossible for something not to go wrong on that long of a timeline. And whether you need a new window screen ten years from now or a brand new insulated glass unit, you will still want to feel like a customer when you make that service phone call, not an afterthought.

Today we compare two of the more popular and biggest window companies in Canada: Pella Windows and Doors and Jeld-Wen Windows. Before we dive in, keep in mind that Pella does both supply and install while Jeld-Wen is only a supplier to stores and third-party dealers.

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Pella Windows and Doors

• Homestars: 8
• BBB: A+ 

About
Pella Windows is one of the oldest and biggest manufacturers in North America. Pella Windows Canada branch operates in Alberta and Ontario. The company has ten manufacturing facilities, but it is important to note that they don’t manufacture windows in Canada. If you’re looking for Pella windows in Calgary, there is a designated showroom, as well as a couple smaller companies that carry and install their product.

Product
Pella is often viewed as a supplier of the best windows and doors in NA, offering three main material choices for windows. Besides vinyl and wood windows, they also offer fiberglass windows. Pella has seven different product lines to match different levels of performance, efficiency, and price. The company also manufactures and installs roller shades and between-the-pane blinds.

Another interesting feature that Pella offers is their “inSYNCtive” technology which allows you to control shutters and windows through a smartphone or a tablet. This is really a step into the future of home and window technology, as more and more companies are starting to offer this service.

Certifications

• ENERGY STAR rated

Warranty
Another point why Pella supplies top-rated windows in Canada is their decent warranty. The company offers a lifetime non-transferrable warranty on their vinyl window components, and a twenty-year limited warranty on their insulated glass units. As with most companies that carry different materials and product lines, the window warranty varies between products, so be sure to look for the specific warranty for the windows you are interested in.

Pella Windows Reviews
Although the company has not many reviews on their HomeStars page, there are still some to check how they perform in Canada and what homeowners like or dislike about Pella services. Overall, people who left negative feedback were not impressed with the quality of some of Pella’s product or had problems with installation mistakes.

But as with all big window companies the biggest overarching problem for most Pella customers was having to play phone tag with the company when they needed service or had to have window parts reordered.

Comparing Top Window Replacement Companies in Canada

Company	Window Warranty	Google Rating	BBB Accreditation	Reviews
Ecoline Windows Edmonton	25-year on product & labour	4.5	Accredited	Check Reviews
Durabuilt Windows	20 years	4.1	Accredited	Check Reviews
Pella Windows	20 years	3.5	Accredited	Check Reviews
Lux Windows	25 years	4.4	Accredited	Check Reviews
All Weather Windows	20 years	3.7	Accredited	Check Reviews
Centra Windows	25 years	N / A	Accredited	Check Reviews
McLeod Windows	30 years	3.2	Accredited	Check Reviews

JELD-WEN Windows

• Homestars: 3.8
• BBB: Not Accredited

About
JELD-WEN started in the United States in 1960 and expanded into Canada in 1996. Today the company is one of the largest Canadian window manufacturers. Jeld-Wen is a supply only company and works with numerous dealers. While you are comparing the company for the quality of the product, remember that window installation is just as important in ensuring maximum performance and efficiency in your home.

Product
The company produces all standard styles of best home windows in wood, aluminum-clad wood, and vinyl options. They also offer a variety of entry and patio doors. It is important to remember that JELD-WEN supplies product to numerous companies and renovation department stores like Home Depot. Regardless of the quality of Jeld-Wen’s product it will be important to find a dealer or window installer that will be able to perform the installation correctly.

Certifications

• Energy Star Rated
• 2012 Energy Star Manufacturer of The Year
• 2016-2018 Energy Star Manufacturer of The Year
• 2021-2023 Energy Star Manufacturer of The Year

Warranty
For residential windows, JELD-WEN offers a warranty of 20 years on wood and wood clad windows. Their vinyl window warranty is for as long as the homeowner owns the residence. Your warranty may not be transferable if you decide to sell your home. The company also offers a 20-year warranty on insulated triple pane glass units.

They do offer several forms for after sales service, and info on filling out a warranty claim, but in most cases you will most likely have to turn to the company or dealer that sold you the windows to complete a warranty claim. This is another point of importance if you are considering JELD-WEN products: while the manufacturer may provide warranty on the hardware, make sure you figure out who is responsible for completing service that is related to potential installation problems shall they arise.

Generally, Canadian window companies offer labour warranty between two and ten years. Make sure that the dealer you end up going with provides and explains labour warranty in case there are mistakes made during the installation.

Jeld-Wen Windows Reviews
It may be worrisome that the company has such a low rating on HomeStars and no BBB accreditation, but you should be more concerned about the ratings for the dealers that carry JELD-WEN’s product, as that is more likely where the problem will arise. Some negative reviews are a common issue with such big manufacturers, especially when they are only a supply company type. Still, Jeld-Wen strives to offer one of the best windows in Canada and many “Energy Star Manufacturer of The Year” awards prove it further.

Wrapping Up

Both of these companies are great choices if you are considering going with a bigger manufacturer.

Pella takes the edge when it comes to product selection as their window technology seems more modern (fiberglass windows) and they are already implementing smart home solutions for remote-controlled windows and shutters.

Although Jeld-Wen has a low HomeStars rating, the online reviews about dealing with the company are overall more positive than in Pella’s case. Several Pella customers who did their window replacement in stages felt that the company has taken a turn for the worse in the last few years in terms of workmanship quality.

At Ecoline Windows, we take a different approach from big box retail window companies. We manufacture and install custom windows and strongly stand behind the quality of all our products. We also understand the frustrations of homeowners who find it difficult to communicate with windows companies and constantly having their warranty service delayed. Our dedicated service department ensures that any concerns you have are received, addressed, and resolved in an efficient manner. Most of all, we always try to keep you informed throughout the whole process, so you don’t have to guess when it comes to your project or service timelines. We are local, friendly and transparent.