Frequently Asked Questions

We have designed the energy efficiency into the frames so that foam is not necessary; however, we do offer it an an option in the sash of standard performance units.  Pella 350 Series products achieve 0.17 U-Factors with triple IG without foam insulation.

Please do not use this frame type unless you are installing by pocket replacement from the INTERIOR into an existing wood frame.  In most cases, you should be using the 4 1/2" block frame, which can be used for new construction, replacement of old aluminum windows, or pocket replacement into existing wood frames from the EXTERIOR.  The weep holes are properly placed on the 3 1/4" frame based on the design of the frame type and the proper installation of this frame.  The sill adapter piece snaps into the innermost accessory groove just under the weeps.

Conventional fiberglass screens are available on Pella 350 Series windows.  InView™ screens are also available on windows only.  InView screens are less visible and bring more of the outdoors in, improving the view and letting in 14% more light and 8% more airflow.

One sliding patio doors, a heavy-duty aluminum extruded screen is available with the option to upgrade to a Rolscreen® retractable screen.  The Rolscreen will ship separately.

Traditional, Traditional Top Sash, 9-Lite Prairie, 9-Lite Prairie Top Sash, 6-Lite Prairie, Top Row and Custom (equally divided).  These patterns are available as Grilles-Between-The-Glass or Simulated-Divided-Lights.

• Advanced Low-E insulating double- or triple-pane glass with argon.
• SunDefense™ Low-E insulating double-pane glass with argon.
• NaturalSun Low-E insulating double- or triple-pane glass with argon.
• Obscure insulating glass.
• Gray- or Bronze-tinted Advanced Low-E insulating glass with argon*
• HurricaneShield® impact-resistant glass.

You can go to the Size Charts and Design Performance Page of the website and click on Product Performance Ratings or Glazing and Thermal Performance for glass ratings.

SmoothSeam is used only on interior flush surfaces – where it matters the most.  The Pella 350 Series casement does not have SmoothSeam corners on the frame because the surface isn't flush, but it does have clean welds.  The sash of the casement does have SmoothSeam welded corners.

Selling Tip: SmoothSeam welded corners are virtually invisible, yet strong and durable.  Thay make Pella 350 Series products more beautiful than ordinary vinyl products.

It should only be installed as a pocket replacement into an existing wood frame from the INTERIOR.  This is the same as Architect Series® Renovation® products.

These products are tested to higher PG (DP) ratings.  The ratings are achieved by adding more stiffeners to the products in order to meet PG (DP) ratings of 50 or higher for coastal region needs.  Up to 18 insulating air chambers provide strength and durability, and help provide excellent thermal performance.  Depending on the unit type, different operating hardware may be used as well.

STC 3mm/5mm glass is utilized for better sound control because of the combination of the two different thicknesses of glass.  The standard dual IG averages around a 28-29 STC, whereas the 3mm/5mm glass averages around a 32-33 STC.  The higher the number, the better noise control the IG has.

Available interior hardware finishes are White, Almond, Satin Nickel, Bright Brass or Oil-Rubbed Bronze.  Exterior hardware on patio doors will be color-matched to the unit.  The Cam-Action lock is standard, with the option to upgrade to an AutoLock.

For double-hung, single-hung and sliding windows the dual IG is 11/16" or 1" and the triple IG is 1 1/4".  For casement, awning and fixed windows, the dual IG is 11/16" or 1", and the triple IG is 1 1/4" or 1 7/16".

The 4 1/2" block frame can be used for new construction, replacement of old aluminum windows, or pocket replacement into existing wood frames from the EXTERIOR. 

The 3 1/4" pocket replacement block frame should ONLY be used as a pocket replacement install into existing wood frames from the INTERIOR – just like you would use the Architect Series® Renovation® products.  The most common frame type used should be the 4 1/2" block frame.

Obscure insulating glass is ideal for intimate spaces because its textured surface obscures the view while allowing light in.  There are various obscure patterns available in Pella 350 Series, including standard obscure, rain and fern.

Not necessarily.  Triple IG does help with sound control and is recommended for the customer who wants the best energy efficiency available plus excellent sound control.  The 3mm/5mm dual IG combination has the best sound performance in our window offering, however.  It averages around a 32 or 33 STC rating, depending on the product type.

Yes, this part is applied in the field and is available on double-hung, single-hung, sliding, casement and awning windows.  It will be shipped out of unit.

The roto cover is installed on the frame, but the crank handle comes in the hardware bag packaged with the unit.

No, Pella does not offer these types of handles at this time.

No, we don't offer vent stops on sliding windows or single-hung units. These are only standard on double-hung units.

No.  They can only be ordered with double-pane glass.

The sliding patio door, single-hung, fixed window, casement and awning are available with HurricaneShield impact-resistant glass.  The patio door is currently certified with FPAS and is approved for use in an HVHZ.  Find the Florida Approval site here: Florida Building Code and type in "Pella" under the manufacturer category.

On the Florida Department of Business and Regulation approval site where all Pella approvals are listed.  Please search by "Pella" under the manufacturer name category and you will see all of Pella's approvals.