I have a solid core storm door by Pella I purchased three years ago. The reason it is
a Pella, is because the last one I had was a Larson and it lasted only about three years. I replaced the Larson because over the short time I had it, the solid core swelled and eventually the outer skin ruptured and disintegrated. I checked with Lowes and they told me I needed to contact Larson which is the company that made it. It had a lifetime warranty but, as I recall it indicated that I would be required to package it and ship it back to them at my expense and then they would determine if it qualified. That seemed far to difficult to mess with so for $247.00 it was easier to buy a new one. The guy at Lowes told me that Pella was the best, so that is what I bought … the Best.
The Best Wasn’t Good Enough
Recently, I had the same issue with my new (three year old) Pella storm door. It did exactly the same thing after just three years that my previous Larson door had done. It actually started after the first year. This time I was far more determined that I was going to get it replaced under the lifetime warranty than I was before. I dug out my receipts, serial number, and warranty information and phone numbers for the Pella door.
Boomer Prepared to Battle
I called the phone number prepared for battle. They were even more prepared. It was one of those deals where you 
can’t really talk to anyone, but if you push the right buttons they will send you the claim forms to file. I started by “pressing (1) for English”. I received the forms in the mail approximately two weeks later. I filled them out “to the letter” including the complaint, exact door measurements, glass measurements, screen measurements, color, hardware style, serial number, and eight 4X6 glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one ( sorry, I’m an Arlo Guthrie fan – Alice’s Restaurant). I patiently waited for almost 4 weeks … Nothing!
A Real Boomer Never Gives Up when he is Right
Not giving up, I tried to call the Pella warranty claims number again. 
Of course you can’t talk with anyone so I elected to go to the Pella customer service website, which to my surprise happens to be www.larsondoors.com . Go figure! Larson Doors! (Remember my last post on Brand names? If not check it out here). No wonder my Pella door failed exactly like my old Larson door had done before. It R One!
Contact the Website
I cleverly used the “Contact Us” button on their Customer Service page and wrote a book in the little square. I recieved a reply within one day! The reply was from Steve with Larson Manufacturing. His reply simply said he was sorry but, he had no record of my previous contact. So I sent him an exact copy of the entire file via internet. Within one day I recieved another response. This time from Deb from Customer Service www.larsondoors.com. Deb was unable to open my files so she wondered if I could convert them to a PDF format. I really couldn’t then, but I went on line, purchased a PDF program for $39 and and got it done anyway. I was afraid that I finally had someones attention and I refused to take the chance of losing it. Once she recieved my files in PDF format, she was able to open them and I got an immediate response. Go Deb!
The Response – I Win! I Win! … I Think?
The response said that after reviewing my information it was an obvious failure of the door and ” I was approved to recieve a new storm door … minus the glass/ screen inserts, hardware, z-bars, and expander “. It said I needed to call the Pella phone number (same as the one above) with the reference number and they would arrange to send me the new door (or at least part of it). It did say there would be a ” processing fee” . I swear, if all they were really going to send me was the shell of the door, it was going cost more for them to ship it than it cost them to make it. I called and for a processing fee of $30, paid in advance by credit card, they agreed to ship me the door. At this point, I was not really very optomistic that I was getting my moneys worth, but I was determined to hassle them until I got a new door.
To Summarize
My first contact was on November 16, 2008. I recieved my new door via UPS on January 15, 2009. The good part is they screwed up, it was a complete door with glass and screen insert included (no hardware , z-bar s or expander, but that is - ok ) No hassles with disassembling the old door and re-assembling the new one. The bad part is it ended up costing me, excluding installation, which I will do myself, about $70, if I include the PDF program. That also assumes my many hours of frustated effort is worth nothing. Understanding manufacturing costs as I do, I am 100% confident that $70 is more than their cost to make the door.
“PB” says, Always Make ’Em Pay!
But, all is OK, because by golly, I made them pay? I just don’t know how many more times I can afford it! My basic math tells me that it cost me $70 and Pella/ Larson nothing! I haven’t decided what I will do three years from now when the door fails again. I pretty sure I will recall this experience, give in, and buy a new one! … The cheapest one I can find that still looks good! Heck with the warranty! At least I learned one thing … I’m no smarter today than I was three years ago … but, I’m just as stubborn! … Somehow, I think I just got Boombazzelled. Papa.
Related Articles:
{ 88 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Its really weird to see that most of users have problem with Pella storm doors whereas in my case I really don’t have any problem with Pella storm doors. I am using Pella storm doors from last 5 years and still its in good condition.
Have no idea how the Pella door I ordered door will perform once I get mine installed because I can’t get one that I would even install!!! I am on my 4th try for a door that does not arrived damamged: uneven gaskets around glass, mitered corners that don’t meet and exposed raw metal, chunks of metal missing from the framing pieces….. you name it. Luckily I can keep sending them back to Lowes, but I have been without a storm door since early January and have had to reschedule the interior door painters multiple time. Pella the best? Not in my book!
I purchased a Pella Storm door three years ago from Lowes, foolishly believing Pella was of higher quality than other manufacturers. After barely over one year, the door was no longer square with the frame; clearly, the “gap” at the top hinge was far wider than the gap toward the bottom hinge – the door scrapes and binds. There is a problem with the hinges/metal fatigue- and nothing to do with the installation. This is purley a product defect! When I contated Pella, they gave me the run-around that the door is more than a year old and out-of-warranty. Now, the door has started to “blister” at the bottom, reinforcing my opinion that Pella storm doors lack quality, and Pella customer support is useless. I will not purchase any Pella products again.
We have purchased and have had two screen doors installed by Lowes. Our front storm door is a Pella, model number P5660332-342 080430. Our back storm door is a Larson, model #3468 3931 121950220. We have experienced the same problem with both storm doors which is that the screen that goes into the roll-up mechanisms is defective. Both screens that move vertically down so that the screen can be opened for air movement are coming loose from it’s source which has caused the screens to tear and move off of it’s intended tracks. Could we arrange to have a Pella/Larson/Lowes storm door representative contact us to resolve these problems? They have become unserviceable and are unsightly. Our phone numbers are 410.852.9561 or 410.852.9560..
.
I noticed the storm door is on a flat side of the house, maybe the ones that last are because they aren’t facing all of the elements that this one was. I have a 3 year old top of the line Pella patio door that we just found the leek thanks to a big storm. The water is gushing just under the glass into the track and then onto the floor. After everything I’ve seen on working with Pella on warrantys I’m not looking forward to the challenge. I will never purchase a Pella again warranty or not. This isn’t what made in America stands for maybe this is one company that should move overseas.
If I didn’t know better I would think the pictures you posted were mine. I had the same problem with my Pella storm door. This went on for 3 years. I finally went to the 3rd Lowes store in Richlands, VA and they filed a complaint with Pella… My door was replaced 3 months ago. Of course I had to pay to have it installed. Now, I have another Pella storm door doing the same thing, I am still waiting to hear from Pella or Larson… Good luck to all of you and don’t give up….
I purchased two Pella storm doors from Lowes. Both have failed. When I purchased these doors I thought I was getting the best storm doors I could find. I tried to directly to Pella since it was an obvious design defect. I was not able to even get a reply from Pella. The problem is a layer of white filler between the wood core and the aluminum exterior. The white filler is corrosive to the aluminum. I even covered the door with a thicker aluminum and and it corroded away in a few months just like the original doors. This is not a moisture problem since the wood core did not expand and is unstained. Also the door inside corroded as fast as the exterior side. One door is installed under an overhang and does not get wet. Both doors corrode the same with or without water. I discussed this with a Lowes employee and he simply became hostile. I have a Lowes contractor card and have discussed this with other contractors. Their experience is the same as mine. I am shopping for replacement storm doors now and will not consider Pella. I do not recommend buying from a manufacturer that knowingly puts out a defective product and ignores customer complaints.
DONT BUY A EMCO EITHER IN 5 MONTHS BOTH JACKS BROKE’,
DOOR LATCH BROKE NOW IT SWELLED AND NOW IT DOES NOT CLOSE
28 YEARS AGO I BOUGHT A FOREVER DOOR NEVER A PROBLEM IN 28 YEARS
I WISH I HAD BOUGHT 2 OF THEM 28 YEARS AGO FROM PERGAMENT FOR
HALF THE PRICE
My Pella retractable screen stopped working too. Here is how to fix the problem. First make a note of which tracks the screen rides in, then carefully remove the screen with roller. Use a small screw driver to pry the flat end (left side) out of the roller. Inside you will find a threaded plug. Extend the spring and screw it onto this plug. Reassemble and you are good to go.
I purchased a Pella storm door 3-4 years ago from Lowes. It operated well until the internal latch broke. The door was not able to be opened because the latch broke in a closed state. Went through a lot of effort trying to get the door open without doing any additional damage to the door or frame. Success, took the latch to Lowes for a replacement and was told to contact the Pella service department. Called service, they are going to ship a new latch, cost $18.00. The door is on the front of the house and gets used very seldom as we enter through the garage 99% of the time. The latch is made of steel and most likely the toughest part of the door and it broke first. Poor quality or poor workmanship is the root cause. I asked the service person about the warrantee on the new latch. She said the warrantee is 6 months, and that is on the toughest part of the door???
From what I read Larson is just as bad, maybe Anderson is the answer. My neighbor had a problem with his door and was told by Anderson that “Anderson doors don’t break”; and received a full new door via freight three days later.
Pella Strom Door, need to replace latch and lock assembly. Doesn’t have a serial number on the door. Door is white full outside screen, upper and lower inner windows. Inside of the latch assembly there is a stamped box with the following numbers, 05.02
M
February 22, 2008
Pella Corporation
Customer Service Department
Dear Pella,
In November of 2005 we purchased a Pella door and screen door at Lowes. We purposely purchased Pella, though it cost more money, because we had believed that Pella meant quality. While we have been happy enough with the entry door, there has been little to reflect quality about the screen door. The first time we used the pull-down screen on our new screen door, the screen unrolled and let loose from the top roller. The company did send us a replacement screen, which I finally was able to get put together after an afternoon of effort.
Recently, the screen gave way again. Shortly after, the glass shattered on the glass panel that should cover the screen, even though the door was closed and no one was nearby. To make matters worse, the nice brass door handle, which we had been told would never lose its nice brass finish, has pretty much lost its brass finish, and is heavily scratched and marred. Please keep in mind that we are a family of three, and that one of us is a college student who hasn’t lived at home for much of this time. We are not vandals who have given our screen door a hard life.
Lowes has told me that they are not responsible for the customer service for Pella products; that Pella is. When I called your customer service this morning, I was told that I could fix the screen myself by applying tension to it while pulling down on the glass, which of course I don’t have because it broke. Then, I was told that Pella would replace the hardware, but that neither the screen nor glass was under warranty, so therefore would not be replaced. I find it laughable that you will fix the parts of my screen door that don’t actually help it to be a screen door, but that the important parts aren’t covered. Your customer representative told me that you would send me the replacement parts if I am willing to pay for them, a total of somewhere near one hundred dollars. I imagine I would once again get to install them myself as well.
I would understand this all better had the problems occurred because of abuse or even use. However, that is not the case. The problems occurred because the door is a poorly-designed product. We simply used the retractable screen as it was supposed to be used. Who would have thought that you shouldn’t actually attempt to raise and lower a screen that is advertised to do those things? Regarding the breaking glass, I have no idea, but I imagine it’s all tied together somehow.
To spend that much money for the opportunity to start this disaster all over again is unthinkable. My original intent, after talking to your representative, was that if we were going to have to spend that much money, we should just buy a new door, and not a Pella screen door I assure you. However, I have decided instead that if you, a door company, think that you should not be responsible for the parts that make your screen doors function as screen doors, perhaps I too have been giving those parts too much significance. Therefore, I have decided to keep my screen door just as it is, except that I think I will make a nice big sign for it that says, “I am a quality Pella door.” It faces the street, after all, where everyone can see it. I hope it will be good advertisement for you.
Note: I received no acknowledgement of this letter. We still have the same screen door, which has a big gap in it now where the screen and glass used to be. Door-to-door solicitors think it is a great invention because they can reach their brochures through the gap to me without my having to open to door.
Whatever happened to corporate integrity?
I contacted Pella Storm Door Warranty Claim Dept. 0n 8/11/2011 to file a claim on my 2 1/2 year old Pella Storm Door that had blistered and broken through the outer skin of the door. I received the forms to file a claim and a claim number was assigned. That number is 470464. I filled out the form, took pictures and mailed the required information back to Pella Storm Door Warranty ClaimDepartment on 8/18/2011 and to date: 9/08/2011 have not received any acknowledgement that the information was received by them.
I don’t feel that Pella is standing behind their product even though it states the door has a Limited Lifetime Warranty. I was told by Customer Service Rep. at Pella that the door will be replaced. I guess I’ll give them a call and try to get through to someone that can update me as to the status of this claim.
I really wasn’t aware that there were so many complaints of faulty storm doors until I read the comments on this website.
Larson,Pella, one in the same? and there Both defective !The white filler IS corrosive to the aluminum .Just got off phone with Larson rep,I purchased a Life time warranty storm door from Lowe’s(they are worthless also) just my opinion of Lowe’s these day’s! and was informed door was only Fully warranteed for 5 Years ? What the H*ll ? So now they can change there Warranty on Me?Feel as I am beating a dead horse!! Guess the best I can do is write a letter to better buisness .
I have the same problem that papa boomer has with the same type door, it started rotting from the inside out,i have a solid core storm door and the screen tore up the first year in 2005. the warrenty # is 060304 90832 9892
I have replaced the door with a larson door which i hope it will be better then that pella door,that pella door is the worst door i have ever had, baddddd,badddd door.
Success! I did receive a replacement storn door from Pella. The customer service claims people were nice to deal with. They initally could not find my claim, it finally was uncovered in a large stack of mail, I was promised that a new door was ordered and would be shipped to me within three weeks. It arrived in that time frame and will be installed shortly. I just hope that they made changes to the door so this problem of the core bursting through the skin does not happen again. I have the same door installed on my porch and hope this one does not suffer the same demise. So far, so good. Thanks to Pella!!
I updated my feelings on Pella Products watch and read my experience with Pella. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoPjRoDw8ms
Same problem with my Pella storm door(twice now)..Can you tell me where to contact these people for a new door,email address phone number whatever…tx
Can They not make a door with this acidic filler,or seal it from whether conditions properly?
Frustrated in Lansdale,Pa
I have been reading consumer dissatisfaction comments regarding Pella doors and windows for sometime, and I am wondering if anyone has ever had a problem with a Pella storm door having a defective lock system?
Thanks for your comments.
My husband is about to shoot someone.. He has had 3 doors, 1 Larson and 2 Pella storm doors.All are crap…They leak water into the door and it rusts from the inside out. All three doors..It appears that Pella/Larson cannot make a decent storm door and based on the complaints I have viewed,they need to re-evaluate this market segment drop doors and go into lawn care. Once you get their CS Dept. the seem to have the replacement door thing down. I’ve gotten all 3 doors replaced w/new ones only to have them fail in 2-3 yrs. All the time and $ does not seem worth the $95 for Lowes installation + the frustration. So we’ll install the replacement door this spring, only to replace it in the spring of 2005 or less…
Stop buying a woodcore and get an all aluminum door. You’ll never have a problem.
I agree, buy a aluminum or PVC door, I put a PVC were the junk Pella/Larson failed 3 times, it is a exterior porch door so no big deal, not a bit of problem since. The PVC door was pretty cheap and not as nice as the aluminum, but then again where is it going? Allot of traffic go aluminum.
The moral of the story here is that Pella/Larson is crap, this is listed as a exterior door and it is NOT!!!! They are flaming a–holes to deal with!!!!! They lied about thier so called lifetime warranty-it is Bull Sh–. Ended up costing me enough where I could have put a gold plated door , and anyone who sells them should be ashamed of their selves. I am done with Pella/Larson forever—!!!!!!! Kiss my a– Pella/Larson
So is there a decent storm door to be had? I need one, but after reading all the negative reviews, don’t know where to find one that will not have problems! Are there any good ones available? –PB
I agree, an aluminum door will never swell up on you…
Im on my 3rd Pella door in 5 years..All have gotten water into the particle board filler and they swell up and crack, inside and out..They have just sent me a new one without the particle board filler, so we will try this one and see what gives..model 3525..I hope they sent me the right one or its going back too.. Real bad design of these doors.. Water and particle board equal SWELLING..
I do not like the idea of paying a second time for delivery and set up. I paid when I ordered from Lowe”s the first time. beiing on a fixed income can put a dent in my income for repeated mercandise and work . Reading the reviews have me wondering whether I did the right thing ordering a Pella door. I am going to keep having the same problem repeated costing me money
Just wondering here …Does Pella see these comments? And if not,is there a way all these can be sent to their customer service group or perhaps the CEO of Pella.. Thoughts please….
Pella Storm Doors from Lowes.
Same problem:
blistered out, rusted-
the bottom 1/3 of the door & 1 side are RUINED!
1/3 of the door is rotted out & flaked material is found on the floor daily.
LOL! going threw the same thing now, your post made me laugh my **s off and more determined now after reading your post to make em pay! that was a great post, ill let you know how i did! take care.
I had SEVEN Pella storm doors installed on 7 separate doors of my house …purchased from Lowes, and within 3 years had the same blistering corroding problem as most of you have described. I had the 1st door replaced as soon as I noticed blistering and the replacement Pella did the SAME THING within a couple years. I will NEVER purchase a Pella door again. Had the same issues as you all with trying to get a warranty honored!
Beautiful doors, but I have no respect for their product or how they handle business. Lowes has to have heard enough complaints to quit carrying this defective product too, so I’m done shopping there too!
Well considering that Pella storm doors are MADE BY Larson, it’s kind of funny to see so many people comparing the 2!
a wood core door will not last exposed to the elements unless it has suffiect overhang. IF you do no have a coverd doorway.. get an aluminum storm door. pella or larson. both are great
Finding others had my exact problem with these Pella Doors, I contacted Pella. They offered me their special service #. After some verification details, measurements, a ($20? $30?) charge, they shipped me a replacement door & door handle.
Fits fine.
Only time will determine if Pella has solved the core issues.
Steven
Hubbard/Liberty Twp. Area.
I had a very similar experience with a Pella storm door; first with a defective hinge causing the door to bind (door was just over one year old), and then with corrosion on the metal and wood core at the door bottom. Pella considers the hinge “hardware” which was warranted for only one year.
I am now debating whether or not to accept a new “door core,” from Larson, for a $30. shipping fee, or just buy a new door from someone else. In either case, this will be my first and absolute last Pella door or Pella anything else.
Hi, I am having the exact same issue with my door “rotting” from the inside out? I actually bought 2 doors..one looks brand new and the other falling apart? Pella just got back to me via email and is sending me some kind of paperwork to fill out?? Guess I may be going down the same road as “Papa”
I did get a replacement door from Pella. I know this one will do the same thing, rot from the inside out. It appears to be a second or not of first quality. It is seamed in places where seams should be and moisture will develop under the skin and cause the core to rot and explode. The contractor had trouble fitting the replacement into the space that the rotted was installed.
The paperwork is detailed and pictures need to be sent back to Pella.
I won’t be going through all the aggrevation to get a replacement when this one goes. I’ll get a much less expensive door.
Hi friends,
I recommend Provia doors. They have excellent products. They are more pricey, though. Their storm doors are all aluminum with no wooden fillers. Most of the doors, Pella, Larson, etc, rainwater seeps into the chip board fillers and they swell up. Also, the thin aluminum skin or whatever material it is corrodes away. I am replacing my three Pella storm doors for this reason. Look into Provia Doors. I think you will be satisfied. They have a website [Proviaproducts.com] I am getting mine from a local Amish dealer. His prices are very reasonable. I will be paying about $500 per door. His name and address are:
David Hochstetler
Sun-Lite Vinyl Windows
7818 County Road 49
Belle Center, OH 43310
937-464-9096
Same blistering problem as everyone else and when you call Lowe’s customer service they say they have had no complaints on Pella storm doors so they aren’t telling the truth!!!!!!
← Previous Comments
{ 2 trackbacks }