Not sure which Pella collection should you pick for your windows or patio door? We can help you.
Pella is a popular window and patio door manufacturer across the US. Currently, it has six collections available in the market today. And among the six collections, ProLine 450 Series and Architect Series are two of its most popular brands.
Architect and ProLine 450 Series are two but different collections of windows and patio doors. Both are built using top-tier materials combined with Pella’s artisans’ exceptional craftsmanship. They are also almost identically designed and are integrated with the same features.
However, that does not mean they are just the same things. They still have differences and are designed for specific circumstances.
With that being said, this blog post tackles everything about ProLine 450 and Architect Series, as well as their varying qualities and features.
All About Pella ProLine 450 and Architect Series
Architect and ProLine 450 are two of the six window and patio door collections designed and developed by Pella—one of the most trusted windows and doors manufacturers in the US. The series feature windows and patio doors that are carefully crafted using premium and high-quality wood species.
Both collections also offer modern as well as traditional styles of window and patio doors to suit a range of house designs and, at the same time, are ornamented using the latest technologies to further improve functionality.
With that being said, how do these two differ from one another?
Here’s how.
Pella Architect Series
Architect Series is a deluxe collection of wood windows and patio doors developed and designed exclusively by Pella’s very own artisans. From the materials, styles and designs, features, and even functionality, the series truly exude elegance.
In terms of materials, for example, the collection is crafted using high-end wood species. All products are also integrated with protection features called AdvantagePlus and EnduraGuard to further enhance the material’s durability and longevity. When it comes to style and appearance, Architect Series are available in several styles and shapes in both contemporary and traditional designs. And with its wide array of pine interior finishes, aluminum-clad exterior colors, hardware, and grille pattern options, all products are guaranteed to be highly customizable as well.
Moreover, functionality-wise, all windows and patio doors are cost affective and low maintenance. It is built using a specialized glass pane as well, which Pella calls InsulShield. For privacy and security, homeowners can opt to integrate security sensors too.
But what makes Architect Series stand out?
- It has PerformaSeal technology
- It uses multiple glass panes that are energy-efficient certified
- Security integrations are available
- The windows are integrated with Integral Light Technology
Pella ProLine 450 Series
Originally known as Pella ProLine, ProLine 450 Series is a collection of high-end window and patio doors sold at reasonable prices. It is built and designed using Pella’s most popular features that are often found in its premium wood products only. The window and door collection comes with an aesthetically pleasing appearance too, combined with sturdy wood interior and exterior. It uses a specialized aluminum cladding technology called EnduraClad, and a wood-protecting sealant called EnduraGuard.
Pella ProLine 450 Series also comes in different colors of hardware finishes, prefinished pine interiors, and aluminum-clad exteriors. Both windows and doors are low maintenance and are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and shapes too.
Moreover, the collection features InsulShield, an energy-efficient window glass pane that uses unique low-E technology and provides balanced insulation for both winter and summer seasons.
But what makes ProLine 450 unique?
- It comes with a specialized aluminum cladding called EnduraClad
- The interior is sealed using EnduraGuard wood protection
- It is energy-efficient
See Also: Pella at Lowe’s vs. Pella Outlets
Comparing the Qualities of ProLine 450 and Architect Series
Durability
Pella, being one of the leading and most trusted manufacturers of window and patio doors, guarantees that all of its products are durable, sturdy, and able to withstand common door and window problems. Architect and Proline 450 Series are built using premium woods and are integrated with wood-protecting features to further strengthen the products.
And while you are probably doubting Pella’s durability now simply because it is built using wood, we guarantee you that is not the case for both ProLine 450 and Architect Series. In general, a window and patio door made of wood can last up to 30 years. Or even higher if properly and regularly maintained.
However, do take note as well that the durability of windows and doors can be affected—and therefore determined—by a number of factors such as the installation and the area’s typical weather. Maintenance contributes to their life expectancy as well.
With all that being said, are Pella’s windows and doors durable material-wise? The answer is definitely a yes.
Here’s why.
Pella’s Protective Features
Wood has a bad reputation in terms of durability and longevity since it is naturally porous, and rots rather quickly compared to other materials—especially if not properly treated and maintained. As such, Pella developed its very own wood-protecting features that further strengthen its windows and doors’ durability. These features are called AdvantagePlus, EnduraGuard, and EnduraClad, and all can be found in Architect and ProLine 450 Series.
To further protect the corners of Pella’s window frame, the manufacturer developed a cladding technology called EnduraClad. It is an exterior finish that prevents window and patio doors from moisture-related problems. It is also resistant to chalking and fading.
EnduraGuard is essentially a wood sealant that protects the wood from damages often caused by moisture. It prevents mold and mildew buildup that usually leads to wood rot. The application of EnduraGuard also helps fend off termite damage, stains, and even discoloration.
AdvantagePlus is a feature exclusive to Architect’s patio door collection only. It is a combination of two features—EnduraClad and PerformaSeal technology. Essentially, what AdvanatgePlus does is that helps Architect’s patio door withstand common elements that often lead to issues such as rotting and mold buildup. The frame, for example, is designed to resist rotting as well, with its sill sitting low and blocking water from entering the home. The aluminum cladding is highly resistant to fading too, and can provide years of protection. PerformaSeal technology helps by blocking out extreme rain and wind.
Design
Pella Architect Series is designed with both aesthetic and functionality in mind. Here’s why.
Pella ProLine 450 Series and Architect Series are available in different styles and shapes. Each collection has a total of nine styles, namely the double-hung, sliding, casement, single-hung, bow, awning, bay, custom, specialty, and special shape windows. For patio doors, Pella offers bifold, siding, hinged (French), and multi-side with fiberglass, wood, and steel entry doors.
All products under both collections come in factory-prefinished pine interiors that are guaranteed high quality. In fact, the finish can help get rid of drips, odor, and even runs. Pella’s offers eight stain colors, including white, golden oak, and provincial stains.
The same goes with the aluminum cladding which Pella claims to prevent fading and improve the material’s durability. You can choose from a separate 10 stain palette, including black, white, and brick red.
Read Also: Review of Pella Proline vs Lifestyle
- Privacy and security. Pella gives homeowners the option to add security sensors. These are wireless sensors that can be monitored through Pella’s Insynctive App. Such a feature, however, is not available for ProLine 450 Series.
- SureLock System. Aside from privacy and security, Architect Series windows are also designed to help homeowners save energy. Its windows come with a Surelock System which extends and enables the window sash to pull against the weatherstripping to ensure that it is tightly sealed against drafts, making it energy-efficient. Aside from SureLock, its awning and casement windows come with a Unison Lock system too.
- Rot-resistant sill. Pella Architect’s windows are designed to keep water off the home too. Its windows have low sills which prevent water from entering home, which may also cause deterioration in the sill.
- Integral light technology. Architect Series are designed to create a more realistic and authentic shadow cast using its integral light grilles. You can choose between Square Integral Light and Ogee Integral Light.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency, both collections are designed to help homeowners like you save energy. Pella developed specialized glass panes called “InsulShield.” Essentially, the specialized glass pane features a unique Low-E technology designed to help balance out the weather inside your home and make it more comfortable.
The InsulShield technology is available in four different types as well, and each glass is designed differently. For instance, if you are situated in an area with extremely hot weather, InsulShiled SunDefense is the most fitting glass type you should use for your window or door. But if you are somewhere with extremely low temperatures such as the Northern US and Canada, InsulShield NaturalSun is the best choice.
Cost
There are a number of different aspects that affect a product’s price. And in windows and patio doors, the material and design could heavily influence the amount.
With that being said, below is a brief estimate of each collection’s price.
- Architect Series is, on average, valued at around $855 per window. Whether it is a double-hung window, single-hung, an awning, a bay and bow, or a wood casement.
- Proline 450 Series, on the other hand, is valued between $300 and $500 per window.
But do take note that Pella’s windows and patio door are generally affordable compared to other brands. And on average, prepare to spend between $440 and $1,199 per window, including installation.
Warranty
Architect Series offer Limited Lifetime Warranty, while ProLine 450 Series offer 20/10 Limited Warranty while. Here’s how they differ:
This warranty is applicable to homeowners who bought wood window and patio door on or after the 10th of February last 2017. Basically, the warranty implies that homeowners of a single-family residence can get compensation for wood deterioration, as well as damages on aluminum claddings and non-laminated insulating glass.
Pella offers a transferrable 10-year limited warranty for non-glass materials and workmanship, which includes products under Pella’s ProLine 450 Series. The policy makes Pella liable for compensation if, during the 10-year period, a non-glass part of a window or patio door has a defect. Pella will then either fix/replace the defective part or offer a refund with the original full price.
Final Showdown
Architect Series and ProLine 450 Series are both top-tier window and patio door collections. Each collection delivers exceptional performance, and to say one of them is better than the other is a disservice to homeowners. It is because both of them are designed differently.
Architect Series, for example, is best for homeowners who prefer aesthetics over budget. But if it is the latter over the former, then ProLine 450 Series is the best option. All in all, it is all about what you, as a homeowner, need and want.
Another comparison you might find interesting is that of Simonton vs. Milgard. It’s advisable to research local suppliers, request quotes, and even consult with professionals to determine which brand and window type align best with your home improvement project.
