Pella has faced multiple class action lawsuits over allegedly defective windows. The main claims involve its ProLine, Architect, and Designer Series windows, alleged to let water penetrate behind aluminum cladding, causing interior wood to rot and damaging homes. Plaintiffs argued Pella knew about the defect but failed to inform consumers.
Litigation dates back to 2006, resulting in settlements: a $90 million deal in 2013, later overturned, and a $25.75 million settlement in 2019. Pella has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining wood rot can have multiple causes. Separately, a 2026 suit alleges defective hurricane-rated windows sold through Lowe’s.