Add New Pella(R) Windows, Doors Yet Keep Existing Siding

- Pella installation method enhances energy with less expense, effort -

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Jan 20, 2010, 03:24 ET

PELLA, Iowa, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Replacing windows or doors with more energy-efficient options often meant you had to also tear out and shell out more money to replace exterior siding. Even though you might have only replaced a few windows or doors, you often had to replace all of the structure's exterior siding to maintain a color match to avoid your home or business looking like a patchwork quilt.

Now you can enhance energy efficiency and retain your existing siding, plus more of your hardearned money, thanks to an innovative new method for installing Pella replacement windows and doors.

Pella Corporation Installation Engineer Tim Heitkamp said Pella's new method saves time, money and maintains the looks of the structure. "Pella's new low profile replacement installation process is low-impact to the home or business, since you don't have to cut back or replace siding as you're installing new Pella windows and doors. That way you can replace all the windows and doors or once or as many at a time as your budget allows, and the exterior of your home still matches, instead of looking like a series of patches," he said.

Designed for use with varied siding materials

Pella's low profile window and door installation method works well for replacing existing units with Pella's wood, vinyl or fiberglass windows and doors in structures with vinyl, steel, aluminum, wood lap, and cedar shake siding. "Virtually anything with exterior trim or J-channel, (the trim that ties the siding to windows or doors)," Heitkamp said.

Significantly cuts installation time

Pella's replacement installation process cuts installation time substantially. "For windows that formerly took about from one-and-one-half to three hours to put in with previous construction practices, Pella's new low profile process typically cuts installation time by as much as 50 percent," Heitkamp said.

How new replacement process works

So what's the difference in Pella's low profile process? In traditional construction replacement methods, exterior siding or trim has to first be cut back or removed. Then installers tear out the old window with nailing fin and install a new window or door with nailing fin, which holds the new window or door in place as the unit is installed. Once that's completed, siding, J-channel, or trim has to be reapplied or replaced.

"Pella's low profile process allows the installer to cut out the existing nailing fin, remove the existing window or door, seal the area between the J-channel and or trim, and then install a new, more energy-efficient Pella window or door," Heitkamp said.

Pella also recommends the use of its SmartFlash® flashing tape as directed in the rough opening to help protect the structure and the unit from water infiltration, and redirect any potential moisture out and around the unit, allowing water to drain.

"With the low profile installation method, once the new Pella window or door is installed in the rough opening and its plumb, level and square, jamb anchors or screws are applied to secure it into the frame. Then backer rod and sealant is placed around the exterior of the opening to help block potential air flow around the unit and to seal out moisture, and Dow® GREAT STUFFTM Window & Door foam sealant is applied at the interior to help reduce air and moisture infiltration, while providing insulating properties," he explained.

SmartFlash tape another Pella innovation

Pella's installation method allows moisture to flow out and away from windows and doors, rather than remain trapped. "

Heitkamp said Pella's SmartFlash installation tape is bendable and pliable allowing installers to easily shape and tear it to needed lengths. "The pliability and flexibility of SmartFlash tape allows installers to extend the construction season, since it adheres even in cold weather, unlike traditional flashing tapes. Plus, when you're up on a ladder installing windows, it's easier to simply tear the tape rather than to reach into your tool belt and grab a utility knife," he said.

Pella SmartFlash tape is available in three and six inch widths from local Pella Window & Door

representatives, as well as at select Menards® and Lowe's® stores.

About Pella Corporation

Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

Pella is known for its 85-year history of making innovative products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. The company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.

Pella earned the ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

Pella manufactures quality windows and doors sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe's®.

For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.

SOURCE Pella Corporation