This is a follow-up to a posting under General Construction, this forum posted 10/27/08

We installed all new Pella casements throughout. Yes, when closed they are tight. I don't think anything comes close that still opens.
 
However, open them up and everything changes. It's difficult to open them just a little if the crank handle isn't in the right place. They are subject to "creaking" on a mildly windy day and anything wider than 15" +/- and they hang heavy. That means that they won't close without giving them a "running start" if they've been open for the day. That means that you have to open them wide and then crank fast. One of our window locking mechanisms broke because of the constant striking the window frame made against it coming together. Close it any slower and the hooks wouldn't grab the window. Granted, all our windows were special order sizes but if they know it's a problem, don't sell them.

An update: 11/02/08

We called Pella Corporate and were basically blown off. "Yeah, our casement windows can't be left open for long. The wind and weather reaks havoc on the frame." I replied, they won't close after being left open over night. No wind, no rain, no inclement weather". They repeated what they said the first time.

So, the bottom line is that Pella sells a window design that they know has issues and they have no excuse for why they haven't fixed the problem. A larger window requires a more supportive bracket and cranking system and they choose not to make the advancements to their product line.

It's on to The Better Business Bureau, forums like this one and word of mouth.

DON'T BUY PELLA CASEMENT WINDOWS. THEY DON'T LAST AND THERE'S NO REPAIR.