The Observation Deck

I have an opening in a wall and want to put in a garden window (the type that projects a little, with a glass roof and shelves).

Pella makes just what I want, but they say that it is not marketed in this area.

I'm not eager to call one of those companies that screams at you on TV, then sends a salesman with limited knowledge of the product to close the sale. I want to be able to evaluate the insulative properties, in particular, and the type of light filtration.

I'm more interested in the quality of the window than the ability of the installer, as I have someone who can install it.

Please, if you can, give information on window suppliers you have dealt with, and how their products performed.

We have one of these things and I dislike it tremendously. It seems like a good idea, but I would love to hear from anyone who has one that actually likes it.

They leak, they get condensation, they are terribly difficult to clean, after a short period of time you can't open and shut them easily, you can't put curtains on them to keep direct sunlight out...

Next time that is not going to be a selling point for me. Sorry to be negative, but if that window were in a different location, e.g. not in a place with a sink in front of it (where you could get to it) it might be delightful.

We already have one and like it. It doesn't leak or get condensation. I assume it still opens, but we don't open it as it is difficult to reach over the sink. My wife has a lot of plants, both there and in two bay windows we installed, and I want this one as it will have southern exposure and I can start my garden early using it.

I think whoever made yours is a company I want to avoid.

I'll have to see if I can find the name! It was a "feature" when we bought the house.