Channel Balance

Quick Learner from Florida

Jan 28, 2014 10:35 am

I have a new house that uses S350-31 channel balance in the windows. The windows measure 51 x 32 and are single pane. It is very difficult to raise and lower the window with the balance installed. It is marked as 3050. Would I be able to use a 3040 weight and still be able to have the window stay open without drifting or falling.

4 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Jan 29, 2014 12:30 pm

How old are your balances? As they get old, the springs tend to get stiff. The 3040 very well may creep down. It really depends on the weight of your sash. We have a list of all options under the S350-31 and how much weight each one can support. I recommend you weigh your sash on a scale to determine the best option to use.

Quick Learner from Florida

Jan 29, 2014 6:56 pm

The house is only 2 years old. The window in question just recently started to be difficult to raise or lower. Living in Florida, we keep the AC on more than keep the windows open. Would using the 3040 instead of the 3050 help to raise and lower the window. It is difficult to remove the window just to weigh it. Are there any detriments if I replace the balance. Could the difficulty be associated with another problem?
Thanks

Tom from SWISCO

Jan 30, 2014 8:40 am

It's not difficult to remove the sash at all. Check out the video below:

There could be other problems, but they are uncommon for a relatively new window. I think it's more likely that your balances were given a spring strength disproportionate to the sash weight. Once you determine how heavy your sash is, we can know for sure. If your springs are the correct strength, then we can try to explore other options.