Channel Balance Replacements

A home owner from Florida says:
January 7, 2013
I need channel balances to replace those on hurricane rated windows which have become increasingly difficult to raise or lower. The existing balances are 36" long and 1/2 inch wide with what appears to be a 15-004 shoe and 19-005 top. It has 2590 stamped on the rail. I did not see any channel balances in your inventory that match. What will work for me? Thanks.
Profile picture of Tom
Tom from SWISCO responded:
January 7, 2013
Thanks for posting! I see that your stamp ends in the digits "90." Unfortunately, we do not have any options that correspond to this stamp. Therefore, we will need to know the weight of your window sash before we can recommend an applicable option. You can determine this by removing your balance from the window and placing it on a scale.

Can you also confirm the length of your balance? Based on your stamp, I would think that your metal channel length would only be 30". Make sure that you only measure the metal channel, not the plastic attachments.
A home owner from Florida says:
January 7, 2013
Sorry, but I gave you the wrong info. It is 36" long (metal only) but the stamp is 2950 not 2590. I weighed the sash and it is 31 lbs. Thanks.
Profile picture of Tom
Tom from SWISCO responded:
January 8, 2013
Thank you for clarifying! Actually, it's still a little weird. Are you sure the stamp doesn't read 3550? Maybe some of the number is worn.

Either way, I think you should look at our S385-36 channel balance, and I think you should consider the 3550 option. This option can carry a sash weight range of 30 through 35 pounds. What do you think?
A home owner from Florida says:
January 8, 2013
The stamp is clearly legible at 2950. These were installed in 2006 by the builder who went bankrupt.
Most of the community I live in have complained about difficulties in opening/closing these windows. The original balances may have been rated incorrectly.

I will order the 3550 now. Thanks for your help.
Winged Channel Balance Shoe, 1-3/32" Depth
Winged Channel Balance Shoe, 1-3/32" Depth
15-004
$0.74
Channel Balance Top, Winged
Channel Balance Top, Winged
19-005
$0.74
36" Series 385 Channel Balance
36" Series 385 Channel Balance
S385-36
$12.27
How to Replace a Channel Balance Attachment
How to Replace a Channel Balance Attachment
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to Replace a Non-Tilt Channel Balance
How to Replace a Non-Tilt Channel Balance
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to Repair a Jammed Window
How to Repair a Jammed Window
VIDEO
WATCH >
How to Identify Replacement Channel Balances
How to Identify Replacement Channel Balances
VIDEO
WATCH >
Classifying Channel Balance Fittings
Classifying Channel Balance Fittings
GUIDE
READ >
How to replace a non-tilt channel balance
How to replace a non-tilt channel balance
GUIDE
READ >
Choosing a Non-tilt Channel Balance: What Will We Need?
Choosing a Non-tilt Channel Balance: What Will We Need?
GUIDE
READ >
Reply to Thread
Use this form to ask a follow-up question or to share your experience regarding this subject.
(your email address will be kept private and is only used to inform you when a response has been made)
Current wait time is 3-4 business days
We promise that one of our experts will personally get back to you as soon as they are able. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding. If your inquiry is time-sensitive, please feel free to reach us at (888) 991-1929 or at help@swisco.com.