Channel Balance for Alenco Windows from 1986
A handy person from Denver, CO says:
April 15, 2011
I recently purchase a house with Alenco aluminum windows from 1986. It appears that at one point the balances were replaced with the wrong balance ends so there is lots of side play in the window sash. expecially at the bottom. What information would be helpful (dimentions?) in identifying what balance tops and bottoms would be best? I think we are looking at 1/2" block and tackle, either series 350, 351, 380 or 390, judging from the angled part at the top of the side of the sash that receives the balance top.
The inside of the side of the sash is a plain, flat channel otherwise, as is the track that the sash rides up and down in.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The inside of the side of the sash is a plain, flat channel otherwise, as is the track that the sash rides up and down in.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Mike from SWISCO responded:
April 18, 2011
Take a look at the other windows in your home. Can you find a window with the original balances in it still? It would be a lot easier to see a sample of what your windows should have. The window can be a different size, it just needs to be the same age and style as the window with the incorrect balances.
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A quick learner from Denver, CO says:
April 25, 2011
Hi Mike,
Here is a picture of the balance bottom/shoe. It is the 1/2" style of balance and is almost the same as the shoe 15-001, BUT the center of the part that meets the sash is filled in, and NOT two wings. For the sashes I have, this is important because the place in the sash where the wings meet the sash is not even. One wing meets first, leaving the balance tilted and too far into the sash at the bottom. There is a rail in the center of the sash that meets nicely with center of the balance shoe pictured.
Do you have any balance shoes such as these?
Thanks again for all your help.
Here is a picture of the balance bottom/shoe. It is the 1/2" style of balance and is almost the same as the shoe 15-001, BUT the center of the part that meets the sash is filled in, and NOT two wings. For the sashes I have, this is important because the place in the sash where the wings meet the sash is not even. One wing meets first, leaving the balance tilted and too far into the sash at the bottom. There is a rail in the center of the sash that meets nicely with center of the balance shoe pictured.
Do you have any balance shoes such as these?
Thanks again for all your help.
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
April 27, 2011
Thank you for submitting your photos.
I'm having a hard time identifying this specific shoe. Can you submit a photo of the window sash channel, where the balance fits into? This should give me a better idea of what you could use as a replacement. |
A quick learner from Denver, CO says:
April 27, 2011
Here are some pictures of the the sash channel. You can see in one picture the incorrect shoe (wings only) and how it tilts in the channel. The other, (fully-footed) shoe works well riding on the center ridge.
Eric
Eric
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Mike from SWISCO responded:
May 3, 2011
Eric, can you give us the length of the metal portion of your balance(s)? We will need this information in order to continue.
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A quick learner from Denver, CO says:
May 4, 2011
They are 28" long. The window panes are the same height, at 28"
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Mike from SWISCO responded:
May 4, 2011
One last question: are there any stamps or markings on your balance?
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A quick learner from Denver, CO says:
May 4, 2011
The balance shoe that fits in the window sash in question is from another window in the home that is of similar construction, but shorter.
The balance that has the apparently correct bottom shoe is marked: "1520 B.S.I."
The balance with the apparently incorrect bottom shoe is marked: "2730L B.S.I"
Did you have any luck finding the "fully-footed" balance shoe or similar?
- Eric
The balance that has the apparently correct bottom shoe is marked: "1520 B.S.I."
The balance with the apparently incorrect bottom shoe is marked: "2730L B.S.I"
Did you have any luck finding the "fully-footed" balance shoe or similar?
- Eric
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Mike from SWISCO responded:
May 4, 2011
Eric, we can supply you with the correct channel balance replacements, this is no problem. However, I would first like to make sure we're pointing you in the right direction before we continue.
The stamp "2730L BSI" refers to the channel length and the amount of sash weight the balance is capable of supporting. We can offer a channel balance capable of replacing your 2730L BSI, but I first want to make sure that is the correct balance for your window. So, your next step will be to remove the window sash (the one with the 2730L BSI) and weigh it on a scale. This will allow us to confirm the correct balance stamp. After this is done, we will give you the information needed to order your balance replacements. |
A quick learner from Denver, CO says:
May 4, 2011
The window is 21.0 lbs.
The sash is 30.75" tall, measured along the channel, complete.
I have included a picture of the 2730L BSI balance next to the channel of the sash, with the top of the balance seated where it would be, installed. I think the length of the balance "could" be longer by at least an inch, judging from where the bottom of the 2730 balance is in relation to the bottom of the sash, but I suspect that is not that important as long as I can get the window out.
And, we have not talked about it, but pretty sure the top is a 19-002.
The sash is 30.75" tall, measured along the channel, complete.
I have included a picture of the 2730L BSI balance next to the channel of the sash, with the top of the balance seated where it would be, installed. I think the length of the balance "could" be longer by at least an inch, judging from where the bottom of the 2730 balance is in relation to the bottom of the sash, but I suspect that is not that important as long as I can get the window out.
And, we have not talked about it, but pretty sure the top is a 19-002.
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Mike from SWISCO responded:
May 5, 2011
Eric, it looks like we're ready to go with the custom balance ordering link. We have identified your balance attachments as the 15-003 and the 19-002. The stamp will be
Simply fill out your personalized Custom Balance Order Form and wait for one of our representatives to contact you regarding your ordering process. Please let us know if you have any other questions. |
A quick learner from Denver, CO says:
May 5, 2011
Did you mean the stamp will be 2730, and not 3730? The window sash is only 30.75" tall and the current balance is a 2730.
Can you please clarify?
Can you please clarify?
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Mike from SWISCO responded:
May 5, 2011
Yes, I did mean 2730. The balance order form has been edited. Sorry for the confusion.
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