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Contino Pennco window missing or damaged parts

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Quick Learner from mooresville, nc
Jan 24, 2021 9:19 am

Good morning. My wife and I just purchased a condo built in 1996 with Pennco windows and in the pictures, you'll see that top clips are missing to catch the channel balance to remove the window and in one picture, you can see the channel balance is jammed at the top because of no clip. That window is therefore not sealed and squared up properly in the sash as noted in another picture attached. Also, I think the lower clips in the window sash channels that clip in the spring mechanism of the channel balance are missing as well and possibly the plastic clips at the top of the channel balances, when closed, are damaged as well? (they appear to be gouged out at the top of the plastic.

Aside from replacing the windows with new windows, I'd like your opinion/recommendations on parts I can order to make these windows function as designed. I apologize for not having the channel balance removed to offer part numbers and size. Plan to do that this coming week. Thanks very much for your review and opininon.

Mike

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8 Replies
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
Jan 26, 2021 12:44 pm
SWISCO
Expert

Hello, Mike. You absolutely don't need new windows. It looks to me like all you need is a new top sash guide, which is that plastic clip that broke. We can help, but I'll need a photo of an undamaged version of that same top sash guide out of the window and without obstruction. I need to see it from the front and side, specifically; think of it like a mug shot. The video below will go into more detail.

I can't tell if you need new balances or not from these photos. If the top and bottom nylon fittings are broken or damaged, then the answer is yes. We will also need you to remove an undamaged balance and show us the top end, bottom end, and stamp. I will post a second video that clarifies exactly what we need. 

Please watch both videos. They should answer all your questions. 

Quick Learner from mooresville, nc
Jan 27, 2021 6:49 am
Thank you for your response and understand the need to see the parts from several angles. I'll review the videos and take pictures for your review. Anxious to get the correct parts and get the windows back in full use. Thank you.
Quick Learner from mooresville, nc
Jan 28, 2021 5:56 pm
Thanks for the info Tom. Here's photos of the damaged channel balance that measures 29inches with the code stamped on it, 2820. I'll add the photos you're looking for to assess what I need to buy. As a reminder, I have the same size windows missing upper take-out clips and some may be missing the lower clips. Would those all be the same part that I could order. Appears the top and bottom inserts in the rest of the window channel balances are intact. Looking forward to your recommendations.
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Tom
Tom from SWISCO
Jan 29, 2021 8:52 am
SWISCO
Expert

Thank you. It's still hard to tell from damaged hardware, but I believe you either have a Series 385 or Series 350 channel balance. The only difference between them is the top nylon fitting; the one on the Series 385 has wings while the one on the Series 350 does not. You'll have to determine which one would be a better match.

I don't see your take out clips, but there's a good chance they'll match our 16-002. See if this looks familiar.

Quick Learner from Mooresville, NC
Jan 29, 2021 9:30 pm
Thanks Tom. I will pull out a good, working channel balance and take some pictures to send to you. I will also take a picture of a clip so you can determine what I have. Stay tuned. Thanks.
Quick Learner from Mooresville, NC
Feb 1, 2021 10:45 am
Good morning Tom. I opened a "good" window in an attempt to take the window out and get all the pics required of the channel. Not sure what I'm doing wrong but when the sash/balance hits the top takeout clips, I can't seem to get the window out. The attached pictures show the window in the up postion at the takeout clips with the bottom of both channel balances still in place. I took pictures of those plastic pieces as the bottom of the balance on both sides. You'll notice they both have flanges or wings on them. I also have a pic of the imprint, m 2820. It appears as though there are bottom clips for the spring mechanism but I can't see them when the window is in the up position. Thoughts appreciated. Thanks.
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Tom
Tom from SWISCO
Feb 1, 2021 11:47 am
SWISCO
Expert

Thanks for getting back to us, but the bottom nylon fitting wasn't the issue before. It was the top fitting that I couldn't make out, since it was damaged. My recommendation remains the same as before; you might have either our Series 385 or Series 350.

As for removing the balance, I'm not sure why you're experiencing this issue. Please note that the top and bottom nylon fittings are not called take out clips, the take out clip is specifically a little metal clip that will probably look like our 16-002. As long as those are extended on both sides, then once you raise your sash high enough it should just come out. The video below may be helpful to you.

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