Double hung vinyl tilt window repairs and maintenance

Quick Learner from Florida

I have purchased a condo that has double hung vinyl tilt windows. I do not know the brand or age of windows, my guess is more than 20 yrs old. None of the windows operate with ease and one is missing the locking device and the shoe is broken. Obviously the shoe and locking device need to be replaced. How do I know if the spiral balances can be repaired or should be replaced. Would adjusting tension on the spiral balances solve the problem?

Thank you for your reply.

Margaret 

7 Replies
Casey
Casey from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hello Margaret,

With spiral balances you usually get a life span of 10 to 15 years. If you are saying this is more than a 20-year-old home, it most likely sounds like it's time to make the move in replacing your hardware. 

We can definitely help you with this. Please send us some pictures of the parts you are looking to replace and we can get started on compiling some recommendations for you. 

Let me know if you have any more questions. 

Quick Learner from Brooksville Fl
Double hung vinyl tilt windows difficult to open and close. Do not know manufacturer or age of windows
3 user uploaded images
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hi- thanks so much for posting! 

Based on your photos, we believe you have our 26-390 and our 26-391 top tilt latches. They are 2-7/8" long by 3/4" wide and 5/16" thick. Please compare these dimensions to your latches. 

For the pivot shoe, we will need the width and thickness to better determine the replacement you'll need. We would also like to see your pivot bar that attaches to your sash. Thanks in advance! 

Quick Learner from Brooksville, Fl
I also need the spiral charging tool 75-006.
Thank you
Margaret May
2 user uploaded images
Quick Learner from United States

I removed a working pivot shoe to get a better picture of what my windows have. 

It measures;

1-1/4" wide
2-1/8" long 
9/16" thick 

Thanks for all the help from everyone of your team members.
Margaret

5 user uploaded images
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Thanks for getting back to us, Margaret. I recommend that you look at our 26-390  and 26-391 tilt latches, like I mentioned before, as well as our Series 600 spiral balance, 15-188 pivot shoe, and 75-006 charging tool. Look over our pictures and information carefully to confirm that these parts match. If you have any questions, let me know.

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