Help Identifying Top Caps

Question

The manufacturer of my single hung vinyl windows is not known. The sash seems to have a lot of lateral freedom for movement when raised. All of the windows have channel balances popping up. I suspect the manufacturer installed channel balances with wrong sized end caps. How does one determine dimensions of proper top guide, bottom guide from sash width and window housing (channel?) width. The parts do not seem to be visibly worn so replacing them with new would not be expected to help? Is there a reference document showing what clearance dimensions a manufacturer designs for the distance between the top sash guide and the channel side? Any suggestions as to document source would be appreciated. Thanks/ Don

Tom · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out to us. It sounds like you're talking about the top sash guide. If the balances are popping up on the sides, then in all likelihood those pieces need to be replaced. Even if they don't seem worn, they may be damaged in some way that is not immediately visible.

We may be able to help but we will need you to remove a top sash guide from the window and show us a clear photo of it from the front and side. Think of it like a mug shot. We can then check to see if we have a good match.

The video below will go into more detail.