I need new balances for my Malta double hung windows
A handy person from Bridgewater, CT says:
April 2, 2015
I have 12 Malta windows from the 1990's. The small plastic parts that hold the pully/wheels for the balance spring strings are crumbling. I am hoping to retro-fit a balance into the jamb fit liner. I've attached pics of the liner shape and size of the liner channels. The sashes are somewhere between 15 and 18 lbs each I think. Is there a way I can insert a balance in the jamb-fit liner, secured by S clips?
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
April 6, 2015
This is a tricky project, but I have a couple ideas. Before I recommend anything, though, I need more information. Please show me the bottom sash tilt bar so that I determine what substitute balance shoe it could work with. Please also give me the height and width of the visible glass for the bottom sash.
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A quick learner from Bridgewater, CT says:
April 6, 2015
The visible glass in the upper and lower sash are 31" wide and 23 1/2" high. Currently the tilt pin is in the middle of the sash that attaches to the kind of shoe you sell a replacement for: (Pivot Shoe, MaltaProduct Code: 15-159).
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
April 6, 2015
Thank you! Could we see the pivot pin in question? Since we're looking for all new hardware, there's a possibility that it needs to be replaced. I just want to know exactly what it is you're working with so that we have more room for experimentation.
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A handy person from Bridgewater, CT says:
April 6, 2015
Here are three images. The first is the original tilt pin and replacement shoe I purchased from Swisco. The second is a tilt pin modification I learned about from a video of Malta window owners. That is the tilt pin I currently have attached midway on the sash. The last picture just for information purposes is the balance pull bracket that is breaking down, along with one I've added epoxy to in hopes of getting some more use out of it. Another possibility is having a couple dozen of these brackets 3D printed.
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
April 7, 2015
Perfect. I think I have an idea, though it would have to be custom made. I'm thinking of using our S750-24 channel balance, but attaching our 15-159 shoe at the bottom. We would also be using the 23R stamp option; a pair of balances with this option can carry a window sash weight of 10 through 18 pounds. Finally, your top and bottom sash will require two different S clips at the top in order to install; the top sash will need the 19-029 and the bottom sash will need the 19-030. Please review this hardware and let me know if you think this will work in your jamb.
If so, then check out these two custom request forms: one for the Top Sash and one for the Bottom Sash. Simply fill out the blank fields and one of our representatives will get back to you with a price quote and the items to add to your cart. |
A handy person from Bridgewater, CT says:
April 7, 2015
Thanks Paul. Would the balance for the bottom sash attach at the top of the liner and the balance for the top sash attach at the bottom? I'm trying to picture how this solution would work.
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
April 7, 2015
They would both attach at the top.
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A handy person from Bridgewater, CT says:
April 8, 2015
Would the pivot pins on the sashes still be in the middle of the sash? Or would they need to be moved to the bottom of the sash?
If the S70 balance is 24" long the shoe would reach the bottom of the top sash.
If the S70 balance is 24" long the shoe would reach the bottom of the top sash.
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
April 8, 2015
Ah, I see. Yes, if the pivot pins are not currently in place to catch the shoe, then you will likely have to move their position.
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A handy person from Bridgewater, CT says:
April 11, 2015
Paul,
It works! I ordered 4 of your S750 24" balances and I changed the shoe
It works! I ordered 4 of your S750 24" balances and I changed the shoe
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
April 13, 2015
Awesome! I'm so glad it did. It's always nice when a custom setup like this works out. Hopefully this will help other customers in the future, too.
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A handy person from Pennsylvania says:
May 1, 2017
Hi. I realize that this is an old thread but hopefully someone, maybe Paul, will reply.
Anyone know what the ORIGINAL balance on this Malta window was like? Was it a channel, spiral, pulley, constant force, etc. type? And to HP Bridgewater (or anyone else) can you get any code or model numbers off your old original balance? I have a couple of these that are failing and would like to try and rebuild them with new springs, hardware, string, etc. My house was built in 1987 with I think Malta Classic View, double hung, clad wood frames and compression jamb liners. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.
Anyone know what the ORIGINAL balance on this Malta window was like? Was it a channel, spiral, pulley, constant force, etc. type? And to HP Bridgewater (or anyone else) can you get any code or model numbers off your old original balance? I have a couple of these that are failing and would like to try and rebuild them with new springs, hardware, string, etc. My house was built in 1987 with I think Malta Classic View, double hung, clad wood frames and compression jamb liners. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.
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Paul from SWISCO responded:
May 5, 2017
I think the easiest way to solve your problem would be to take one of your jamb liners, and a sash, to your nearest mill work and have them set you up with a new jamb liner set. Trying to repair the pulley system with their plastic rollers and parts will be a very difficult and pricey project, and I think it would be easier and cost effective to just get new jamb liners.
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A handy person from Pennsylvania says:
May 5, 2017
Thanks Paul.
