Jordan single hung, non tilt, channel balance identification

Handy Person from Peoria, AZ
My window was never installed completely (see photos). I can not get the window to install using the 2 channels in the photos. Installed the window without the channels at present. Is there a way to determine the correct channel balances by the window markings, etc? 2810 is stamped on one and the other is 27 3 BW CMC. 
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Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hello there. There's a few problems here. First of all, the stamps and photos would indicate the balances are not the same length, which they need to be for this kind of setup. The stamp codes indicate they are of different strengths as well. None of this is optimal. Channel balances for a non-tilt window should be the same on both sides of the sash.

First, were these the original balances for this window? If not, please check an identical or similar window in the house. Remove the balances to see if the nylon attachments on both ends are the same or similar to the balances you're trying to replace. The nylon attachments determine the balance's identity, so it's important to get this right. 

If the attachments are the same for balances in other windows, then most likely these are correct, and you have either a Series 351 or Series 390 Channel Balance. These two balance Series are very similar, except the 'depth' of the bottom nylon attachment, or shoe, differs. See the diagram below. Jordan windows often use the Series 390, so that's probably what you have, but double-check to be safe. 

Comparison of the S351 and S390 balance shoes.
Comparison of the S351 and S390 balance shoes.

Second, we need to get the length right. Since it's not clear to me which of these balances is what you should go by, I want you to measure the height of visible glass in the window. That will tell us the length you should select. 

Finally, please give us the exact weight of the window sash. Placing the sash on a bathroom scale will suffice. 

Once we have that information we'll do our best to help from there.

Handy Person from Peoria, AZ
Both shoes are 1 1/8" wide. The metal channels are identical length. No way of knowing what was orignally installed in this window. Matter of fact another similar window has a channel balance exposed with the window closed. As I stated earlier the window could not fit over both channels so the window was not completely installed. This was missed on the home inspection prior to purchase. I think I will wing it a bit and order 2 each S351 channel balances since there not that costly. I nned the window removal clips too. Thank you
Handy Person from Peoria, AZ
The channel balances (metal) length measure 27 7/8" long, order the 28" length one? Another question: what keeps/holds the channel balance down i.e. prevents the channel balance from sliding up the window frame when the window is close? I will wait on ordering 2 28" long S351 channels until I can weight the window.  The window is actually in my daughter house. Than you Bob
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

If the shoes are 1-1/8" deep, then you'd need the Series 390 Channel Balance. Check out the video below that details how to measure for exact length and select the correct stamp option. Let me know if you have further questions.

If all the balances look like the ones in your photos, then for the metal channels that measure just below 28" you should be fine with the 28" selection. 

For the Take Out Clips see our 16-002.

Finally, it sounds like these windows might need new Top Sash Guides. These are nylon blocks in the top corners of the sash meant to keep the balances in place. See the video below that shows how to remove and replace them. There's many different kinds of guides that can work with these windows, so you'll need to remove an undamaged one and send us photos of its front and side to find the right replacement.



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