Milgard Window Balances

Home Owner from La Mesa, CA
The window was installed in 1996. Not sure, either it is double or triple pane; heavy window. It is a non tilt type of Milgard window. The channel balance is a 1/2 in channel width. The total length of the balance from tip of plastic to the bottom of the plastic at the other end is about 25 1/8 in. The window overall measures 3 ft wide X 4.5 ft tall. Thank you.
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Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hi there- thanks for posting! 

I was able to narrow what you have down to two options. You either have our Series 380 or our Series 385 channel balance. The difference lies in the depth of the shoe. The series 385 balance has a 15-004 shoe, which is 1-3/32" deep while the series 380 balance has a 15-005 shoe, which is 1" deep. 

To determine the length of your balance only measure the length of metal channel. Do not include the end attachments in your measurement. 

Carefully measure your balance as I explained above, and get back to us if you have any questions! 

Home Owner from La Mesa, CA
length of metal channel = 24 1/8 inches
Thank you.
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hmm it's a little uncommon for a balance to end on a 1/8''. Does the metal channel have a stamp on it? If so, what does it say?

Home Owner from La Mesa, CA
Let me revise the measurement. I checked the other balance and let's use this measurement instead.

length of metal channel = 24 inches

Checked for part numbers/stamps on the metal channel and there are no markings.

Thank you.
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Okay, great! 

Now could you measure the depth of the shoe and let us know what that measurement comes out to be? We will also need to know the weight of your sash. This will help us determine which option you will select at checkout. You will need to remove the sash from the window and weight it on a scale. Typically the stamp would indicate this, but since you don't have that on your balance, the weight of the sash will tell us what we need to know! 

Get back to us with that information and after that we should have narrowed it down to exactly what you will need. 

Quick Learner from La Mesa, CA
Thanks Tom. I ordered two of the S380-24 : 24" Series 380 Channel Balances. My sash weighs in at 30 lbs. Your site had the highest sash weight up to 27 lbs and I went with that. Thanks.
Tom
Tom from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

If your sash is heavier than 27 pounds, then I don't think that will work for you. I would advise against going with that option. If your sash is exactly 30 pounds we can specially make a balance that can support that weight.

Can you confirm the exact weight of your sash, down to the ounce? Can you also tell me what the stamp read on your old balance?

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