Plygem windows -replacement parts

Home Owner from Hamburg, New York 14219

Aug 9, 2022 4:34 pm

I am the 2nd owner of a house, constructed in 2009, in which the builder installed Plygem windows. As best I can determine these windows are the Plygem "classic" series "tilt-in" double hung vinyl windows with a prairie "style" grid insert. I need to replace two (2) parts.

1) the first part is the window "latch", which allows the window to be tilted in for cleaning-there are two (2) latches for each section.

2) the second part is a "T-lock" which help to keep the window from falling after it is opened. The are 2 "T-locks per window section (1 on the right and 1 on the left side of each window section.

I've attached 5 photos of the parts I am looking for-4 photos are of the "T-lock", the remaining photo is of the "latch" I need. I hope this information can help assist me since I Plygem will not respond to my requests for assistance with these parts.

5 user uploaded images

6 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Aug 11, 2022 3:02 pm

Hello! We can definitely help with these parts. For the tilt latch, see our 26-243 and 26-244. And for the pivot shoe, see our 15-236.

Please review the information we show for each product and let me know if you had any questions. I'm happy to assist you in any way that I can.

Home Owner from Hamburg, New York 14219

Aug 11, 2022 6:06 pm

Tom; thank you for the lead however, I have one concern re-the parts, specifically Part No. 15-236. The photos I sent with my 1st post included 4 of the 1 t-lock I currently have. The video I watched that you included with your reply (Anatomy of a tilt window) mentioned about comparing the measurements for the replacement parts I would need to order to the 1 part I have on hand. I did so and found there was a slight difference in 15-236 vs. the part I possess. The attached some photos which show the part I now have with a ruler next to it. for comparison dimensions. What I saw posted for part no. 15-236 appears top list a base "width" of 1 1/4" with depth of: 1/2". If I read the ruler for my part correctly I noticed the base is: 1" wide with depth of 1/2". My question will I need to modify the width of part no. 15-236

so it can "fit" properly? if so then what is your recommendation concerning how to "reduce" part no. 15-236 to 1" so it will fit yet work properly once installed? I've enclosed 4 photos that show the part with the ruler I previously mentioned-I trust these photos will be helpful to you.

4 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Aug 12, 2022 10:13 am

Thanks for confirming that size. I'm sorry for not catching that before.

If the width of your shoe is only 1" then this project became a little bit more difficult, unfortunately. In my experience it's not possible to alter the size of the 15-236; you can't shave the "ears" down because the bumper is a very precise size and fits into them in a specific way. You can see what I mean in the photo below.

View of closed cam on 15-236

We do sell a 1" wide shoe in our 15-194, but this lacks the same deep groove going down the center of your part (to match a corresponding groove on the metal channel). That means if you are to use a 15-194 shoe, you would also need an all new replacement channel balance for it to fit into.

Is that something you're willing to consider? I'm happy to walk you through the necessary steps, but I know asking you to replace the whole balance is a big ask when all you wanted is the shoe.

Just let me know and we can work from there.

Home Owner from Hamburg, New York 14219

Aug 16, 2022 9:38 am

Tom: I just caught up with your reply. Yes I would like to understand the steps involved with replacing the channel. Also are any parts are needed in addition to the 15-194 shoe and also would like the cost for the 15-194 shoe, channel, and any additional parts (not including the tilt latches which you provided me earlier).

Tom from SWISCO

Aug 16, 2022 10:25 am

Okay, great. So our version of this balance is the Series 795. This is the same design as your original, more or less, except that it doesn't have that same groove in the bottom. That groove exists to make removing the sash a little easier but it is by no means an essential feature. Its lack means that our balances are a little trickier to install but not by much. They'll still function the same way once they're in there.

Another caveat is that the Series 795 comes with a 1-1/4" shoe by default. We sell the 15-194 shoe separately, though, and they pop on and off very easily. You can buy both pieces and then just swap the shoes when you get them.

Lastly, our Series 795 installs at the top using a screw, not a hook. I'm not sure what your balance uses but if you have a hook then that means this will need to be a custom assembly, since that's not a stock option. Hopefully yours just uses a screw, which will make life a little easier for you. Otherwise I'm more than happy to help with a custom balance, just let me know.