Replace balances in Simonton & Jen-weld Vinyl FIn windows

Purchasing Agent from Warminster PA

Aug 18, 2023 9:31 am

I am doing research for our 410 unit condo which seems to have Jeld-Wen V2500 & Simonton 5500 with integral fin window. These were all installed between 1990 and 2000. I am hoping your carry a universal balance for both or either of these units.

6 Replies

Bob from SWISCO

Aug 18, 2023 11:32 am

Thanks for posting. I am afraid that there is no 'universal' balance that will work with these given windows. In fact, in most cases even when we know the specific make of a window, we still can't know for sure what balances it uses--this hardware is very brand-independent. The only way to know for sure what you need is to remove the hardware and show us pictures of the existing balances. We'll do our best to narrow down what you need from there. This guide here explains everything you need to know about the balances we carry.

Purchasing Agent from Warminster PA

Sep 1, 2023 9:51 am

Here are some photos of the balances.

4 user uploaded images

Bob from SWISCO

Sep 1, 2023 2:47 pm

Thank you! This appears to be a tilt window spiral balance. That means you only have two options available to you: either the 3/8" diameter Series 900 or the 9/16" diameter Series 600.

The diameter you want to be measuring is the outer tube that covers the spring. In your case it's probably going to be either metal or plastic. Once you know the diameter of your balance tube, you can pick the best size to replace it between the two products I mentioned.

Purchasing Agent from Warminster PA

Sep 1, 2023 8:34 pm

One I pick the balance, do you need the window width & height measurments? Do you also cary the balance shoes?

Bob from SWISCO

Sep 5, 2023 8:52 am

No, we don't need the sash size itself. All you have to do is measure the balance tube, for both diameter and length.

Once you pick the right size, you will be required to pick the right tip color; this is what determines how much weight it can carry. You can usually use the old tip color as a reference, but if yours isn't visible for whatever reason then you will need to weigh your sash. We have a weight chart on each balance's respective store page that you can use as a reference. All you have to do is weigh your sash and then refer to the chart.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend visiting the store pages I linked you to above. We have tons of details information on each product's store page that will help you make a decision.

As for shoes, we do carry a wide selection, yes. You can see all of them here. I'd be happy to narrow down the list for you, as well, but I will require a clear picture of the pivot shoe itself, as well as dimensions. I specifically needs its width and thickness.