Replace window channel balance

Question

Hello!

We are replacing the channel balances for 2 windows (one is 25 in and one is 28 inch channel balance). By looking at the pictures on line I think they are 380 series (please correct me if I am wrong). I took the sliding windows off and weight the window as well. The smaller windows is 24.2 lb. The larger window is 46.2 lb.

For the smaller window I can order the 25 inch 380 channel balance option 2450.

For the larger windows the most heavy weight option for 28 inch 380 channel balance is 3770 which is less than 46.2 lb.

Does that mean the bigger windows channel balance was previously installed/chosen incorrectly? What should I do as far as choosing the right channel balance for the larger window then?

The old/broken channel balance for the big window has the marking of 27 4 HX CMC 11 on it. I don't know if that mean anything.

Thank you so much for your help! It is our first time fixing window in our home. We moved in here a few months ago so still learning about this house yet. Your help is much appreciated!

Sincerely

Debra

Paul · Accepted Answer

Thanks for posting. It looks like your balances may be closer to our Series 385, which has the deeper 15-004 bottom shoe at 1-3/32". The Series 380 shoe is only 1" deep. You may want to measure your shoe to confirm.

If your sash is 46.2 pounds, then I'm surprised they used a 27 4 option, which only carries 19 through 26 pounds. It's entirely possible that the installers just put in whatever they had on hand, but that seems like a pretty huge difference. Did you ever find that this window was never strong enough? This window would probably close itself immediately upon opening. I recommend double checking your sash weight to be sure.

If your sash is 46.2 pounds, let me know. It will likely have to be specially ordered.