Replacing window balances

Home Owner from Jersey City

Aug 3, 2013 2:51 pm

I have a very heavy safety glass window (I have no scale so cannot give exact weight, but it is much heavier than windows I am used to).

The balance will not hold the window up, but I think it was capable in the past - just has worn out.

Based on the information I provided, can you tell me the parts you recommend for replacement? I've attached 5 photos.

Thanks.

User submitted photos of a window balance.

7 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Aug 12, 2013 9:30 am

Thank you for your patience in this matter. I have just a couple questions for you. First, it appears that your pictures here feature two different balances. One is marked 28-7 and the other appears to be 32-3, though that one is faint. Are these two balances in the same window? Usually, window balances in the same window are identical. Can you confirm? Can you also tell me the exact length of the metal channel for the balance you wish to replace?

Finally, I know you don't have a scale, but if there is any way you can borrow one? Knowing the exact sash weight would be a huge help in our search and will allow us to get an answer for you faster.

Home Owner from Jersey City

Aug 12, 2013 10:16 am

Hi Tom,

The faint one is on the window I need the replacement for. I'll get a scale and get back to you.

Home Owner from JC

Aug 16, 2013 11:09 am

The window sash is 40lbs. The balance with the faint number in the picture is the one on the window I need replacement for.

I was thinking about also replacing the other that is more readable, but it isn't really necessary.

Paul from SWISCO

Aug 20, 2013 11:49 am

Great, thank you for the additional information. Now, it looks like this balance is similar to our Series 770 channel balance. Check it out and let me know if you agree. If so, we can make what you need, but they will have to be custom built to accommodate that weight.

Before we get started, though, I just want to let you know that there are a few options. If you are replacing the 32" balance, I recommend either our 32G option, or 32H option. Two balances with 32G can support a sash weight range of 37 through 40 pounds, while 32H can support 40 through 43 pounds. Take a look and see which is better.

If you want to replace the 28" balance, though, then I would go with either our 28G option (36 through 40 pounds) or our 28H option (40 through 43).

Let us know what you decide and we can go from there.

Home Owner from JC

Aug 20, 2013 1:32 pm

I think we should go with the 32H to be safe, but the bottom of the existing balance looks different. I guess I would need a pivot shoe? Can you let me know which would work with the 32H? The existing one is 9/16".

I don't see G or H as options when I go to the page you linked for the 770, so I can't take a look like you suggested.

I'm not going to replace the 28" window at this point.

Tom from SWISCO

Aug 20, 2013 2:23 pm

The G and H options are not standard, so I'll go ahead and email you a purchase link and price quote for your review. Please let us know if you have any questions!

As for the shoe, since yours is 9/16", I would consider our 15-129, which has the same thickness.