S385-36 for a 55 pound sash

Quick Learner from Fort Myers, FL

May 31, 2017 8:28 pm

I have an impact window manufactured by Lawson that uses S385-36 balancers but the window weighs 55lbs. Does S385-36 come in weight ratings greater than 35lbs?

8 Replies

Paul from SWISCO

Jun 5, 2017 8:59 am

That's a very heavy sash! This may have to be custom made. Before we can continue, can you show me a picture of your balance? Specifically, I'd like to see a picture of the top and bottom nylon ends and the stamp. I'd also like you to confirm the width of the metal channel. Thank you!

Quick Learner from Fort Myers fl

Jun 5, 2017 6:33 pm

Attached are the photos of my channel balance. Please let me know if you need any additional photos.

Paul from SWISCO

Jun 8, 2017 10:56 am

According to your stamp, 3540, this balance is made to support sashes weighing 23 through 30 pounds. I'm not sure why this was installed on a 55 pound sash. The window would slam shut as soon as you open it. Did you ever find that happen? Was this the original balance from the window manufacturer? We are still investigating the possibility of a balance that can support 55 pounds. That is very, very heavy.

Quick Learner from Fort Myers

Jun 19, 2017 12:07 pm

I just purchased my home and all of the channel balances on all the windows are inoperable so I am not sure how they functioned when they were operable or whether they are original equipment. I have a total of 8 sashes and two of them are in the same room as the sash in question which do weigh about 28lbs. It may be possible they were incorrectly installed which led to the window failing.

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 22, 2017 11:01 am

That is peculiar. I wonder if the original installers just put that same strength balance on every window in the house, regardless of weight.

Either way, we can custom make a balance that can carry 55 pounds. I just had a couple questions. First, can you confirm that this is for a lower sash? Can you also tell me how many you need?

Quick Learner from Fort Myers, FL

Jun 22, 2017 11:34 am

This is a lower sash, non tilt, impact window. This is the heaviest in the house so I will just need 2, one for each side of this particular sash.

Tom from SWISCO

Jun 26, 2017 11:35 am

Great, thanks. I'll email you a custom order link and price quote for two of these immediately.