Stanek Double Hung Tilting Hurricane Impact Windows BROKEN BALANCES

Home Owner from Tampa, FL

Dec 27, 2020 8:55 pm

Please let me know uf you carry the correct parts for my broken balances. The markings on the balances are 26D BSI and 26F BSI I do not believe that my shoes need to be replaced but maybe you can offer some advice based on the photos and installation advice or window specialists in the area who will install.

5 user uploaded images

10 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Dec 29, 2020 2:01 pm

It's tough to tell what you have from these photos. Do you have an undamaged version that we can see? Can you also tell me how the cord attaches to the pivot shoe? Is it tied to it, or does it hook on with a clip of some kind? Seeing the shoe out of the window would also be a huge help.

Home Owner from Tampa, FL

Dec 29, 2020 4:53 pm

Thank you Tom for your reply. I do not know exactly how the balance attaches to the shoe because they were both torn. I will see if another window may show it as they are identical and will report back to you. However, if both are damaged, what would you recommend? Years ago, I had a repairman replace the broken balance with a unique spring or coil that looked like a better solution with fewer moving parts and no cord but I'm not a window guy so dont want to try it.

Tom from SWISCO

Dec 30, 2020 8:48 am

If you can't find an undamaged version, then we will try our best with what you have. I would still need to see a picture of the pivot shoe removed from the window so that we can get a good look at it.

I'm not sure how comfortable I am using a coil system to replace a channel balance, either. We always try to stick with exactly what was installed in the first place. I'm sure we can figure it out, we just need a bit more data.

Home Owner from Tampa, FL

Dec 31, 2020 4:49 pm

Attached are additional photos of the shoe in situ and what remains of the connection between the balance and the shoe. Hopefully you can make it out.

4 user uploaded images

Paul from SWISCO

Jan 4, 2021 12:18 pm

Thanks for these photos. I believe I can help. The pivot shoe looks like our 15-135, and we believe your 26" channel balance is a match for our S770-26, which is also screwed to the top of the track. The clip at the end of your cord doesn't match the clip on the S770-26, but it should still work the same. It just has to clip to the shoe.

Home Owner from Tampa, FL

Jan 9, 2021 1:57 am

Thank you Paul and Tom for your feedback. We are almost there. Two final questions, I hope. First, the sash with the window weighs 38 pounds. Please advise based on the weight that I just confirmed. Second, even though I would like to replace the pivot shoe, there is no practical way that I can see to remove and replace the shoe. I thought that there might be a gap or break in the channel where the old shoe can be pulled out and a new one placed. Any recommendation?

Tom from SWISCO

Jan 11, 2021 2:41 pm

Thank you! That's a pretty heavy sash. At 38 pounds, we'll need to use the 26G stamp option, which isn't stock. It will have to be custom made.

Can you tell me how many you need? Once I know that, I'll email you an order link and price quote for that quantity. You can use that to place an order on our site.

As for removing the shoe, please see the video below. I think you'll find this helpful.

Home Owner from Tampa, FL

Jan 11, 2021 5:02 pm

Thank you Tom. I believe I need 4 for two windows. (I havent even checked what is needed with the top sashes as they are holding up in place.) I noticed that one was 26" and the other 28". However, I may want to drill my top hole a little bit higher or lower than the original hole as the orginal holes are a tad distorted. If it is acceptable for the balances to be a little bit higher or lower then we need not change anything else, right?

Tom from SWISCO

Jan 12, 2021 8:29 am

That might be a problem. If the balances are mounted higher or lower, then they may not work properly. Even a difference as small as 1/4" would make a huge difference. If you can find a way to reuse the same holes, then I recommend doing so.

In the meantime, I will email you an order link for 4.