Hello, I restore historic windows and bought some spiral balances from you in 2019. I need to install balances on some windows I'm working on now, and need some advice. I called and the operator told me to inquire here. Would you please give me a call ASAP? Thanks!
Leon
Hello,
We'd be happy to help but our part experts do not have direct phone lines, so all correspondence will need to be through this thread. To get started, we'll need to see photos of the original balance uninstalled. If you need help with a particular part of the replacement process, just let us know and we can go from there. Thank you.
Thanks for your reply. It's very frustrating that you no longer offer customer service by phone. This is a much more difficult way to have this particular conversation.
There's no existing balance system. I am exploring options to retrofit. These are double hung windows from the late 1800s. They are thinner than average, and I wanted to ask about your recommendations.
If there's any way I can still have a conversation with someone knowledgeable on your staff.
Thanks
Leon
I'm sorry for your frustration with the process but our part experts assist our customers exclusively through this discussion board to ensure that inquiries are addressed in the order that they are received. If there are no original balances, we can not guarantee a replacement but the (5/8") S500 spiral balances that you've purchased in the past would generally be our best option for old-style wood windows. You also mentioned that the window is on the thinner side, so you could also consider the (3/8") S400 balances.
To determine the length, you would need to measure the height of just the visible glass and then add 3" if it's for the bottom sash and 1" if it's for the top sash. You would also need to weigh the sash to choose the corresponding tip color based on the sash under the balance product description. You'll also need brackets to attach the spiral tip to the bottom of the sash such as the 17-012 commonly used with the S500 spiral balances or the 17-031 for the S400, depending on if you have the space to attach them to the bottom of the sash frame.
If you decide to give it a try and run into any issues, our return policy can be found here.
