Top plastic part of the balance is showing when window is closed
Home Owner from California
Mar 24, 2019 3:11 pm
The top plastic part of the balance in the right side of the Milgard window is showing when the window is closed (see picture). The balance is S385-30 2940 (I bought some from Swisco for the same type of window in my house). Is the top sash guide of this window broken or something else? Do you know offhandedly the repair part with the balance information? or do I need to take the window out and measure the dimensions of it from the other side of the window? Last couple times I took out the window I broke the take out clips. Thanks.
1 user uploaded image
4 Replies
Tom from SWISCO
Mar 26, 2019 1:52 pm
I don't think you have the S385-30. The metal hook I see in your photo is a certain style used on only one type of balance. It looks similar to the S385, but it's incompatible.
In order to confirm, can you remove the balance from the window and show me a clear picture of the bottom nylon attachment? Can you also show me the stamp?
As for why the top attachment is showing, I'm not sure. It's possible the top sash guide is broke considering I don't see one in your photo. Do you have an identical window in the house that still has its top sash guides? If you compare those two windows that will confirm if this is indeed the problem.
Home Owner from California
Mar 26, 2019 3:36 pm
Thank you for your quick response. I have several windows of the same type in this room. I have replaced two balances in one of the windows with S385-30 2940 (based on your identification of a picture of the old balance I sent you), and they work fine. Out of all the windows, only this window has a different metal clip on one balance. The balance on the other side of the window and all other windows have the normal clip (see picture). Looks like the preview owner of the house has replaced this one balance with a different or wrong type of balance. The window works fine so far. Is it ok to continue using this balance until it breaks down? Thanks again.
1 user uploaded image
Tom from SWISCO
Mar 27, 2019 8:25 am
Ah, I see. So this window has two different balances on either side. They definitely should be the same, and I suppose if every other window uses the Series 385 then logic dictates this balance should be a Series 385 as well. It's just peculiar. Whoever installed the special balance would have really had to have gone out of their way to get it. The Series 385 is much easier to get a hold of!
If the window has been working fine so far, then you should be okay, but you definitely want symmetrical balances. Keep in mind that as long as the balances aren't symmetrical, the other balance will be wearing down faster from the strain. When you're ready to swap it out, you should consider swapping both sides at once.
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