Using a Anderson Sash Balance to repair a Pella window

Handy Person from Peoria, IL

Apr 26, 2011 1:24 pm

Dear Sirs;

I have older Pella double-hung tilt sash windows on many of which the sash ounterbalance needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, the Pella replacement parts are no longer available. The Anderson Sash Balance for 1027, part # 24-1033, looks as if it would be a suitable replacement depending on the size of this part. Could you please tell me the lenght, depth, and width of this part?

Thank you.

Anthony

5 Replies

Paul from SWISCO

Apr 27, 2011 9:58 am

The size of Andersen box balance is smaller than Pella. The length is 67/8" the width is 3" and the depth is 3/4". I honestly do not think you would be able to get the Andersen box balance to work in place of your old Pella box balance.

Unfortunately the Pella box balances are not made anymore. One user did have a custom solution to repair his old boxes but it would require some work. See the last post of this discussion about repairing the Pella box balances.

Handy Person from Peoria, IL

Apr 27, 2011 2:57 pm

Paul,

Thank you for your reply. Why do you think the Anderson balance box will not work? It will fit nicely into the pocket of the Pella window where the old balance box was installed. Is it because the Anderson balance box will not have enough tension to counterbalance the Pella sash? Or because the the cords may not line up or be of the correct lenght?

On a related note. Do you know of anyone or any business that could refurbish the Pella counterbalances that I currently have in the windows. There are two clock springs for each sash in the balance box and while I am a fairly accomplished DIYer, these springs are beyond my capabilities. I could sent some photos if that would be helpful.

Thank you for your input.

Anthony

Paul from SWISCO

Apr 28, 2011 9:10 am

In principle, the Andersen balance boxes work the same as the Pella balance boxes. Since I have never tried this before and I do not have a sample Pella window with an old Pella balance box to work with, I really have no idea if you could replace the Pella balance box with an Andersen balance box.

I have an Andersen contractor stopping by next week. Let me talk to him about it and get his thoughts on this project. He would have a much better understanding of the Andersen balance box limitations than I do. I will update this discussion again next week after I speak with him.

Paul from SWISCO

May 11, 2011 11:36 am

Sorry for the delay, I have not forgotten about you!

I finally had a chance to speak with the Andersen contractor and he did no provide much help. He said yes, the Andersen balances works in a similar way but it would not be an easy conversion. One problem being that you would not be able to determine which Andersen balance box would be appropriate for the weight of your Pella window. The other problem being that you will have to customize your window to get the Andersen balance box to fit and work with your Pella window.

I am sorry I do not have a solution for you. It is a shame that Pella discontinued these balance boxes without providing a replacement balance or some sort of procedure to convert these windows to another support system.