Artisan window balances

Home Owner from Destin FL

Sep 20, 2017 1:31 am

I have 28 HR (owned by Artisan) windows bought in 2010 from Home Depot. We've had problems with the balancers since the beginning, HR doesn't have parts, told us if they're made in FL, they only had a two year warranty, and parts are not available. Of the 28 windows, 10 fall closed and 5 won't open.

Windows are Series M415, 3060, aluminum single hung, 36x72, IMPACT glass, integral nail fin.

We also have three Artisan Impact Sliders purchased about the same time, Problem with these, if the latch is not completely open, the latch can catch when door is closed, people have been locked out of the building on second story deck. Again, told parts are not available.

Thanks for any help.

9 Replies

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 20, 2017 10:40 am

We probably can help fix both of those issues. Go ahead and send photos of your balances (include both ends of the balance and any stamped numbers) as well as photos of your door latch. Include any measurements you can think of, as well.

Home Owner from destin fl

Sep 20, 2017 1:29 pm

Thanks, I've wondered if the fact these were impact rated glass affected the short lifespan and continued problems of the balances, the lower window feels pretty heavy.

I've included pictures, took one out.

Eric

User submitted photos of a window balance.

Home Owner from destin fl

Sep 25, 2017 10:24 pm

Just checking that you received the pictures?

Thanks,
Eric

Paul from SWISCO

Sep 29, 2017 9:10 am

Hi, Eric. The company that made your window balance has gone out of business. We can make a custom tilt balance to replace it, though.

The first photo you showed us, the stamped number, looks like it corresponds to a 30" tube length, a 49 pound spring, and 48 pounds of tension. The other looks like 40" length, a 49 pound spring, and a tension of 42 pounds. Please confirm that this will work for you, because custom orders aren't returnable. Would you like us to customize this for you?

Home Owner from destin fl

Sep 29, 2017 9:37 pm

Paul, thanks for your response.

I don't know what a "tilt" balance is?

Pictures I sent should of been of the same balance. I'll check some more balances here for information.

What is the normal life span of balances?

We will probably want replacements, what is the warranty on the replacement balances? Any suggestions to improve what you make for us and to prolong their life?

Though the balances are were stamped 2007, the windows were purchased in 2010 or 2011.

Paul from SWISCO

Oct 5, 2017 11:14 am

Your balance installs on a tilt out window, so it is referred to as a tilt window spiral balance in the industry. I just called it a "tilt balance" for the sake of brevity.

Commercial balances like yours typically last 10-20 years, depending on how often its used. I just need to know the length of the tube and exact weight of the sash.

Home Owner from FL

Aug 24, 2018 4:22 pm

I got back down to FL removed a lower window and weighed it, the weight is 39 pounds.

Also included new pictures with measurements. The windows that are still working feel heavy when lifting, is it a good idea to go up on the weight rating a little?

Thanks,
Eric

3 user uploaded images

Tom from SWISCO

Sep 5, 2018 9:41 am

Thank you again for your patience during this busy season. These are precisely calibrated to the exact weight of the sash, even more so than normal balances, so I wouldn't try to use a different weight rating.

We can provide these balances in a minimum order of 12. You mentioned you had 15 windows that are failing, so I'm not sure how many you needed. I will send you a special order link and price quote right now for 30, but if you wanted to change that quantity please let me know right here in this thread and I'd be happy to change it.

We will also be making these with a white colored tube, but if you wanted black or gray then we can change that without issue, as well. Let me know!