Retrofitting historic wooden sashes with spiral balances

Question

I need to replace several window frames but preserve the wooden sashes because they are in one of several condos in a historic building. The upper sashes will be permanently fixed in position and I intend to fit the lower sashes with spiral balances.The windows are grooved already, so I can route them out further to accept the balance instead of grooving the new frames. The sashes are 27' and weigh 18lbs, can you tell me what balances and additional hardware I'll need. I understand that once purchased I can't return them but there is already one window fitted with a spiral balance in this unit so I am reasonably sure this scheme will work.

Thanks, Pat

Paul · Accepted Answer

Good Morning,

Thank you for contacting us. This sounds like an interesting project, and we are glad to help. The sash weight is a good start, this will help us determine what balance tip color you'll need.

Guide: How To Choose the Proper Spiral Balance Tip Color

Moving on, do you have any existing balances available? We will need balance diameter (either 3/8" or 5/8"), and the length of the balance tube, as shown here:

How to measure the length of the Series 303 spiral balance.

Once we have this information we can begin making recommendations as to what spiral balances you may be able to use as replacements.

As for returns, you can return window balances. Please see our Return/Exchange Policy.