How to replace an Andersen Window Balance
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- In this tutorial video, we show you how to replace an Andersen Window Balance. For additional information on identifying the correct replacement balance for your window, read our blog post here - www.swisco.com...
Replacement Sash Support Andersen Window Balances
www.swisco.com/...
9 years after you posted this, I found it. Now I can replace the lower sash without destroying the whole window. Thanks!
This has been the most helpful how-to video I have consulted on UA-cam. You led me through a tricky task and made it easy. Thanks for posting.
This is great to hear! We are so glad you found it helpful, please feel free to reach out to us through our site should you have any questions.
Man, I finally went to buy the proper sashes and they are sold out
@@SWISCO where can I get replacement springs. I’m in Ireland
Just saved my grandparents a grand so they didnt have to get the window replaced in theyre bathroom. I do construction but ive never ran into a narrowline, glad to see anderson is still as complicated to remove sashes today as they were 30 years ago.
Great video. I've dealt with an anderson window with the bottom sash having two broken strings for at least 15 years. Now I know how to fix it. Thanks a million! Won't need those different length sticks to prop the window open much longer!
Hi John, I'm glad you found our video then! Good luck trying out the repair.
Thank you so much for this very helpful video which made a seemingly large task - very easy!! Truly appreciated it!
I had no idea how this window could be disassembled. I can now understand very well in your commentary. I would like to repair a broken window in the near future. Thank you. From Japan.
Thanks for this. I have had to do this so many times on my Anderson double hungs. (starting within 2 years of installation) That is when I found out that andersons lifetime warranty doesn't mean anything. I have most likely replaced 20-30 of this on my windows but it is always good to get a refresher before I go taking them apart again. BTW These things are close to $50 dollars now
Thanks Mike, everything went just as you explained in the video. I needed to replace the lower sash on my Anderson window. The complete project took me less then 30 minutes, Thanks again buddy.
How can you tell which is the upper sash and which is the lower sash, it is it just best to replace them both at one time.
As expected, getting the jamb liner back in was the most difficult. On a whim, I smeared some silicon zipper lube ( wet suits ) on the end of the jamb and it slid right in. Any kind of lube would probably help.
Great, easy to follow, video.
Thanks
Thanks for the video…it really is as easy as it looks, EXCEPT when certain conditions obtain. Consider,
1) the side and head jamb liner may be caulked into place, most likely they are..you better have a utility knife and a pry bar at the ready. When reinstalling the caulked head jamb liner, you might want to use a hammer and short 2x4 to allow you to hammer it back into place without damaging the plastic,
2) the builder may have nailed into the balancers, actually causing the sash cord to fail, not immediately, of course, but over time. This actually makes it necessary to grind off the nail ends, because the tolerances of the space that Andersen machines out of the frame for the balancer to fit into are so tight, impressively so, but you might want to have a dremel tool available.
3) you may need a hammer to assist with the installation of the plastic end into the hole in the sash.
I faced all of these realities today, and needed to return to the shop to retrieve the additional tools….
Nice job on the video. Thanks for posting it. I think it is better than the one on the Andersen web site. Update: after performing this procedure, I found that it is not possible to remove the head jamb liner piece if the window has jamb extensions installed, as is the case with 2x6 wall construction. Fortunately, the head jamb liner is flexible enough such that it can be gently bent and moved out of the way, even with the inner edge still attached.
Mike - great educational video. We have house with 28 double hung Andersen Narrolines. I have to replace 4 counterbalance and one sash. Video was extremely clear and concise. Audio, video, content - all measured to the job. Thanks.
You the man! This video was extremely helpful on how to take out the upper sash. I needed to replace the glass after it broke. Thanks so much!!
Thank you for posting.
If I had seen this video, I would never have bought an Andersen window.
These andersen windows are the worse ever. Many of the cords on my 23 windows do not function properly.
Built our house in 1996. Thought we were getting quality windows when we went with the Andersen Narrowline Double Hung. They have been pretty awful, namely the unreliability of the balance mechanisms. They gave us problems not long after installation and have continued to fail over the years. Definitely has soured me on considering Andersen products in the future.
Very helpful to me as well. I need to repair the sash of an Andersen Window. (The wood has come apart in the corner) I wanted to "see" how the window came apart and hints on reassembly.
Thanks
Thank you--the video was a great help-- putting the jam liner in was the worst part as our window was 28 yrs old and the liner wasn't as pliable. We use a large flat head screw driver to push the window over when we slid the jam liner in.
You make it look easy. I have the balancer mechanism on order. Hopefully my installation will be as uneventful as yours!
Thanks.
Well done, I am a women and you made it easy to under stand, Thank You
Awesome, it is the best video for repairing or replacing Anderson Windows
Thanks!! Happy to hear we were able to help you out a bit.
Good video, looks very straight forward once you know what sash replacement is needed.
However, since it is the dead of winter and I do not want to take apart my windows until I am ready to replace, is there a way to determine what sash I need without tearing it down?
Thanks in advance!
Excellent video. Will be much cheaper than replacing windows.
Thanks very much for this video. Yours is much more detailed than the Andersen website. After viewing this I feel I could really do this myself instead of hiring someone.
You're quite welcome. Thanks for the comments!
Pretty strait forward... Good job!
We're here to help! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for helping me through this job. It was a tremendous help. Didn’t even break the headliner!! Lol.
We are happy we could help! This is one of the trickier balance types to replace.
All of our products are available online! There is a link to our website in the video description or you could use your favorite search engine and search "SWISCO" - you'll find us!
This has bees very helpful. Best information I have found. Thank you
Great time to also give the surfaces a lite restoration, old paint, and years of grime.
Great job on the video. Easy to follow and matches the Anderson video but with better pace and animation. :) What is the benefit of those vinyl protectors that Anderson supplies with the replacement sash? (see previous comments)
Thanks for watching, Barry! The vinyl strips at the top of the sash are mostly there for aesthetic purposes, keeping the balance boxes out of sight.
Very helpful. Thank you. (And, some of us realize that "flat-head" is a term sometimes used to describe the tool mentioned).
Great video, showed me how to remove the window which is what I was looking for. Any video on how to change the double pane glass?
There are 2 clips that come with a new balance, so the insulation doesn't get damaged during sash replacement @ 4:00. The clip is folded vinyl and has a 3/8" cut on one end. They get installed on the left side, before the balance strings get put into the sash. One goes on the top left corner & the other at the bottom left corner. The cut ends stick out, when pushing the sashes up into the missing jamb-side and when pushing the bottom left jamb liner into the sash @4:25.
So helpful! Thanks!
Thanks for the video, it was very helpful. I did it all by myself! It is a lot of work, but it is doable by someone with even no experience, but you have to be rally handy! It is not easy...
Good job, Eva! We're glad you were able to learn from our video.
Great instructional. I have these windows throughout my hose, built in the mid to late 70's. Are the balance units still available? I have had a problem finding the latches from that era. I am thinking that if i can start replacing these, i may as well replace the seals that are on the top and bottom sashes...are those still available too?
Great instructions. Very helpful. It made the job easy.
Thanks for letting us know what you thought!
Fantastic vid. Now I just have to figure out which model my windows are so I can get the replacement balances (I have snapped strings on two windows).
Glad you liked the video! The balances you need are less dependent on the model of the window, and more on the stamps located on the balances themselves. If you can get a picture of the markings on the balances, we could recommend the right option for you - www.swisco.com/page-id-part
@@SWISCO I appreciate that.
The downside, of course, is this means I have to disassemble everything just to see what balance I have, then put it all back together as I wait for the new balances to arrive, then to the whole thing all over again, right?
You would only have to remove the top jamb liner to get a peek at the balances. You can then replace the jamb liner until you are ready to go through with the entire replacement.
I would suggest to take the bottom window hasp off as it gives the window more room to go up which helps when you are taking the side sash out
Thanks, great instructions! Easier than I thought.
We appreciate it. Thanks for watching!
Very helpful. Thank you.
Great video, very helpful…but staring into the camera and not blinking is unnerving.
Is there an option to buy the tension cable only? at the current price for another $200 I can get a new replacement window…
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been looking for someone to do this for me for years. I can’t find anyone, they all tell me to replace the windows. The windows are fine it’s just the sash balance needs to be replaced. 😂I’m not going to try it. Still searching for someone I’ve been told it’s a tedious job for no money.
The jamb liners may bresak when reinsatlling. Can one buy new ones? Also should one lubricate the window to assist it sliding up and down. If so which lubricant? Th resaon I ask is that my cords broke so the window must have been sticking.
candlewax works well
oh... your comment was 5 years ago...
Still a valid questions. would love to know if there is an option on the liner. I can't imagine after so many years....but the maybe!
To check the prod number to order, can I skip the lower liner removal and only do the upper?
If you buy Anderson replacement windows, is it just the window part? Or is it the sash, frame box and all? The companies that sell these seem like they are hiding details.
Thank you so much for the education
Thousand yard stare. Thanks for the video, though. Very helpful!
Unfortunately, my windows are 1971 vintage and I'm having a real difficult time with Andersen trying to get those balancer replacements. Andersen personnel can't function unless there is an exact number somewhere, which my windows don't have. They seem to be unable to take my balancer dimensions and the fact that it is a heavier 36" wide window and supply me with the balancer for heavier windows. It's rather pathetic to be honest and it will probably require me to have to replace the entire window, which I really didn't want to do. But at least I was able to remove the balancers thanks to your video!
Does your balance have a stamped number printed on it? If you can pass it along, I'd be happy to see if we carry a replacement that could work! www.swisco.com/cl/Replacement-Sash-Support-Andersen-Window-Balances
Excellent, thanks for posting
Excellent. Thank you.
Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful :)
Hi...great video - as others have said, better than Andersen's own - thanks!!
Question - how to slide out the jamb liner when dealing with Andersen cottage windows, where the top sash is shorter than the bottom sash?
Thank you in advance.
Hi! The process is essentially the same. Locate the screws and remove them, then remove the bottom liner as shown in the video.
try going from a two inch overlap to twelve, and add a little paint for fun, not a pretty endeavour...
I've replaced both balances with new anderson parts, but the top sash continues to slide down several inches. Could the parts be defective or should I consider other possibilities?
Keith Land It sounds like the spring strength in your new balances isn't strong enough to hold up your sash. Be sure to look at the numbers or stamps printed on your original balance and match it up to the new replacement balances. If you're having trouble identifying the appropriate balances, you can always head to www.swisco.com/discussions so our experts can take a look and offer some advice.
Now, do you also make house calls?? Ha...I'm a woman without a handy man! I have done many home repairs but not sure if I can handle this one!! I have had several of these go bad in my house, which is only 12 yrs old, is this a common thing to happen? Also, can I order these parts via a particular website? I've only been able to get them from a special order hardware store which is a 45 min drive from me. thanks for your precise info here!
I could have written exactly what you said! I think I will give this a try afterall. thanks
Sprayed WD40 behind the jamb liner. This seemed to assist in both the removal and reapplication of the liner.
Pretty pleasant video.
+WindowReplacementAgencyOfMilwaukee Why, thank you!
Why not :)
Excellent tutorial - eh!
Looks simple enough, but how do you replace a broken sash cord for the lower sash?
Unfortunately the sash cord is not replaceable by itself. You will have to replace the Andersen balance as a whole.
What does the sash cord connect to inside the window? A spring? I'm just wondering how easy it is to install new cord.
The sash cord connects to the mechanism inside the Andersen balance. We have yet to open up an Andersen balance in order to dissect its mechanical operation.
I get it now. The sash cord is coiled up inside that metal balance that you removed. Thanks!!
Nope, pretty sure it's also very commonly called a "flat-head screwdriver." Thank sweet Jesus you tried to correct his egregious error, though. Otherwise none of us would've been able to figure out what he meant. What a guy!
thank you
I’m in Ireland where can I buy new balance springs
Thank you!!!
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
Does this process apply to Andersen double hung windows built in 1990. Are the balances the same? Thanks
Yes, if this is they type of balance that is in there. If you have any doubts or questions our experts are here to help at www.swisco.com/discussions
The top window slides slowly down after the sash replacement. Any suggestions?
That kinda sounds like the new balance isn't strong enough to support the weight of the window. Which balance did you order?
What if the oiter window doesn't go down
Good question. This particular style of balance is only found in double-hung windows. So, if both of yours doesn't go down, you may have a different style of balance.
Feel free to send us some photos of your set up - www.swisco.com/page-id-part
What special has to be done for 1974 Andersen windows?
I'm don't believe there's special instruction for an older Andersen window, but if you have a specific question, our experts can certainly guide you! - www.swisco.com/page-id-part
How to tilt a Anderson double hung window
you should note this video is for narroline and not the 200 / 400 series.. this video comes up in search for a friend who has broken balances in 200 series, which (are easier but different).. great video nontheless
Andersen Series 200/400 windows have side load balances, which is a much different system than the Narrowline series.
Spoiler alert: It is impossible to use this technique with Anderson Cottage Windows. The video doesn't factor in the dimensional difference between the upper and lower sash, and the distance you have to thread the window liner between the raised sash and the window frame. In the video that distance is only a couple of inches. On my Cottage Windows it is FIFTEEN INCHES! It is impossible to bend the liner sufficiently to get it in place without ruining it.
I called Anderson for suggestions that might allow me to get past this physical impossibility. They recommended warming the plastic liner with a hair dryer. They said, "Maybe this will allow you to bend the liner without breaking it." I tried it for over an hour. I felt like I was the victum of a stupid prank at a Scout Jamboree. It didn't work and I wasted a ton of time.
Very disappointed in Anderson.
Unfortunately some windows aren't made with repair in mind, under the idea that you would buy an all new window if anything broke. We do our best to come up with solutions in these cases but there is only so much you can do.
hahaha: "This may be harder for some" ... this is a horrible and ridiculous job. Every step is agony.
There was a whole lotta wiggle in that sash when removing the liner in the video. Doesn't represent the real world.
Thank you, great video.
Thank you for this video!