Balances

The traditional operation of a sash window is through a cord and weights mechanism.  This was a highly successful system which ensured that the windows opened and closed with ease.  The downside to it is that, although the weights are in the box part of the sash window, the cords are exposed and frequently suffer damage.  A good example of this is where inexperienced decorators have painted over them resulting in drying out, stretching and becoming brittle.  The delicate weight ratio is then upset leading to the most common problem with old sash windows - they become too heavy to open and close.

PVCu and some timber sash windows nowadays use a more modern system of balances which are entirely contained within the frames.

Henry James Balances

The tension on our balances is factory preset to ensure that they are precisely accurate,  guaranteeing a beautifully operating sash window for a minimum of ten years.  Encased, these cannot be interfered with as frequently occurred on the older style windows. 

We use Ultralift balances for our windows weighing under 28kg.  However, for larger windows we use a more robust balance system, double springs and spirals, fitted standard where necessary.  At customers' request, we are happy to fit these to smaller windows for an additional charge.

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