All single- and double-hung windows need a balance system to operate smoothly. Balance systems make it easy to open and close windows and allow us to leave the windows open without using a prop to hold it up. It’s not known exactly when balance systems were introduced but they have been in use for at least 300 years↗.
Modern windows in today’s homes will have block and tackle, constant force, or spiral balance systems. Top replacement window companies have primarily made the switch to block and tackle or constant force window balances. In this post, you’ll find a list of the best replacement window options with block and tackle balances.
We’ve been in the replacement window and door business for over 40 years and have experience with dozens of window vendors. Our showroom and catalog offerings include options from the top window companies, below is a list of replacement window options with block and tackle balances.
Milgard Style Line Single-Hung Windows
Milgard Tuscany Single-Hung Windows
Milgard Trinsic Series Single-Hung Windows
Milgard Tuscany Single-Hung Vinyl Windows /Image Credit: Milgard
Andersen 100 Series Fibrex Single-Hung Windows
Andersen 100 Series Fibrex Windows /Image Credit: Andersen Windows
Milgard Thermal Break Aluminum Series Single-Hung Windows
Milgard Thermal Break Aluminum Windows /Image Credit: Milgard
Milgard Ultra Series Single-Hung Windows
Milgard Ultra Series Single Hung Windows /Image Credit: Milgard
Andersen E-Series Double-Hung Windows (wood interior, aluminum exterior)
Andersen A-Series Double-Hung Windows (wood interior, fiberglass exterior)
Andersen 400 Series Woodwright Double-Hung Windows (wood interior, vinyl exterior)
Andersen 400 Series Double-Hung Windows (wood interior, vinyl exterior)
Andersen 200 Series Double-Hung Windows (wood interior, vinyl exterior)
Milgard Essence Series Double-Hung Windows (wood interior, fiberglass exterior)
Milgard Essence Series Double-Hung Windows /Image Credit: Milgard
Block and tackle balances aren’t the most popular because they’re an amazing piece of technology, they just happen to be one of the best options currently available. As technology advances manufacturers grow and develop new products and window vendors adapt to these changes as well.
Prior to the introduction of block and tackle balance systems, hung windows used weight and cord or spiral balances. Original weight and cord balance systems were big and bulky, taking up more space in the window jambs. Spiral balances gained popularity after WWII, they were smaller than weight and cord balances allowing window vendors to fit windows with more glass surface into the rough openings. Unfortunately, spiral balances weren’t as durable because the steel material is susceptible to rust. Spiral balances are also known to bend and break within its tube encasement.
Block and tackle systems are small, taking up less space in the jamb like spiral balances but are much more durable.
You can learn more about block and tackle balances in our post Block and Tackle Balances Explained.
Window Balances 101 explains everything you need to know about window balances. You’ll want to read this if your windows are difficult to open or won’t stay open.
Block and tackle window (channel) balances are one of the most widely used balance systems in residential windows today. We’ll explain everything there is to know in this post.
Learn the differences between two of the most popular modern window balances in our post comparing block and tackle vs constant force window balances.