Currently one of the most common window balances block and tackle window balance systems includes a combination of two or more pulleys a cord and a spring.
Block and tackle vs constant force window balance.
Drawbacks of constant force window balances.
What is the best window balance system.
In addition as the cord or tackle is pulled by the movement of the sash it st.
That said a constant force is still a good balance system.
Lately most window manufacturers switched to constant force or block and tackle.
Block and tackle balances use extension spring force to counterbalance the weight of a window sash.
Spiral balance system the spiral balance relies on tension applied to spiral rod inside a balance tube.
Our choice for best window balance is the constant force window balance.
Window units with this system leave wiggle room for the sash so the seal is not as tight compared to windows with other.
When the spring is fully extended like it would be in a closed lower sash the spring force.
Marvin windows which are the most expensive come with a block and tackle which can handle alot of weight.
Benefits of block and tackle window balances.
The three most commonly used replacement window balance systems are the spiral balance the coil balance and the self tensioning block and tackle balance.
The pulleys are grouped as the block to reduce the load the homeowner feels.
Constant force balances are the newest type of balance and currently both constant force and block and tackle systems are popular choices for window manufacturers.
Block and tackle balances are used on wood fiberglass and composite windows while constant force balances are more common on vinyl windows.
Spiral balance spiral balances were initially very popular in wood and metal windows and migrated to some of the earliest replacement thermal pane window systems.
Can handle heavy window sashes.
Constant force vs block and tackle 11 post by prosteelheader fri jan 22 2010 1 22 am block and tackle is a lot quieter.
The arrangement of the pulleys and cord provide a 5 1 travel characteristic.
Back to table of contents.
This means that the sash can travel 5 times the total spring extension.
Both systems can be installed on hung window frames made of all materials the last statement is just an observation from the products we have direct experience with.
Constant force balances tend to be noisy as the coils are stretched and retracted on the rollers that are inside their keepers.
Block and tackle are more expensive for a company to stock and that is one of the main reasons companies opt to use constant force.