How to replace milgard window balancers

[@jaykay436]

Dude, you’re a lifesaver, that was the best DIY video I’ve seen in years. The Milgard warranty people are useless for second owners of “lifetime warranty” windows. You just saved me about $400 in quoted handyman labor for something that took me about an hour to do. You rock! ❤

[@SWISCO]

A couple years later, and we've stumbled on your awesome video! Thanks for the shout out!

[@patsyhawley5592]

I'm amazed how easy it was to take out and put back balance with your video!! One of mine had come loose and I was able to take it out and put it back in, thanks to you. Your directions were so thorough and clear. Thank you again so much!!!!

[@wesjulielandon]

Thanks for taking the time to save all the rest of us time and money. Your steps were exactly what I need to replace channel balances in 10 older Midgard windows in my home. And, to answer the question about why Milgard makes it almost impossible to get replacement parts, they'd rather we call their sales people and be lectured on why we should buy new windows instead of replacing the cheap parts and extending the life of perfectly good windows. They have no interest in us "second owners" of aging homes expect to sell us new windows.

[@vitus9792]

Thank you for your video!! I struggled trying to find a replacement balance myself and the gentleman at Lowe's found one he believed may help me but at twice the cost. So, using your video I was able to navigate the Swisco site, order the replacement balances, and complete the remove/replace with no problems. Thanks again, you saved me a lot of time and money. Take care, Rich

[@timviken8972]

Great video. Thank you! Had watched it several months ago when our windows were giving us problems and again a couple days ago, but stopped before you measured the width at the bottom. Then I decided it was a good time to pull the window out. I remembered to measure the length and weight, but forgot about the width at the bottom shoe. I too narrowed it down to the 380 & 385 and now, two days later, I finished watching your video. Lucky me, I need the exact same model as you and can reason to the 1" width from all the pictures I took. Thanks again.

[@dwainchristensen6467]

Another option is the note the numbers in-between the panes of glass at the top of the window. You can call 1-800-milgard, give them those numbers and they will send you replacements. Milgard has a life time guarantee. They will send you replacement balancers free of charge. Just did two of my windows. Good how to video as well. Thanks!

[@buck4mt]

Thanks for the comment Dwain - hopefully other visitors will see it and know that they can likely get free replacements from Milgard. It was a while ago now, so I can't recall if I tried to call Milgard or if I only visited their website? I did stop by an authorized seller, but they said just to contact Milgard. I only had time on the weekends to work on it - so that may have been my issue?? Oh well. Again, thanks for leaving a comment - I really hope it helps others looking to get free replacements! :)

[@daranddavies7388]

@@buck4mt also - Milgard balances are (or used to be) manufactured by a company called BSI. They will have a series and 'size' stamped on the side of that. This model number or 'size' gives you the length and weight, etc and if you goodle that model number into google you will find it from a number of suppliers. For example if yours says BSI 2710, google that and you will find supply companies that can get you the exact replacement part. (Including Swisco) Just makes it easier than taking the sash out and weighing it... measuring it, etc, etc. The only tool you need is a pencil and paper. :-)

[@daranddavies7388]

It is actually really easy - Milgard does make it very easy. If you go to 3:30 of this video it actually shows the only thing you need to order new balances. It says '25 5 Caldwell' that is the model number. It might also say BSI and a number. You can order these from Amazon or go to a local residential glass shop and they can order.

[@buck4mt]

I'm glad you found it easy. I wouldn't have known that was the model number and getting in touch with them with my schedule seemed difficult for me. I also even stopped at a few hardware stores (one that carried the brand), and none of them were helpful at the time. So, that's why I ended up making this video. However, had I known that was a model number and that I could find them on Amazon, I bet it would have seemed easier. Good things to know! Thanks for sharing!

[@tedgilliam3811]

Thank you so much for this video - extremely helpful. Didn't even know these were called "window balancers" before watching - let alone how to replace them. On another note, I share your frustration with Milgard. After fighting with them on the warranty (what difference does it make for warranty purposes who owns the house) they wouldn't even respond to requests for directions on how to repair.

[@buck4mt]

I’m so glad you found the video helpful. I hope your repair goes well.

[@notprogressive4231]

Thanks for taking the time to save all the rest of us time and money. And, to answer the question about why Milgard makes it almost impossible to get replacement parts, they'd rather we call their sales people and be lectured on why we should buy new windows instead of replacing the cheap parts and extending the life of perfectly good windows. They have no interest in us "second owners" of aging homes expect to sell us new windows.

[@malcolmmcleod3234]

Excellent detailed explanation of method and components plus I additionally applaud your call-out - "rant"as you described it - to the manufacturer, too often they take the consumer for granted, hopefully they took note of your very prescient comments!

[@michellehaskins2840]

Thank you so much for this information. I, too, am the second owner of the house/windows and apparently, according to Milgard, if you are the second owner and the windows are only 10 years old, they will honor the warranty. My house is 11 years old. It took me WEEKS to find out that the warranty had expired, but once I was in contact with a person, it wasn't terribly horrible. I had a pretty good experience with the Milgard service department in Denver, with the parts being pretty reasonably priced. All I had to do is give him the numbers that were on the old balancers, but I was glad for your video on how to get to them. Thanks again.

[@ParamjitSingh-lz8sk]

I am in the process of selling my house, inspection guy got me!!!! windows are fine. few not opening properly or staying open. hopefully this will save me ton of trouble.... will post in few days ... how went down..... regardless what happens to my project...video is excellent. Thanks......

[@buck4mt]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. Be sure to also see the comment from redlandsrunner below. He wasn't the original owner and was able to call Milgard and get free replacements. So, if you are able to call them, perhaps that's best?? Good luck with your project and selling your home!!

[@redlandsrunner]

Great video! I never realized how easy it was to fix the balancers. After reading the reviews below, I was able to find the serial numbers of my problem windows, and I called Milgard directly to order replacement balancers. I'm not the original property owner, and the windows are 12 years old, however Milgard sent me two pairs of replacement balancers for free as a courtesy! Thank you for getting me started on this project.

[@buck4mt]

Great! I think the comments everyone has added are likely just as helpful, if not more helpful than my video. Thanks for sharing your comment too. I’m glad you took Penguin King’s advice and was able to get the balancers for free. That makes my day!

[@brucedonovan2224]

I work for a company that owns commercial property with these windows. I actually called Millgard because I couldn't find the balances on their website either. The help line told me they do not sell direct to the public. You have to be a contractor or supply house to get parts directly from Milgard.

[@timboeve99]

Just saw your video, thanks. Your explanation was clear and your "rant" was right on target. Hopefully later today when I replace one of the broken channel balancers, (the nylon pulley string was broke). I was able to purchase a replacement for a fully assembled balancer, at a local Milgard Window dealer. Thanks for taking the time to put the video together. Tim in Sonoma, Ca.

[@timconnelly694]

Keep in mind, most window companies make windows, not the hardware used in their products. Hardware/balances is an outsourced part and something they all share and have in common. Most channel balances are the same, with the exception of the end plastic attachments. The window manufacturer chooses which attachments are best suited for their product and design. This is why Swisco carries a wide variety of channel balances with different attachments . Swisco balances are fully assembled and ready to install when delivered.

[@billshultz302]

I too have milgard windows... I agree with your rant about milgard... went straight to swisco and easily ordered my parts. The video is excellent in the description of how to replace it. You can easily see how and where everything goes together...very good instructions on whole process. Thank you

[@buck4mt]

Thanks for the comment! I’m glad you found the video helpful!

[@billshultz302]

Buck4mt....we received our parts a day earlier.... unbelievable the ease of the repair....saved us a lot of money......thank you

[@volt4224]

Thank you for swisco

[@jimhurner4299]

This video was such an incredible help in all steps of replacing the balances. Thank you for the complete, detailed instructions. I had to watch it 3 times, but it was worth it.

[@buck4mt]

Sorry you had to watch it 3 times - but I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for taking a moment to leave a comment!

[@jimmills9324]

The perfect video to show me how to replace broken balancers. I agree that Milgard falsely advertises a life time warranty since it is only valid to the original owner.

[@REGGIE142]

This is a great video. It's most helpful and comprehensive video I found searching through KZbin. Thanks!!!!

[@buck4mt]

I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks for such a kind comment, it makes my day!

[@zzibiya]

I placed a custom order for the balance at Home Depot and fixed the windows by learning from you. Thank you.

[@buck4mt]

I'm glad it help! Thanks for leaving me a quick note to let me know - it makes my day. Cheers!

[@eslita1]

Excellent video, i was able to take the window out and order the balances using your guide ! For the weight ,the Swisco website said to look at the balance ,it is stamped on it. That's what i did. But i still weigh the window for good measure. Thanks!

[@bobclift1147]

I agree with your feeling about Milgard. I too am in a house that's 20 years old and the warranty doesn't transfer. Milgard was a complete joke. After being run around in circles they sent me an email saying to look on the Milgard website and find a dealer in my area. I could choose from the dealers to have someone replace my balancers which have now failed in 5 of my windows. Not a one of the 5 dealers listed would come out and repair them, they either said they only worked on windows they installed or they'd be happy to sell me new windows, to the tune of $6,000 plus! My windows don't have the clips on the top of the slider area and NOBODY at Milgard knows how to remove/replace the balancers. Safe to say when I do replace my window, Milgard is NOT going back in. Thanks for the tip about swisco. I'm going to order from them and see if I can figure it out.

[@buck4mt]

Thanks for the comment and sorry to hear about the hassle dealing with Milgard. I hope you were able to order some new balancers and your windows are working better (without having to spend thousands of dollars)!!

[@whitetowncar]

Thank you so much for your video. I just bought an older home with milgard windows and many of them need new balancers. Mine have a printed number on the balancer ( 2040) so that made it easy to order the new ones from swisco which your video directed me to. Thanks again

[@chrisstarke6240]

Excellent and very helpful video. I needed to replace several balancers. I got them from MilGard with no issues. However, they do not sell weatherstripping. So, Swisco it is!

[@nickd8976]

Great video. This old man in California thanks you. Ps. I’m the original owner and getting help from Milgard might be easy, but I haven’t figured out what the secret is to get it.

[@cyberprofiler7828]

Thanks for this video and sharing the website to order those balancers. We just purchased a house and this will save me from having to replace all my windows.

[@cozcalconcozcalcon7802]

I just wanted to thank you for this helpful video. I purchased 7 brand new Pella windows for Lowes. A licensed contractor did install the windows and my new Larson storm door. After the contractor installed them and left for the day I opened one of the windows. One of the balancers came up out of the window not allowing it to close properly. I asked the contractor the next day about it but he had no idea. My mother reminded me that KZbin has a video for everything. So I found your video and was able to fix the balancer problem myself. Thank you so much for this great video.

[@buck4mt]

I'm glad the video was helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice comment. Makes my day - Thanks!

[@yayaroon]

super helpful. we are in the same situation. Milgard warranty depends on install but the lifetime only covers original owner or first 10 years. If you are a second home owner, do check if the warranty is valid. Would have been great if the prior owners had clued into this and exercised the warranty before sale!

[@paulkluempers3945]

Excellent video. I'm sure others have commented, but most wilndow mfg try to force repairs through their distributors.

[@devaette]

Great video and hats off for telling the truth about Milgard. We are in the same boat but dont really know if balances will fix our problem. That said if I have to replace the windows I probably WONT go with MILGARD

[@kimpliny]

The best video I have watched on replacing the balancer! Comprehensive and in great detail. Thank you so much!!

[@buck4mt]

Thank you for the comment! I'm so glad you found the video helpful!

[@Woodenarrows]

Hey thanks a bunch. I really appreciate the details of identifying the correct channel balance. Other videos just show how to remove and replace. I also have a 20 yr old house. One of my balances has broken in the upstairs window. I'm researching the "how to" of this repair. Your video is a great help, thanks again for the details...

[@buck4mt]

I'm so happy to hear it helped! Thanks for the comment and letting me know. Good luck with your repair!

[@chrisrugg3501]

Thank you. This was beyond helpful. Made the removal and installation a breeze. I didn’t swear once and my wife and daughter noticed!

[@buck4mt]

I can't tell you how happy your comment made me. I love that your wife and daughter noticed that you didn't swear once - too funny! Nice work and thanks for the comment!

[@sem3p]

Awesome video! Thank you very much for posting this. It was exactly what I needed to tackle the same project on our 11-year-old house (1 year out of the Milgard 10-year warranty for subsequent owners).

[@penguinking4830]

Great video. I hope this won't kill your swisco endorsement deal. The Milgard website doesn't work well as a parts replacement site. I did find one feature that was amazingly helpful: the phone number. I actually called them and they were incredibly helpful. They told me where to find the serial number on my window. That gave them everything they needed to know and they sent the parts free of charge (I am not the original owner).

[@buck4mt]

Ha! Too funny - don't worry at all about the "swisco endorsement deal", I wasn't counting on that panning out anyway. :) I'm glad the folks at Milgard were helpful and thanks for sharing. Hopefully that will help others!

[@haileysstars2868]

This video is super helpful. The comments have been helpful as well. Based on the comments, I called Milgard Customer Service today but I was told because I am the second owner, the parts are not covered under the warranty. They told me that I should use their website to find a local dealer where I can order the parts. Oh well, I gave it I try. I'll stick with the Swisco.com website recommended in this video. That will be much easier than going through a local dealer as this video already explains everything. Thank you again for making this video. Calling Milgard was no help.

[@buck4mt]

Sorry to hear you weren't able to get free replacements from Milgard. On the other hand, I'm happy that this video was helpful and I'm hoping the rest of the upgrade process goes smoothly. Cheers!

[@mymonster156]

I got good at it. Half the Milgard windows in my house fogged up. I paid for new ones (no warranty as i was second owner) and installed myself. Easy after the first one, 20 later i was an expert!

[@fjack1588]

SWISCO is great. After looking at hundreds, maybe a thousand styles of snap in glazing inserts, I tried SWISCO help online and just sent a picture of my old snap ins and wow! I was actually surprised to get a positive response, I figured it was a lost cause. The item he mentioned seemed right to i ordered and the six foo glazing inserts came within a few days. Great company.

[@johnshinstock1975]

Thanks, this was super helpful! The window parts supplier website is terrible but there doesn't seem to be many options.

[@michaelferguson6864]

Great video, I'll subscribe. Bought a house with Milgard Windows. In my case the lifetime guarantee also covered the second buyer for only 10 years after original purchase. We were the third buyer and do not have any guarantee. The windows totally suck. Worst windows ever. Almost all windows have failed and most windows have fog and even suction cup marks between the panes of glass. Quality control non existent. If you are looking for windows go for Marvin.

[@runningwithwolvesss]

THANK YOU! I've been looking everywhere for a clear tutorial on this. Well done.

[@Bhil3]

Helpful video especially where to get them. I was searching all over to source the right ones.

[@rbhateja]

Very useful, clear and comprehensive instructions. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@stevenakn1]

Great job on the video! Not only do i know what kind of Windows i have but how to fix them as well 👍

[@buck4mt]

Thanks & I'm so happy to hear it was helpful for you!

[@dickgrimshaw515]

Very good video - clear and easy instructions. Altogether very helpful. Thank you.

[@wstt4]

I called Home Depot, gave them the numbers on my balancers which I saw written on them, when taking the window out temporarily. Home depot ordered them from Milgard and I put them in. No weights or measurements to take, just two numbers on the sides of the balancers. I do agree they are cheaply made.

[@petervalaas5037]

Thanks so much for your helpful video. I have a Milgard window that has a broken balancer and I will follow your directions to replace. Agree with your frustration with Milgard site being totally unhelpful for replacement parts. Very odd as typically manufacturer's sites are easy to maneuver and helpful.

[@umscott]

thank you for the video! it was so useful and easy to follow!!! your explanation is just perfect!!!

[@realestatevideos4270]

Excellent explanation, thank you very much. Also how to order online is very important. You made me save money

[@danmcdrummond6656]

I followed your steps that are great. However I just needed to add a small about of clean oil to the pulleys and that worked, well at least for now.

[@phillipdickinson6378]

Perfect instructional video! Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@XavierPil]

wow finally THE video i needed!!!!!! So well done and precise! Thanks

[@fazalsalim6230]

Thanks your video is very easy to follow and easy to understand!

[@gpdmarty]

Nice video. But I never had any problem ordering from Millard. It was also easy to have them do it. The only issue is waiting for parts or service, for me it was 6 to 8 weeks.

[@exhilarationaccelerationpo9082]

Actually Milgard does make it easy to order replacement window parts, for their windows. While Measurements are always a very good thing BUT, to take out some of the uncertainty, compare your measures to the order number located on the upper left corner (as installed) inside the slider channel, to easily buy replacement parts. I know this helps.

[@bobclift1147]

My windows did not have the order number in the upper left corner, nor was it anywhere else in the slider channel. Milgard was zero help when I called/emailed them, which I did probably 10 times. Everybody I spoke to at Milgard said they didn't know what kind of Milgards mine are. And yes, they are for sure Milgard.

[@exhilarationaccelerationpo9082]

@@bobclift1147 Yours maybe custom cut to fit you window frame. Hence, the Tab was removed. Milgards, are EZ to take apart once removed and panes are EZ to remove in frame. No, I have had Zero, 0 luck with Buying parts, here in Washington State, very little luck with Buying parts even with the Tab information and way better luck buying panes from other companies to fit Except, for Buying the complete assembly taking the parts I need and tossing the rest (Some times I can find a Milgard Dealer with a broken Standard window for cheap and toss the broken part). However, all this Bad luck maybe Attributed to Me not being a Milgard Certified Contractor. Also, Milgard has no problem cutting windows to fit or custom fits and charging extra. Might be because, they know, you will not be back without buying a complete custom cut window again and Fiddle faddle. Been there done that! Recommend always trim your window frame to fit Standard Size Milgard windows, not the other way around (Live and learn). :)

[@ericspeltier]

Dude, this video was EXACTLY what I needed. Thanks!

[@khiemnguyen6085]

Best instruction on window repair

[@buck4mt]

Wow - thanks for the super kind comment!

[@martyrunik]

Excellent video!! Very detailed and I agree with your rant.

[@dgsame]

Thank you for the video. It helped me fix our bathroom window.

[@bearfoot100]

Thank you!!! This is just what I needed. I have the same rant about Milgard.

[@buck4mt]

I’m so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for leaving me a comment and letting me know.

[@18october51]

Thank you! Great information and advice!

[@shawnhamze6898]

This is a great video and was very clear and helpful . Thank you so very much .

[@webulone5777]

THANKS FOR VIDEO VERY well done nd very informative.

[@cesar8ramirez]

In case this wasn’t answered by anyone yet, the reason that you won’t be able to find it on the Milgard website is because you have to be a distributor to order parts.

[@buck4mt]

Ah...that makes sense. Still frustrating. Perhaps I should try to become a distributor?! Ha! ;) Thanks for the comment!

[@ldjldj]

This video just helped me big time.

[@luisronaldguerrero814]

Hell of a great video! Help a lot!

[@luisquintero3126]

GREAT video brother!!

[@williamswanfeld38]

Your grade for this is A+++

[@TigerDave]

Wow. Same exact issue here. Milgard windows that screech when opening/closing. 17 YO house, 2nd owner, so windows are not warranted -- but your rant is!

[@DougHardester-gz1gq]

There is usually a number on the sash channel to match

[@Quikshiver]

Thanks for this. Very helpful.

[@EliasOviedo]

Thanks for the very helpful video.

[@hollywood5703]

Only one side balancer? I hate these windows. Just moved into new house, many windows were very tight. I just paid a glass company $348 to replace two windows. I won't be doing that again. If I had to have them do it again, I'd choose to never open the windows again. Thank you for the video. Will do it myself next time.

[@buck4mt]

There should be a balancer on each side - so each window should have two balancers. I'm glad you found the video helpful - sorry it sounds like it was a little too late though.

[@hollywood5703]

Thank you. Another spring sprung the other day, now the window won’t stay up at all, so it will be my first practice window.

[@rafaelarriaga3371]

Thanks. I needed that help. I have the same problem.

[@buck4mt]

I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks for leaving a comment, it makes my day to hear it was helpful. Cheers!

[@thewishmastur]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@buck4mt]

I'm so glad you found it helpful. Thanks for taking a moment to leave a comment - it makes my day. Happy New Year!

[@KeokiDude]

Great job and video- thanks.

[@billtalbot3042]

Excellent, thanks!

[@Thukah_tv]

Great video tytyty!

[@guachito33]

i have the same window, only two years old... my problem is the window stops about two inches before hitting the bottom, it just doesnt go all the way down..... any idea what might be ?

[@buck4mt]

Hi Luifer, I'm not certain? It could be possible that it is an issue with one (or both) of the balancers, but it could be something else that the window is catching on. If you have another window in your house that is the same size, maybe you could try swapping the balancers and see if the problem moves with the balancers or if it stays at the same window? If you don't have another window of the same size/style, you could also try to remove the balancers and put the window in without them - just to see if you can better discover what might be stopping the window and to determine if the balancers are the problem or if something else is interfering with it? Good luck!

[@suzanneevans4551]

What a great video!!! Had no idea to fix my windows. You gave me great instructions on how to fix without being condescending. Plus you gave me great websites!!! Thank you!!!!

[@AmIonArock]

very well done, thank you for all info

[@mikewillis87]

My metal piece is 28.5 inches and the product only comes is full inches. Should I go long or short?

[@mikewillis87]

I just called swisco and they recommended to always go long. In my case I have 28.5 so I'll be ordering 29. Hope this helps someone!

[@buck4mt]

@@mikewillis87 Great to know! I saw your question and was just looking to see if I could determine which is best... when I noticed you answered your own question! Thanks for posting and sharing! I'm sure it will be helpful to someone else. Thanks again!

[@A7Xknowsbest]

Awesome! Great job!

[@kf6rcp]

How do you remove the top window(stationary)? My glass is broke on that one.

[@buck4mt]

Sorry, that's above my pay grade. ;) We had to replace the glass in one of our windows, but we called and paid a local glass person to come and replace the glass. So, I'm not any help on that one. Good Luck!

[@idig63]

I have same milgard windows. The some of my windows require a lot muscle to pull down to latch closed. Balancers do not appear to be broken it just feels like the springs are too stong or stiff. The balancers do not appear to be adjustable for spring tension/resistance. Anyone else have this problem or is that why people replace them? Not broken per se just feel too stiff

[@XavierPil]

BTW how did you find the brand of your window? I have the same issue and I don't see a sticker or branding on the windows...

[@buck4mt]

Our windows have branding on them where the window latches (to lock it closed). Just to over clarify, at the beginning of the video (7 seconds in), I rest my hand on the latch where the logo is. I hope this helps - good luck!

[@MrDely0325]

Thank you save me headache.,👍

[@wolfepup]

Thank you, very much!

[@buck4mt]

You’re welcome- I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@TIm_Bugge]

sooooper helpful

[@stinkfinger]

thanks so much!

[@MrBluesina]

call Milguard for free replacement balancers...they have a lifetime warranty...at least mine did.

[@buck4mt]

Thanks for adding a note Joel - It's great to hear that Milgard replaced your balancers for free!! Hopefully others that come across this video see your comment and see there is a high probability to get them free.

[@robreynoso5515]

SUPPOSED TO BE A LIFETIME GAURANTEE WITH MILGARD. CHECK THERE WEBSITE FOR WARRANTY CALL

[@bonnieo4501]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@ClaudiaJohnsonWellness]

Thank you Sir!