sliding sash windows - weights or springs?

[Nige]

I am renovating an old farmhouse and will be putting in new wooden sliding sash windows. Some of the window openings are very narrow and so the weights system will mean there is very room for glass.

However, I have an idea (garnered from where I don't know) that I'd be better off going for the weights & pulley system rather than the slimmer springs.

If any of you have any experience in this, I'd appreciate your input.

 

[NHG]

Where I work they use mostly the pre-tensioned spiral balance system and there are never any problems with them, the only issue that I have with them is that the balance either has to be groved into the sash or the window frame and you can see it, we also use another system called swifsash, I personally would prefer it as it is totally hidden but it is more expensive and it only works efficiently on small windows.

Definately if width is an issue, forget the weights and pulleys.

 

[Nige]

thanks for your response NHG.

After looking at the windows again, I realised that weights and pulleys were never going to be an option in the upstairs windows, so springs it is. The swifsash option sounds interesting, I'll investigate that further.

 

[S.L.F]

Where I work they use mostly the pre-tensioned spiral balance system and there are never any problems with them, the only issue that I have with them is that the balance either has to be groved into the sash or the window frame and you can see it, we also use another system called swifsash, I personally would prefer it as it is totally hidden but it is more expensive and it only works efficiently on small windows.

Definately if width is an issue, forget the weights and pulleys.

^^^What NHG said^^^

First preference is always weights and pulleys but if you can get it in then use a balance system.

If it is an old cottage the room ought to be there to take the weights unless the windows were originally casement windows