Sash Cord Replacement in London

A snapped sash cord is the commonest fault on a box sash window, and one of the simplest to put right. When a cord breaks, the weight on that side drops down inside the frame and the sash will no longer stay up on its own — it slides shut, or sits lopsided and jams. We replace broken sash cords throughout London and re-hang the sashes so they balance and hold at any height again.

How the repair is done

The lower sash is held in by the staff beads and runs against the parting bead, with a cord on each side tied to a counterweight hidden in the box frame. To renew the cords we ease off the beads, take the sash out, and open the pockets in the frame to reach the weights. We fit new cord — a good waxed cotton or nylon-cored sash line — over the pulleys, tie it back to the weights, and re-hang the sash so it is balanced and holds where you leave it.

We always recommend renewing the cords on both sides, and on both sashes where the upper sash is also corded, even if only one has gone. The others are usually the same age and will not be far behind, and it costs little more to do them while the window is apart.

While the sash is out

With the window open it is the natural time to put right anything else that has worn:

• Worn or seized axle pulleys renewed so the cords run smoothly
• Missing or wrong-weight sash weights matched so the sash balances
• Split staff beads and parting beads replaced
• Draught-proofing brush seal fitted while the sash is out (see draught-proofing)
• Any rot in the sash or sill cut out and repaired

Signs your sash cords need replacing

The window will not stay up and drops shut on its own; the sash feels heavy or uneven to lift; you can hear a weight fall inside the frame; or one cord has visibly frayed or broken. If one cord has gone, treat the rest as due.

Free estimate

Tell us how many windows are affected and where you are in London, with a photo or two if you can, and we will let you know what re-cording will cost. Please get in touch for a free, no-obligation estimate.