Sash cord replacement
Snapped cords re-corded in waxed cotton and the weights re-balanced, so the sash glides and stays where you put it — £250 + VAT per window.
A broken sash cord is why a sash slams shut, will not stay open, or sits crooked in the frame. We take the sashes out, open the weight pockets, re-cord both sides in waxed cotton and re-balance the weights. £250 + VAT per window, done in a single visit.
What the job involves
- Beads removed and both sashes taken out carefully
- Weight pockets opened and the old cord and nails cleared
- New waxed cotton cord fitted over the pulleys
- Weights matched to the sash so it balances at any height
- Pulleys freed off, beads refitted and the window tested
Cords rarely fail on their own. While the sashes are out we check the pulleys, the beads and the timber around the joints, and tell you plainly if anything else needs doing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a sash cord?
£250 + VAT per window. That covers both sides of the window, because once one cord has gone the other is the same age and usually follows within a year or two.
Can you replace just one cord?
We can, but we do not recommend it. Both cords are the same age and have had the same wear, so replacing the pair saves paying twice for the same access work.
What cord do you use?
Waxed cotton sash cord, which is what the windows were built for. It beds into the pulley and lasts decades, unlike the nylon cord often used as a quick fix.
My sash drops or will not stay open — is that the cord?
Usually. Either a cord has snapped or the weights no longer balance the sash. Both are fixed in the same visit: we open the pockets, re-cord, and adjust the weights to match the sash.
How long does it take?
Two to three hours for a typical window. We work from inside, dust-sheeted, and the window is usable the same day.
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