Sash Cord, Pulley & Weight Repairs

We specialise in sash cord replacement, pulley maintenance and weight adjustment across Sussex, Surrey and Kent. Our sash cord repair service is ideal for homeowners whose windows are no longer operating smoothly.

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Home / Our Services / Sash Cords, Pulleys and Weights

If your sash window is difficult to open, drops unexpectedly or won’t stay up, the most likely cause is a broken or worn sash cord. Sash Window Experts provide professional sash cord replacement, pulley maintenance and counterbalance weight adjustment for period timber sash windows across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

With over 30 years’ experience, our sash window specialists restore the full, smooth operation of your windows without compromising their original character.

Sash Cord Repair & Replacement

A broken or worn sash cord is the most common reason a sash window stops working correctly. Common signs that your sash cord needs attention include:

Window won’t stay open: The sash slides down immediately after being lifted or slams shut unexpectedly.
Difficulty operating: The window is heavy to lift, jams or sticks in place.
Visible damage: Cords appear frayed, snapped or very thin where they pass over the pulley.
Uneven movement: One side of the window hangs lower than the other or feels lopsided when moved.
Thudding from inside the frame: A clunking sound from inside the frame indicates a counterweight has fallen

What the Service Involves

Full re-cording: We check all four cords in a box sash window and in most cases replace all of them, not just the one that has failed, as cords deteriorate at the same rate.
Modern replacement cords: Improved cords are used throughout, with extra strong cords specified for double-glazed sashes to handle the additional weight.
Complete restoration: The sash is removed from the frame, re-corded and rehung, restoring the window to full working order.

Sash windows on Victorian semi detached property

Sash Cord Repairs for Traditional Sash Windows

Sash cord repairs need to be carried out with a proper understanding of how traditional sash windows work. Our approach focuses on careful repairs that help the window open, close and balance correctly.

What Our Customers Say

    
 
 
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    Melanie Simpkin 
 
 
 
  Excellent work done by the whole team. Great customer service through the entire project. Thank you!
  
 
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    Megan Russell 
 
 
 
  We recently had all of our sash windows double glazed by Sash Window Experts and are very pleased with the whole process. Mark and his team were fantastic from start to finish. They were always on time, polite and incredibly considerate of being in our house. They did a fantastic job of replacing the old Victorian sashes with new double glazed units and we can't recommend them highly enough.
  
 
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    Geoff P-W 
 
 
 
  These guys fully deserve their 5 star status, the work that they do is exceptional.  Having bought a new period property with windows that were in need of attention we contacted several companies, and chose Sash Window Experts on the basis of Mark’s original survey and quote.  Mark showed his love for repair and restoration during the initial visit, and came up with options and solutions to look at windows and doors in our house. Work started on time, and was completed to a very high standard.  Given the size of our project we had a variety of people on site at different times, all of whom were a pleasure to have around, and who have that same love for their craft that Mark has.  A special shout out to John, who worked with us on a number of things, and always came up with a great solution. We’d highly recommend Sash Window Experts.
  
 
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    Robert Lawder 
 
 
 
  Mark, Lisa and their team - Steve, Matt, Ollie and Pete repaired 9 badly decayed sash windows on our Victorian house in a conservation area. The work was finished to high quality, beautifully done and beautifully painted.  The team was careful and considerate throughout. They kept to time and came in slightly under the quote value, accounting for elements of the original frames that they were able to repair rather than replace.  I would wholeheartedly recommend them for work in a heritage setting.
  
 
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    Simon Pugh 
 
 
 
  Sash Windows Experts did a fantastic job replacing our Victorian sashes. The quality of the work and the professionalism of the team was outstanding. Many thanks, Mark and the crew!
  
 
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    micaela hobbs 
 
 
 
  I cannot praise this company enough. Mark and the entire team, who renovated all the rotten, old and drafty sash windows in our small flat, have been amazing. Gary, Steve and Ollie were, without exception, professional, courteous, great craftsmen and clean and tidy. The quality of the windows, both from the workshop and on site renovations is excellent and the style exactly as the old windows once were. Communication was also easy. I can highly recommend this company. Thanks to all the team.
  
 
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    Tony Kendall 
 
 
 
  So glad we used Sash Window Experts for our job….replacing old window sashes for new double glazed ones. Gary and Steve are great craftsmen and lovely people. We would certainly use this company again, and highly recommend it to others.
  
 
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    Robert Hamberger 
 
 
 
  This is the second time we have used Sash Window Experts, and we went back to them for hardwood double-glazing of our second bay window because we were so pleased with how professionally they worked previously, and the excellent results. They were prompt and attentive as ever - real experts in their field. We're delighted with the standard of their work, and would highly recommend them. The windows look great. Update: We have now (May 2024) used Sash Window Experts for the third time for hardwood double-glazed sash windows for our kitchen and second bedroom, to complete window renovation in our flat. They're as professional as ever, prompt and efficient, clean up well after themselves and the work was completed to a high standard in two days, as they said. We continue to recommend sash Window Experts.
  
 
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    Michael Bennison 
 
 
 
  A very professional job, carried out to a high standard. No problems and courteous and pleasant craftsmen. "Did what it says on the tin" Mjb
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 48 reviews

Installation of new hard wood sash windows with double glazed laminated glass 1

Sash Window Pulley & Weight Services

As part of every re-cording visit, we lubricate the pulley axles so the cords run freely. We also check the counterbalance weights and correct them where necessary. Incorrectly weighted sashes are a common cause of operating problems, even when the cords themselves are intact.

Not all sash windows use the same pulley and weight system. Traditional box sash windows use pulleys and counterbalance weights, while some windows, particularly those from the mid-20th century or later replacements, use spring balances or spiral balances instead. Modern sash windows often use pre-tensioned balances that eliminate pulleys altogether.

Whichever system your window uses, we have the expertise to repair and restore it.

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Our Sash Cord Repair Process

Every job follows the same careful process to restore your window to full working order:

1. Remove the sash from the frame:

We take out the sash along with any stops, parting beads and trim to gain full access to the cord and pulley system.

2. Remove the old cords and access the weights:

Existing cords are cut and removed from the pulley. The pocket covers on either side of the frame are opened and the counterbalance weights are detached and removed for inspection.

3. Check and correct the counterbalance weights:

We verify the weights are correctly matched to the sash and adjust the balance where necessary before fitting the new cords.

4. Fit new cords and lubricate the pulleys:

New cords are measured, cut and threaded through the pulleys and tied securely. Pulley axles are lubricated so the window runs smoothly.

5. Clean and prepare the sash:

Before re-hanging, we clear any paint build-up from the running surfaces and clean and reattach the sash furniture so the sash sits and moves correctly in the frame.

6. Rehang and test:

The sash is reinstalled with the new cords properly aligned and tested for smooth, balanced operation. Once we are satisfied the window is running correctly, the stops, parting beads and trim are refitted.

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Sash Cord Repair vs. Full Renovation

If your window mechanism has failed but the timber frame is in good condition, a sash cord repair is usually all that’s needed to restore full function. This is a direct service that addresses the cord, pulley and counterbalance system without the wider scope of a full renovation.

If your windows also show signs of timber decay, paint build-up, draught issues or more significant structural wear, a full sash window renovation may be the better option. We assess every window individually and will always advise on the most suitable course of action before any work begins.

Can I Replace a Sash Cord Myself?

Replacing a sash cord involves removing the sash from the frame, accessing the pulley system and correctly calibrating the counterbalance weights. The process requires the right tools, technical knowledge and an understanding of how the cord, pulley and weight system works together. Incorrect installation can place uneven stress on the remaining cords and lead to further failures.

For these reasons, sash cord replacement is best left to a specialist. Our team has over 30 years’ experience working on period sash windows across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Why Choose Sash Window Experts?

30+ years of specialist experience: We have spent over three decades specialising in the repair and restoration of period sash windows across the South East.
Family-run, specialist team: We are a small, family-run business with a dedicated team of sash window specialists who take pride in the quality of every job.
Covering Sussex, Surrey and Kent: We carry out sash cord repairs across the South East, serving homeowners in Sussex, Surrey and Kent from our workshop in Surrey.
Free no-obligation survey: Before any work begins, Mark will assess your windows in person, with no obligation to proceed.
5-star rated: We are proud to hold a 5-star Google rating from homeowners across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do sash windows work?

Sash windows operate using a vertical sliding mechanism. Each sash is counterbalanced by a pair of weights on either side, hidden inside the box frame, giving a total of four weights per window.

The weights are connected to the sashes by cords that run over pulley wheels at the top of the frame, allowing the window to slide open and stay in position without effort.

Why do sash cords break?

Sash cords most commonly break due to wear and tear from regular use over time, as the repeated movement and weight of the sashes gradually weakens and frays the cord.

Other causes can include age, incorrect installation, uneven stress on the cords and lack of maintenance, such as failing to check cord condition before problems develop.

How often should sash cords be replaced?

With proper care and maintenance, sash cords typically last between 10 and 20 years, although this depends on the quality of the cords, how often the windows are used and the condition of the sash window system.

If the cords look frayed, thin or worn, or if the sash window feels heavy, uneven, sticks or will not stay open, it is best to have them checked promptly before a cord snaps or places extra strain on the remaining cords.

Can you repair just one broken sash cord or do all four need replacing?

We check all four sash cords on every visit. In most cases, we recommend replacing all of them, as cords tend to deteriorate at the same rate and replacing only the broken cord can lead to further failures within a short period.

We will always assess the condition of all four cords and advise on the best course of action.

Do you repair sash cords on double-glazed sash windows?

Yes. Double-glazed sash windows place greater load on the cords due to the additional weight of the glass.

We specify extra strong replacement cords for double-glazed sashes to handle this increased demand and help restore smooth, balanced operation.

Do you need to remove the sash to replace the cords?

Yes, the sash is usually removed from the frame so the old cords, pulleys and counterbalance weights can be accessed properly. We then remove the old cords, check the weights, fit new cords, lubricate the pulley axles and rehang the sash so the window runs smoothly again.

This does not mean replacing the whole window. In many cases, sash cord replacement is a direct repair that restores the window to full working order while keeping the existing sash window in place.

What areas do you cover for sash cord repair?

We carry out sash cord repair and replacement across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, including Brighton, Horsham, Guildford, Reigate, Godalming, Redhill, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.

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Arrange a No-Obligation Survey With Mark

Hi, I’m Mark, owner of Sash Window Experts. I’d love to talk to you about restoring period windows. Please fill out the form or call me on 01403 602701 to arrange your FREE no obligation window survey and to discuss your requirements.