Maintaining My Home

• Sash cords hold weights that make double-hung windows easier to open and close. The cords deteriorate with age and the weights may fall into the cavity. Replace the cords on each side of the sash at the same time.

• gently remove the vertical timber planted guides or beads for the lower (inside) sash then remove the lower sash by tilting inwards

• remove the cords attached to it. If the cords are still attached to the weights, hold onto the cords as the weights are lowered to the bottom of the cavity 


• remove centre guides (‘parting beads’) and repeat the procedure for the upper sash 


• remove the access covers or pockets to the weight/sash cord cavities (one each side of the frame). These may be difficult to see – they may have many layers of paint or may have been nailed in place

• prop the top sash open if it is not being removed

• using a bent wire or pliers, take hold of the cords through the opening into the cavity and lift out the weights

• to replace a cord from the upper sash, cut a new cord approximately 150 mm longer than the old cord


• tie a knot at one end of the cord to prevent it from disappearing into the cavity and thread the other end over the pulley and into the cavity. Continue to push the cord into the cavity until it is visible through the access opening. Pull it out through the access opening

• tie the cord securely to the weight with a figure-8 knot. Cut off the excess to the same length as the old cord

• repeat for the other side

• press the knotted end of each cord into the recess on each side of the sash and secure in place by nailing the cord to the sash

• reinstall the upper sash and check running position – if the cords are too long, the upper sash will not close to the top or the weights will hit the bottom of their recess

• reinstall the parting bead


• repeat the re-cording procedure for the lower sash and check running position and cord length

• replace the pocket


• replace the vertical timber planted guides for the lower (inside) sash.


• repaint as necessary.

Weights may be missing. They may have been removed or just fallen off the cords but still be in the cavity. Replacement weights can be found at some building recyclers. The weights to the top sash are often slightly heavier than those for the bottom sash.

Replacement sash cords are available, but ensure you are buying a cord designed for the purpose. The wrong product may not operate smoothly and may not be durable in the high UV exposure.

An alternative option with double hung windows is to use spiral balances that include helical torsion springs in a tough polymer plastic tube. These fit into the space of the sash where the rope was originally fitted. They can be tensioned to the desired weight to make window lifting easier. Contact a window company for advice.