A snapped sash cord is often easy to diagnose as a sash will usually drop on one side, be tilting or not going up at all. Knowing how to repair a snapped sash cord is relatively easy to explain.
Snapped Cord or Something Else
If one side of the sash has dropped, it is likely that a cord has snapped. If the sash sticks or is loose and rattles from side to side within the window, it is more likely that the problem is caused by swollen timber or loose beading.
Replace Both Cords Together
It’s not uncommon for the other cord to follow suit and snap shortly after. It’s therefore recommended to replace both cords on the same sash, in one visit.
How the Repairer Gets In
Access to the sash cord is gained by removing a small panel, known as a pocket, that is cut into the frame on each side of the window. The sash is then taken down and the sash weight retrieved from the bottom of the frame. The new cord is then threaded over the pulley wheel.
Keep the Sash Safe in the Meantime
Make sure you do not leave a sash open for too long as it could potentially be damaged by falling and causing cracks to the corner joints or even worse damage to the rest of the frame. Use a folded piece of card to hold the sash up until repair is complete.
Choosing the Right Cord Material
A standard cotton cord is the most traditional type of cord used for period windows and is generally suitable. However there are other types of cord available, such as polyester cord which is longer lasting in damp conditions. And then there is sash chain which is the most durable type of cord available but does cost more than the other two types of cord. For listed buildings guidance on maintaining traditional buildings would advise to keep repairs in keeping with the original fabric of the building.
What Else Gets Checked
When you have opened the pocket and removed the sash from the frame you should inspect the pulley wheels for wear, check the sill for signs of rot and repack the putty where it has failed. If you want Sash Window Repair, https://www.sashwindowpreservation.co.uk/services/sash-window-repair/ is a good place to start. Catching a snapped cord early is a simple repair, allowing damage to spread in time is not.
Don’t underestimate the damage a snapped cord can cause – but if you catch it in time, the repair is a simple job; it’s only when you leave it that the damage starts to spread.
