When an old sash window no longer stays where it should

Chapter one

Cord replacement, done with the window in place

We replace worn or snapped sash cords in traditional double-hung timber windows. Access is made through the sash pocket where the construction allows, keeping intervention measured and focused on the working parts of the window.

Both visible failure and hidden wear are considered. If one cord has broken, its partner is often of a similar age, so we inspect the complete sash rather than replacing a single length and leaving an obvious weak point behind.

Chapter two

Balance is more than a new piece of cord

A sash can have intact cords and still be tiring to open, quick to fall or unwilling to remain in position. The cause may be mismatched counterweights, changed glazing, friction in the channel or an earlier repair that shortened the working travel.

We assess how the sash moves through its full range, check the weight relationship and reset the cord length so the window opens naturally. Where additional balancing is appropriate, we explain the options before making changes.

Chapter three

A careful visit to a lived-in heritage home

Before attending, we ask how many windows are affected, whether the upper or lower sash is involved and what happens when you try to move it. A few plain details usually tell us what to prepare for the visit.

On site, we protect the immediate work area, examine the window and discuss any limits revealed by old paint, altered fittings or timber deterioration. Cord and balance work can resolve many operating faults, but it is not a substitute for joinery repair where the frame itself has failed.

Once the work is complete, the sash is tested through repeated opening and closing. We leave practical guidance on gentle operation and the early signs of cord wear to watch for elsewhere in the house.

Chapter four

For Melbourne houses worth maintaining

Our work is intended for homeowners caring for period and heritage residences with original or traditionally constructed sash windows. We attend single-window faults as well as small groups of windows that have become unreliable over time.

Every house has its own repair history. Rather than assume that age alone is the problem, we look at the actual mechanism and retain serviceable fabric wherever practical.