Why sash cords fail
Time and daily use stretch natural fibres until they lose strength. Paint build-up around the pulley can cut the cord on every upstroke. Water entering through cracked putty may rot the cord and corrode the weight channel. Renovations that add heavier glass can overload original cords which were sized for thin panes common decades ago. Because the cords live inside the frame, damage often goes unnoticed until sudden failure occurs.
Warning signs you should not ignore
- Fraying or fluff visible where the cord meets the sash knot
- Sash drifts down instead of staying at the set height
- Jerky movement or loud scraping from the jamb
- Uneven gaps appearing between meeting rails
- Counterweight thud heard inside the frame after closing
Addressing these symptoms early protects occupants reduces strain on hinges and prevents glass breakage.
Our proven replacement process
- Inspection and measure - A trained technician confirms cord size and routing then checks pulleys weights and channels for wear or obstruction.
- Safe removal - We support the sash, remove the staff beads carefully and lift the pane free without damaging paintwork or heritage mouldings.
- Cord selection - Low stretch braided cotton or synthetic sash cord is chosen to match original appearance and load rating.
- Re threading and balancing - New cords are passed over cleaned pulleys secure knots are tied and weights adjusted so the sash sits perfectly balanced.
- Reassembly and testing - Beads are refitted, the window is cycled multiple times and gaps are checked to ensure a smooth draught free seal.
- Clean up and handover - Work areas are vacuumed and we provide simple care tips to maximise cord life.
Most single window jobs take under two hours meaning minimal disruption for residents, businesses or guests.
Benefits of professional sash cord replacement
- Safety first - Balanced sashes stay where you leave them reducing crush risks and meeting duty of care obligations for managers and landlords.
- Energy efficiency - A correctly aligned sash presses evenly against weatherstrips blocking draughts and moisture.
- Noise reduction - Tight cords and tuned weights eliminate rattles that carry street noise indoors.
- Extended window life - Smooth movement lowers stress on frames, glass and locks cutting future repair costs.
- Preservation of character - We match bead profiles and use discreet fixings so heritage detailing remains intact.
Windows we service
Express Glass works on a broad range of double hung designs found across Australia:
- Traditional timber box frames in Federation cottages and Victorian terraces
- Aluminium residential and commercial suites fitted during mid-century renovations
- Hybrid frames combining timber reveals with aluminium sashes in coastal builds
- Large format counterbalanced shopfront windows in historic retail façades
Where weight pockets are damaged beyond repair our qualified carpenters can splice timber sections or fit discreet access panels while preserving the original aesthetic.
Compliance and workmanship you can trust
Our glazing team follows AS 1288 for glass selection and uses appropriate safety gear to meet WHS legislation. Where work occurs above two metres installers carry EWP or rope access credentials. Express Glass holds current public liability and professional indemnity insurance and supplies site specific Safe Work Method Statements for strata and commercial projects.
Serving clients Australia wide
- Home owners appreciate honest advice punctual arrivals and spotless work areas
- Strata committees rely on clear scheduling that minimises resident disruption and delivers transparent reporting for meeting minutes
- Schools and public buildings benefit from our capacity to complete works during holiday breaks or after hours to keep learning spaces safe
- Commercial facility managers choose us for national coverage one point of contact and consistent quality across multiple sites
Every client enjoys access to our 24-hour emergency support line should glass breakage or lock failure occur in future.
Celebrating more than 40 years of service
From a single Sydney workshop in 1985 to a coast-to-coast network today Express Glass has grown through reliable workmanship and straightforward communication. Now with over 40 years in business, we continue to invest in training technology and customer care so your windows perform as smoothly tomorrow as they did the day they were installed.
Ready to get moving again?
If sticky or sagging double hung windows are letting down your property contact Express Glass. Our sash cord specialists will restore effortless lift and secure positioning in a single visit leaving you with quiet comfortable rooms and one less maintenance worry.
Book your no obligation quote now and feel the difference that fresh cords and expert balancing make.