diff --git a/packages/istanbul-reports/lib/html/assets/sorter.js b/packages/istanbul-reports/lib/html/assets/sorter.js
index 411fc8c5..878725e0 100644
--- a/packages/istanbul-reports/lib/html/assets/sorter.js
+++ b/packages/istanbul-reports/lib/html/assets/sorter.js
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ var addSorting = (function() {
         if (!getTable()) {
             return;
         }
-        loadColumns();
+        cols = loadColumns();
         loadData();
         addSortIndicators();
         enableUI();