Can't close sash windows

gwen80

Hi

I've just moved into a new flat and with all the hot weather, opened the windows. Now I can't close two of them! They're sash windows, but they're not original. The appear to be on plastic runners? Any ideas? My only thought was to maybe vaseline the runner. Would this cause any problems?

Thanks

Gwen

theGrinch

when you say you cant close do you mean they are not running on the rails (try wd40) or that you cant close the catch as they the two sections are not close enough?

kwmlondon

WD40 is the boss.

Dimey

I wouldn't use Vaseline - too gooey

Try a spray of WD40 or an old wives trick of soap (the hard stuff, not liquid).

marlot

Rubbing a candle on the runners works better

gwen80

theGrinch wrote: »

when you say you cant close do you mean they are not running on the rails (try wd40) or that you cant close the catch as they the two sections are not close enough?

The windows are very heavy, but I managed to close the other two, so I think the remaining two are not running on the rails very easily. I've never used WD40 before, it won't damage the windows, will it?

marlot wrote: »

Rubbing a candle on the runners works better

Someone else suggested this to me, but to rub on the rope before I'd looked at them and realised there was no rope, just a rubber/plastic rail. Does it still work?

theGrinch

gwen80 wrote: »

The windows are very heavy, but I managed to close the other two, so I think the remaining two are not running on the rails very easily. I've never used WD40 before, it won't damage the windows, will it?

It wont damage it. You may want to cover the floor if you have carpet down as WD40 will run. Keep a tissue/cloth handy and spray cautiously at first. It only takes a little.

Have you done a visual inspection of the runners? When you moved it did the the windows work (or were they closed). IN your previous visits can you recall the window opened?

evoke

Agree with marlot, rub a candle along the guides. Are you sure you haven't got them into a locked open position?

gwen80

theGrinch wrote: »

It wont damage it. You may want to cover the floor if you have carpet down as WD40 will run. Keep a tissue/cloth handy and spray cautiously at first. It only takes a little.

Have you done a visual inspection of the runners? When you moved it did the the windows work (or were they closed). IN your previous visits can you recall the window opened?

Ok I've bought a candle, I'll try this first, if it doesn't work I'll try WD40. The room does have carpet and I don't want to get anything on it.

Yes the windows were closed when I moved in so they do move, I'm just struggling to close them again. I only viewed the property once before moving in (I'm only renting) and they weren't open.

evoke wrote: »

Agree with marlot, rub a candle along the guides. Are you sure you haven't got them into a locked open position?

I don't think they're in the locked open position - I'm not even sure how I would do that. They only seem to have a catch on the front of the window to lock them when they're closed.

Flippin' sash windows. They look nice, but as I'm learning - they're a pain.

gmgmgm

gwen80 wrote: »

Flippin' sash windows. They look nice, but as I'm learning - they're a pain.

Sash windows are brilliant. Very simple mechanically and most problems like yours are solved by using a candle. How much easier can you get?

Also, when it's hot (like it has bee for the past few weeks) opening the top and bottom of a sash window cools a room much more effectively than a hinged window.

gwen80

gmgmgm wrote: »

Sash windows are brilliant. Very simple mechanically and most problems like yours are solved by using a candle. How much easier can you get?

Also, when it's hot (like it has bee for the past few weeks) opening the top and bottom of a sash window cools a room much more effectively than a hinged window.

I've heard they're good in hot weather, but these are not in the best condition. The paint is flaking off them pretty badly and there is condensation in most of the double glazed panels. They're very heavy and to be honest, I don't really know what I'm doing with them, having never had them before. I'm worried about damaging them and losing part of my deposit...I'd rather have a simple UPVC window I think!

They appear to have only a round metal lock on them. Any tips on using sash windows appreciated!

Thanks

Gwen