I'm really talking about the ones at the top which open outwards about a
horizontal axis (I don't know what they are called, sorry).

It seems, to me, to be a common problem that they will not fully shut -
well, none of mine will. So :-

a) If it is as common as I think, why won't they shut? Too many layers of
paint? Wood has expanded? Other?
b) What should have been done, or not done, to prevent this problem?
c) What is the most cost- and/or effort- effective way of curing the fault?
d) What, if anything, can or should I do to stop it happening in the
future?

Thanks in advance.

--
GPG

In article ,
says...
I'm really talking about the ones at the top which open outwards about a
horizontal axis (I don't know what they are called, sorry).

opening toplight

It seems, to me, to be a common problem that they will not fully shut -
well, none of mine will. So :-

a) If it is as common as I think, why won't they shut? Too many layers of
paint? Wood has expanded? Other?

Hinge might have bent or worn.

b) What should have been done, or not done, to prevent this problem?

Remove old paint before applying new. Maintain the paint so that water
penetration doesn't become a problem. Oil the hinges

c) What is the most cost- and/or effort- effective way of curing the fault?

Remove the toplight, strip the paint from it (and the bit of frame that
it sits in, if that has very thick or flaking paint), check for rot and
repair as necessary, replace hinges if needed, check for fit and plane
where necessary, repaint and refit.

d) What, if anything, can or should I do to stop it happening in the
future?

See above.

GPG wrote:
I'm really talking about the ones at the top which open outwards
about a horizontal axis (I don't know what they are called, sorry).

Top casement sash or hopper sash!

It seems, to me, to be a common problem that they will not fully shut
- well, none of mine will. So :-

a) If it is as common as I think, why won't they shut? Too many
layers of paint? Wood has expanded? Other?

Do the windows close and then 'rattle' when the casement stay is 'locked'?
If so, slightly adjust the rear stay pin away from the sash (can sometimes
be done by tapping the base of it with a hammer as this is used as a
fulcrum) just enough to stop the window rattling but allow the stay to
'hook' over the front pin.

If its draughty, then the only way to reduce this is to use a foam type
stick-on draught excluder or such-like.

Another reason could be that the sash has 'twisted' or warped. If this is
fairly major, then the only 'cure' is to renew the sash. If it's minor,
then the sash can be 'adjusted' by moving one of the hinges in or out as
needed and then adjust the stay as previously explained - or just adjust the
stay (a little risky as it could put the glass under stress and it will
break).

If the window refuses to shut, then check the following:

1 Excessive paint covering the hinges themselves making them stiff to
operate.
2 Worn or rusty hinges.
3 Loose screws holding the hinges.
4 Too large a screw head holding the hinges and 'catching' on the
opposite hinge when closing making the sash 'hingebound'.
5 Poorly fitted hinges again making the sash hingebound,
6 The sash has swollen and the leading edge of the rebate is catching the
frame preventing the sash from fully closing.

The cure or repair of the above will be obvious once you have identified the
cause(s).

b) What should have been done, or not done, to prevent this problem?

Not a lot that you can do really other than carry out an annual check on it
and keep it painted - I would advise stripping the paint off every couple of
decoration cyles to prevent a thick build-up which could cause problems over
the years - although due to the clearances on a casement sash this is
unlikely to be a major problem (other than on the hinges).

c) What is the most cost- and/or effort- effective way of curing the
fault?

See above

d) What, if anything, can or should I do to stop it happening
in the future?

Just normal maintenance really - but remember, that as the window is made of
a natural product, this will twist, warp, move into add shapes and
ultimately rot at some time in its life.

Hope this is of some help?

Brian G

"Brian G" wrote in message
...
GPG wrote:
I'm really talking about the ones at the top which open outwards
about a horizontal axis (I don't know what they are called, sorry).

Top casement sash or hopper sash!

In my neck of the woods (SE) casements are hinged and sashes slide, and
hopper lights are hinged on the bottom rail. The usual name is top lights
or fanlights.

Peter Taylor wrote:
"Brian G" wrote in message
...
GPG wrote:
I'm really talking about the ones at the top which open outwards
about a horizontal axis (I don't know what they are called, sorry).

Top casement sash or hopper sash!

In my neck of the woods (SE) casements are hinged and sashes slide,
and hopper lights are hinged on the bottom rail. The usual name is
top lights or fanlights.

Pete,

In my part of the country , they are as stated and just to add to the
confusion, are as you say. You can get them top hung, bottom hung, left
hand hung and right hand hung, but however they are fixed, they are a
casement sash (whether hopper, top light, side light et.al) and these are
fitted into casement frame.

Vertical sliding sashes (box frame sash) in this part of the country are
fitted into a box frame windod and have sash weights and sash cords fitted
to control their movement.

Brian G