What is a meeting rail?
A meeting rail is the pair of rails in a vertical sliding sash window where the top rail of the lower sash and the bottom rail of the upper sash close against each other. With the window shut, the two rails look like a single rail. The Dutch term is wisseldorpel.
How it works
One sash slides up and down past the other. When the window is closed, the two rails sit side by side and together have to keep out draughts and rain.
Design
- Bevelled edges: the meeting faces are often bevelled so they are pressed together as the window closes. A draught seal then does not rub over a large area of timber while the sash slides.
- Added strip: instead of bevelling the rails themselves, a strip with the right bevel can be fitted to each.
- Square meeting rails: these need a dedicated sealing profile.
- Fastener: the sash fastener that pulls the two sashes together usually sits here.
Tips
- Draughts at the meeting rail usually come from worn seals or sashes that no longer close tightly. Replace the seals and check that the fastener still pulls the sashes together.
- Avoid thick stick-on strips that block the sliding action; use a seal made for sash windows.
- Do not paint the sliding faces or the seals, or the sashes will stick.
- For listed buildings, repair is usually preferred to replacement; check with the local authority first.
Related terms
- Sash window
- Meeting stile bead
- Rebate
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