Choosing Upvc Window Replacement Hinges

The process of selecting and fitting upvc window replacement hinges isn't as complicated as you may think. Make sure that the hinges' arrows face the right way and measure the thickness of the hinge arms on the frame that opens (13mm or 17mm).

There are a few different kinds of hinges to pick from, each with unique features. This article will discuss the most popular kinds of uPVC window hinges and their advantages.

Egress/Easy Clean Hinge

They are a great option to replace or upgrade windows for fire escapes, as they can be opened at a 90-degree angle. They can also be lowered into an 'easy clean' position to allow you to easily reach the outside of your windows to clean them without having to climb a ladder or lean over at angles that could be dangerous.

These heavy-duty egress hinges are made by Yale which is among the most well-known and trusted home security brands available today. They are suitable for all types of uPVC side-hung windows. They can be moved to the easy-clean position by pressing in a small button and then sliding the window sash to one side. After closing, the window sash will revert to its original position.

They are available in 13mm and 17mm stack heights. Use our Egress Selection Guide to help you choose the right product for your window.

These hinges are designed to work in conjunction with a standard side-hung frame which is made of aluminum or uPVC. They are fitted with a simple friction screw to adjust the amount of resistance that is generated. This makes it easier to open the window and reduces the risk of an accidental closure during severe winds. They have been tested for over 30000 cycles and are in compliance with British Standards approved BS EN 130126-6:2008 and BBA/Secured by Design.

With no buttons or catches the Nico Egress Easy Clean Friction Hinge is simple to use and provides a convenient solution for emergency egress and safe cleaning. Press the hinge retention clip located on the inside of the bottom corner. This will open both the top and bottom catches allowing you slide the sash to the clean position. Once it is in the easy-clean position close the window to reset the hinges to their egress positions.

Fire-Escape Hinge

Fire Escape Hinges, often known as "Easy Clean" hinges are used to replace windows that open sideways for escape (fire safety) reasons. These types of hinges open more wide and faster than conventional hinges to provide an expansive clear opening for escape in the event of a fire. This kind of hinge is a legal requirement in any room with a window according to building regulations.

They feature an exclusive friction stay that allows the window to be opened to 90 degrees and also allows the opening sash to slide across when open to allow easy cleaning of the external side of the glass, without having to climb ladders. The hinges have no fiddly catch or buttons and operate with an easy, secure lever that is accessible from inside the home.

The hinges are produced in the UK by Cotswold and come with a child safety restraint for use throughout the day that can be reverted with a hidden button, giving you peace of mind that your children won't accidentally open the door too far. The stack heights are 13mm or 17mm.

To order these hinges simply take a measurement of the length of your current side-hung window hinge that attaches to the frame (see the article on measuring your upvc window hinges). Choose the right size hinge from the list below.

Be aware that the measurement is taken from the component that attaches to the frame, not the sash, the actual hinge length may be longer or shorter depending on the manufacturer of your old windows. When choosing the width of the hinge most frames made of upvc will have a stack height of 13mm however if your original window frame measures 17mm, choose this option. Alternatively you can fit the 4mm packer to make up for the difference. All hinges come in pairs (1 left and 1 right). Screws are not included in the hinges. These can be bought separately if needed. Our window repair screws made of upvc are recommended. They are specifically designed to enhance the performance of your hinges that allow them to run smoothly for a longer time. They have a reduced-friction design and a more durable weather seal with a nylon reducer cap.

Restricted Hinge

There are occasions windows need to completely open, and this can be difficult using the standard hinge. These child safety friction hinges for aluminium windows hinges are a fantastic solution to this problem. They can be used when ventilation is needed but cleaning or escape from a fire is not feasible. They restrict the amount of opening the sash, and allow overriding this limitation by pressing a button. They are suitable for both top and side hung windows and are available in 13mm and 17mm stack heights.

The Nico Restricted Egress Friction hinge combines the features of a standard restrictor with a fire escape hinge to offer an efficient and easy way to comply with building regulations. It is available in 13mm and 17mm stack heights and is suitable for both top and side opening uPVC window. It is available in a pair, where one hinge is restricted egress, the other unrestricted, allowing one hinge to be fitted at the lower part of the sash, while the other is attached to the top.

These uPVC hinges are restrictive tilt and turn window hinge covers have been tested to BS6375 Part 2 and are designed for use on a window that cannot be fully opened such as a small children's bedroom. The mechanism limits how to replace window hinges far the sash opens to 100mm in a safe distance and then re-engages when the window is closed.

These uPVC friction-style hinges can be used on all kinds of windows. They are particularly suitable for windows that are hard to reach, like those in three-storey apartments or those that require the use of a ladder. They can be complemented with our selection of security features like hinge guards, protection plates for hinges or dog bolts to provide PAS 24 performance.

When replacing a hinge on a window, it is important to measure the length of the existing hinge so that you can get replacements that are comparable in size. The easiest method to do this is by viewing the hinge in the gallery and working out the location you would like it to be placed. Top-hung hinges are limited to both sides and side hung hinges are restricted only on one side.

Standard Hinge

Standard hinges use metal-to-metal connections and don't require additional components to reduce friction. It's available in a range of finishes and is also fire rated. To quickly determine the radius of hinges, lay them out flat and align a quarter and dime in two corners. If the dime is more snug, the corner is rounded by 1/4 inch; if the quarter fit better, it's rounded by 5/8 inch.

Selecting the right hinge can determine the success or failure of the appearance of your door. It's essential to match the finish and style of your door with the hinges to create a seamless design that is both functional and visually appealing.