Choosing Upvc Window Replacement Hinges
It's not as difficult as it could appear to select and install upvc replacement hinges. Make sure that the arrows on the hinges face the right way and measure the thickness of the hinge arms on the frame that opens (13mm or17mm).
There are several kinds of hinges that you can pick from, each with distinct characteristics. This article will review the most common kinds of uPVC window hinges, and their benefits.
Egress/Easy Clean Hinge
These are a great choice for replacing or upgrading your fire escape safety windows because they can open to a full 90-degree angle. They can be disengaged to an easy-clean position which allows you to get access to the windows' exterior without having to climb ladders or lean over dangerous angles.
These heavy-duty egress hinges are manufactured by Yale which is among the most popular and trusted home security brands on the market today. They work with all kinds of uPVC side-hung windows. By pressing a small button the window sash can be moved to the side, and then into the position that is easy to clean. Once closed, the sash will be reset to its original operative position.
They are available in 13mm and 17mm stack heights. Utilize our Egress Selection Guide to help you choose the right product for your window.
The hinges are designed to be used with standard side-hung frames that is made of aluminium or uPVC. The friction screw is used to adjust the resistance. This makes it easier to open the window and reduces the possibility of an accidental closure during severe winds. They have been tested for more than thirty thousand cycles, and they are compliant with British Standards approved BS EN 130126-6:2008 and BBA/Secured by Design.
The Nico Egress Easy Clean friction hinge is easy to operate and has no buttons or catches. It provides a convenient and safe option for emergency exit and cleaning. First, open the window to the egress (full opening) position and then press the hinge retaining clip on the inside of the bottom corner. This will open both the bottom and top catches and allow you to move the sash towards the easy-cleaning position. Once in the easy-clean position close the window to return the hinges to their original position.
Fire-Escape Hinge
Fire Escape Hinges commonly referred to as "Easy Clean" hinges are used to replace windows that open sideways for escape (fire safety) reasons. These kinds of hinges for windows open wider and faster than normal hinges, allowing an expansive clear opening for escape in the event of a fire. This kind of hinge is required in any room that has a window, as stipulated by building regulations.
They have a unique friction stay that allows the window to open at a 90 degree angle and also allows the opening sash to slide across the glass when it is open to allow easy cleaning of the exterior side of the glass without having to use ladders. The hinges are easy to use and have no complicated buttons or catchers. They can be operated from the inside of the house using an easy, safe lever.
The hinges are made in the UK by Cotswold and come with a child safety restrictor for day-to-day use which can be turned off with a hidden button, giving you peace of thought that your children will not accidentally open the door too far. The stack heights are 13mm or 17mm.
Measure the length of the current side-hung window hinge that is fixed to the frame. (See the guide on measuring upvc window hinges). Choose the proper size hinge from the list below.
Please note that this measurement is taken from the part of the hinge that attaches to the frame and not the sash. The actual length of the hinge could be shorter or longer dependent on how the windows were made in the past. When choosing the width of your hinge, most windows made of upvc will have a 13mm stack height but should your old window frame has 17mm, then select the option to use this. You can also install the 4mm packer to make up for the difference. All hinges are in two different directions (1 left and one right). Screws are not included with the hinges. These can be bought separately if needed. We suggest using our upvc window hinge repair screws. They are specially designed to enhance the performance of your hinges that allow them to run efficiently for a longer. They have a reduced friction design and a better weather seal that is fitted with a new nylon reducer cap.
Restricted Hinge
Standard hinges can make it difficult to open windows completely. These child safety friction hinges are a great solution to this problem. They can be used in situations where ventilation is required but cleaning or escape from the flame is not feasible. They restrict the amount of opening the sash, and permit the override of this restriction by pressing a button. They are suitable for both top and side hung windows and are available in 17mm and 13mm stack heights.
The Nico Restricted Egress Friction Hinge blends the characteristics of a standard restrictor and a fire escape hinge to provide an effective and simple way to comply with building regulations. It is available in 13mm and 17mm stack heights and can be used for both side and top opening uPVC window. It is available as a pair of hinges where one hinge is the restricted egress and the second is unrestricted, allowing one hinge to be placed on the bottom of the sash while the other is attached to the top.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors are restrictive and have been tested to BS6375 part 2 and are designed to be used on windows that cannot be opened fully like a small children's bedroom. The mechanism restricts how far the sash can open to a safe position of 100mm, and re-engages once the window is shut.
These uPVC friction-type hinges can be used on all kinds of windows. They are particularly useful for windows that are hard to reach, such as those in three-storey homes or those that require ladders. They can be paired with our selection of security enhancements such as hinge guards and protection plates, or dog bolts to offer PAS 24 performance.
It is crucial to take measurements of the hinge on your current window to ensure that you get replacements of the same size. This can be done by looking at the picture gallery of the hinge and deciding the best place to put it. The top-hung hinges can only be positioned on one side, whereas the side-hung hinges can only be put on one side.

Standard Hinge
A standard hinge uses metal-to-metal contact and no extra parts to decrease friction. It is available in a variety of finishes and is also fire-rated. For a quick way to determine the radius of your hinge, lay it flat and align with a quarter and dime in two corners. If the dime fits better and the corner is round by 1/4 inch. If the quarter fit better, it's rounded to 5/8 inch.
The proper hinge can enhance or break the appearance of your door. Matching the style and finish of your hinges with your door will create an attractive and cohesive design.