Choosing Upvc Window Replacement Hinges
It's not as difficult as it might appear to choose and install the replacement hinges made of upvc. It is important to check the arrow on the hinges is facing the correct way and also the thickness (13mm or 17mm) of the hinge arm that is on the opening frame.
There are many different kinds of hinges that you can pick from, each with unique features. This article will review the most popular kinds of uPVC window hinges and their advantages.
Egress/Easy Clean Hinge
These are a great choice for replacing or upgrading your fire escape window because they can open to a full 90-degree angle. They can also be removed to an easy clean position so that you can easily access the outside of windows to clean them without having to climb on a ladder or lean over at potentially hazardous angles.
Yale is among the most trusted and well-known brands in the world of home security. These hinges can be used with any kind of uPVC side-hung windows. By pressing a tiny button, the window sash will be slid to the side and into the position that is easy to clean. Once closed, the sash will be reset to its original operative position.
They are available in both 13mm and 17mm stack heights. Make use of our Egress Selection Guide to help you select the best product for your window.
The hinges are designed to be used in conjunction with a standard side-hung frame, either uPVC or aluminium. They are fitted with a simple friction screw to adjust the amount of resistance generated. This makes opening the window simpler and less likely of accidental closing during severe winds. They have been tested for over 30,000 cycles, and comply 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 catch. It provides a convenient and secure solution for emergency exit and cleaning. The hinge retention clip is located on the inner corner of the bottom corner. This will open both the bottom and top catches and allow you to move the sash into the clean position. Once you are in the clean position close the window to reset the hinges to their egress position.
Fire-Escape Hinge
Fire Escape Hinges (also known as "Easy Clean") are used to replace windows that open sideways to ensure fire safety. These types of window hinges are more spacious and more efficient than conventional hinges to provide an open space for escape in the event of an emergency fire. Building regulations stipulate that this kind of hinge must be installed in any habitable space with a window.
They feature an exclusive friction stay that allows the window to be opened to an angle of 90 degrees. It allows the opening sash to slide across when it is open to allow easy cleaning of the outside of the glass without having to use ladders. The hinges have no fiddly catch or buttons and are operated with an easy, secure lever that can be accessed from inside the home.
The hinges, made in the UK by Cotswold are fitted with a child safety restriction for daily use. This can be overridden using a hidden button. You'll have peace of mind knowing that your children won't accidentally open the windows too wide. The stack heights are 13mm or 17mm.
To purchase these hinges, measure the length of your existing side-hung window hinge that fixes to the frame (see the article on measuring the length of your window hinges made of upvc). Then select the correct size hinge from the selections below.
Please note that this measurement is taken from the hinge's point that is attached to the frame and not the sash. The actual hinge length can be longer or shorter depending on the way your windows were originally made. When choosing the width of your hinge, the majority of upvc windows can be fitted with a 13mm stack height. However, should your old window frame has 17mm, then select the option that fits this. You can also install the 4mm packer to make up the difference. All hinges are in two different directions (1 left and one right). Screws aren't included with the hinges. These can be bought separately if required. Our upvc window repair screws are recommended. They are specifically designed to enhance the performance of your hinges, allowing them to operate smoothly for longer. They feature a design with reduced friction and an enhanced weather seal that includes a nylon reducer cap.
Restricted Hinge
There are instances when windows must fully open and this can be difficult using a standard hinge. These child safety friction hinges are an excellent solution to this problem. They can be used when ventilation is required but cleaning or escape from an fire isn't possible. They function by limiting the amount of sash that can open, and allow for the control of this limitation with an option. They can be used for side- and top-hung windows. They are available in 17mm and 13mm stack heights.
The Nico Restricted Egress Friction Hinge combines the advantages of a standard restrictor and an escape hinge to provide an efficient and simple method to comply with building regulations. It is available in 13mm and 17mm stack heights and is suitable for both side and top opening uPVC window. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is available in a pair, where one hinge is restricted egress and the other free, allowing one to be placed to the bottom of the sash whilst the other is fitted to the top.
These uPVC hinges are made to be used with windows that aren't able to be fully opened, such as a child's bedroom. The mechanism limits the extent to which the sash is able to open to 100mm for safety and then re-engages when the window is closed.
Like the other kinds of uPVC friction hinges they can be installed on all styles of windows and are perfect for difficult to access windows above the ground level three-storey flats, or windows that normally require a ladder to reach them. They can be complemented with our selection of security enhancements such as hinge guard protection plates or dog bolts for PAS 24 performance.
When replacing a window hinge it is essential to measure the length of the existing hinge so that you can purchase replacements that are similar in size. This can be done by looking through the image gallery of the hinge and then deciding where you want it positioned. Top-hung hinges are limited on both sides and the side-hung hinges are only restricted to one side.
Standard Hinge
Standard hinges feature metal-to-metal contacts and do not require any additional components to reduce friction. It's available in a range of finishes and is also fire-rated. For a quick way to determine the radius of your hinge lay it flat and then line up a dime and quarter in two corners. If the dime fits better and the corner is round by 1/4 inch; if the quarter fits better, it's rounded to 5/8 inch.
Selecting the right hinge can determine the success or failure of the appearance of your door. It's important to match the finish and style of your door with the hinges to create a seamless design that is both practical and visually appealing.