STEP 1: HOW TO MEASURE THE TRACK WIDTH OF YOUR UPVC WINDOW HINGES

Measure the friction stay track widthGenerally speaking most upvc window hinges are a standard size of 18mm these days, but some double glazing hinges on older upvc or aluminium windows are actually 15mm. So make sure you measure this size carefully.

Do remember it is the outer most size of the track and not the inner size that you need.

If you want to change to other types of friction stays then this is possible. Typical examples are restrictor hinges and egress window hinges. The most important determinant in order to do this is the hinge track width. Otherwise if you are just looking to replace your upvc window hinges then it is easy enough to use a standard size hinge.

STEP 2: HOW TO MEASURE THE LENGTH OF THESE WINDOW HINGES

How to measure the friction stays lengthThis step is really easy to do. All you need to remember is that it is the total length (including the end cap) of the friction stay track on the fixed frame. We generally don't worry about the arm length fixed to the opening frame.

Upvc window hinges are generally sold in the old imperial inch sizes, but it is easy enough to convert to millimetres (x 25.4). When measuring you can quite easily round up to the nearest inch increment and feel safe with that size.

Some older sizes may not be found like a 10 inch side hung window hinge. If you have the room inside the window rebate then you can use the 12 inch instead. All that happens is that you sacrifice a small amount of geometry that moves the window out slightly more into the middle but not by a great deal.

STEP 3: HOW TO DETERMINE IF IT IS A SIDE HUNG OR TOP HUNG WINDOW HINGE

How to determine top hung or side hung friction staysThis one confuses everyone! Side hung window hinges are fixed to the top and bottom of the window. Top hung window hinges are fitted to the sides of the window (left and right). See the diagram opposite to confirm this. To help you further the position of the window handle usually confirms this also - handle on the side means a side hung window. The above is correct when viewed from the inside of the window not the outside.

If you are wondering why there needs to be a difference between top hung and side hung window hinges then consider the weight on the bottom hinge. All the weight of the window is on the bottom hinge and so the hinge is designed differently. By this we mean a load bearing washer is incorporated to help the window glide under the higher degree of weight. This is compared to a top hung window where the weight is equally distributed on the sides.

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