Window dropping, sticking, hard to close or won't stay open? Worn window hinges (also called friction stays) are a common cause. We stock replacement uPVC window hinges for double glazed windows in standard, restricted, slimline, fire escape (egress) and egress easy-clean designs from Cotswold, Securistyle, Mila and Yale.
Measure the hinge length, track width and stack height, and check whether the window is side hung or top hung. Replace both hinges together unless the product instructions specifically state otherwise.
Standard window hingesOrdinary opening for most windows 
Restricted window hingesLimit the initial opening 
Slimline window hingesFor narrow window profiles 
Egress window hingesWider clear opening for fire escape 
Egress easy-clean hingesEgress opening plus cleaning accessStandard hinges provide ordinary opening for compatible windows. Restricted hinges limit the initial opening. Egress hinges are designed to create a wider clear opening when correctly selected and installed. Easy-clean designs also allow the sash to move for improved access to the outer glass.
Measure the metal track from end to end.
Measure across the fixed track. Most products in this range use an 18mm track, while slimline applications can use 15mm.
Measure the closed height of the hinge assembly. Common applications include 13mm and 17mm.
Check whether the sash is side hung or top hung, and whether you need standard, restricted, egress or easy-clean operation.
This is a two-person job, because the sash is heavy once it comes loose. Open the window and have someone support the sash. Undo the screws holding the hinges to the sash and lift the sash away, then undo the screws holding the hinges to the frame. Fit the new hinges to the frame in the same position, refit the sash, and check the window closes and locks evenly before tightening every screw.
Some retrofit friction stays can suit more than one stack height by using supplied packers. Only use packers specified for that hinge. Do not assume every 13mm product can be converted to 17mm.
The category includes stainless-steel and ferritic-steel friction stays from Cotswold Architectural Products, Securistyle, Mila, Yale, Versa, DGS and Nico. Check the individual specification for material, load, sash-size and orientation requirements.
Yes. On uPVC windows, the hinges are friction stays: sliding metal arms in the top and bottom (or both sides) of the frame that hold the window steady as it opens. Friction hinges, window stays and uPVC window hinges all mean the same part.
Yes, in most cases. Replacing both sides helps maintain matching geometry, friction and load support.
Hinge length is the end-to-end track measurement. Stack height is the height of the closed hinge assembly between the sash and frame.
Possibly, but the sash size, weight, available space and required opening must suit the replacement. Compare the full product specification.
No. Some provide egress opening only, while designated easy-clean models also allow the sash to slide for cleaning access.
Not sure which window hinge you have? Send us photos of the complete hinge and any markings, with the length, track width and stack height, through our part identification page and we'll match it for you.
Send us a photo to identify your partMonday to Friday, 8:30–12:30 and 13:00–15:30
