How To Measure Window Hinges? The 13 New Answer

Here we take a look at the many different types of hinges that can be used on modern windows and doors; as well as a few that aren’t that common that you’ll still see scattered about:

butt hinge

Butt hinges are probably the most commonly used hinges when it comes to joining two pieces of wood together. You’ll see them everywhere: wooden interior and exterior doors use them all the time, and you’ll also see them on some windows, as well as on cabinets and other pieces of furniture.

Earlier versions of butt hinges were held together with a shaft through the spine, but some modern versions use ball bearings instead: these are particularly common for heavier doors.

safety hinge

These are a slight variation on the traditional model and are typically used on outward opening doors when the hinge pin is visible from the outside. Like their more traditional cousins, security hinges must be recessed into the surface of the door and are therefore only suitable for use with wood.

Continuous (piano) hinges

Continuous hinges can be very long. Their nickname “piano hinges” comes from the fact that they are often used to secure the lid of pianos: the ability to adjust the length of the hinge makes them ideal for this task. You’ll find them in any opening that requires support over a longer length.

Flush hinge

This is a fairly lightweight type of hinge and is used in situations where the builder doesn’t want to dip into the surface like you would with a butt hinge. Flush hinges are most commonly found in cabinets with lighter weight doors.

pivot hinges

While you won’t find too many rotary hinges at your local hardware store, you might still see some of these. They were often used on older stone buildings, where they were placed both at the top of the door frame and in the floor.

Concealed hinge

As the name suggests, concealed hinges are most commonly found on cabinet doors and are designed to not be visible from the outside. Most concealed hinges require a larger hole in the door for the hinge body to fit.

Double action hinge

These are usually found in commercial buildings rather than residential because they allow a door to swing in either direction.

HL hinges

HL hinges take their name from the more traditional H hinges used in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Essentially they are simply a stronger version of the originals and were created to be used on heavy duty timber doors. Interestingly, they were often found on doors leading to secret passages!

friction hinge

Friction hinges are most commonly found on PVC double glazing windows. This is because these types of windows would typically not require a latch to secure the window. Friction hinges can vary widely as different double glazing manufacturers use different styles.

Windows are one of the main factors that make your home cozy – or not. When you’re enjoying a nice breeze or want to keep out the elements, few things are more frustrating than a window that won’t open or close.

A stuck window is a common household problem, but it could portend bigger problems. A window that won’t open or close may also have locking issues. Whether it’s a minor annoyance or a major concern, nobody wants to deal with a stuck window.

So why do windows get stuck in the first place? Here are some of the most common things that can prevent windows from opening or closing.

Common Causes of Stuck Windows

Walking Foundation

A shifting foundation is the most common cause of stuck windows. When a house shifts, pressure is put on the window frames. A distorted frame causes the casement channels (the tracks that a window slides on) to become misaligned with the window, preventing it from fully opening or closing.

warped wood

Wooden windows can swell after years of exposure to rain or moisture. Moisture can also cause window paint to crack and allow water to seep into the wood, causing varying degrees of warping or even rot.

debris

Dirt or debris in the window slide rail can cause movement problems. Rust can also accumulate on the window’s metal slide rails and cause clogs.

Damage

Various parts of the window could be damaged causing it to stick. You could have damaged a frame or the window itself. You could also have broken hardware such as a metal fastener or window lock that is loose or out of place.

What to do when Windows is stuck?

Okay, so you’ve figured out what’s causing your window to refuse to open or close. What can you do to fix it? There are three main categories of solutions.

Minor adjustments

Depending on the severity of the problem, you may only need a few minor adjustments to fix your stuck window. If the window is misaligned due to a shifting foundation, simply lifting and squeezing the window and the area around the lock can be enough to put it back in place. Other quick fixes like lubricating or cleaning the slideway might be all that is needed.

Repairs of windows and fittings

If the problems are more severe, window repairs may be necessary. For example, if part of your wood window has rotted, you may need to replace the damaged wood section. If you find a loose fastener, it may need to be replaced or repaired. If you are unsure, contact window repair professionals to assess the damage.

window replacement

Windows in your home that won’t open or close could be a sign of a bigger problem. Excessive damage to the window may require replacement. If you have multiple stuck or damaged windows, it might be time for a major window upgrade throughout your home. Plastic windows cause problems? Consider upgrading to wood or wood paneling. It might also be time for replacement windows if your windows are old. When older windows begin to fail, consider whether the cost of repairs could be better spent upgrading to new, more efficient windows.

Depending on your home, window sticking can cause anything from a minor annoyance to a major problem. If you can’t fix stuck windows yourself, or think a window that won’t open or close could be a sign of a bigger problem, consult the experts at Acme Glass. We’ll help you determine the next step that’s best and most cost-effective for you.

Posted By: Rachel Bownds

UPVC is a material chosen for window frames because of its durability. Unlike other materials such as wood. It’s also waterproof.

If you live in a modern building, chances are your windows are double glazed and UPVC. However, if your UPVC windows have been installed for a while, you may find that you are having trouble opening and closing them. They may have warped slightly and need some adjustment.

Depending on the problem and your level of confidence, you can probably adjust the windows yourself.

In this article, we look at some common problems with double-glazed UPVC windows and how to fix them. Read on to find out more.

Why doesn’t my UPVC window close properly?

If your window doesn’t close properly – maybe it’s stuck – you need to adjust the height.

This is fairly easy and can be done by unscrewing the screws on the side of the window. Turn the screws with a screwdriver and then adjust the wings back into the frame. Next, tighten them again. It might be worth asking someone for help if you do this.

What if the problem is with the hinges?

If you think the hinges on your windows may be past their prime, you should contact a double glazing company who can replace them rather than reinstalling the window hinges yourself. We’re happy to help, just request a callback.

Are top hung windows harder to adjust?

If your windows swing open from above or below, they are called top-hung windows.

These windows must have enough friction on the hinge to keep them open. However, if you have too much friction, they can be difficult to open.

Top-hung windows have hinges with a friction stay. This friction support can be adjusted at the hinge – either tightened or loosened – to apply pressure or loosen to hold the window open or loosen the window strap.

When adjusting you need to locate the friction strut on the hinge and adjust the screws in the correct direction.

Will I damage the window if I repair it myself?

Depending on the extent of the adjustment, there is always a risk of damaging the window if you do the repair yourself. If you misplaced screws and can’t put them back in or close the window properly, it would be a security risk for your home.

If you are unsure or just want reassurance to consult a specialist, always play it safe.

At Cosyhomes Windows we offer a range of window repairs and can advise on the best course of action; most of the time the answer is simple and quick. We have a lot of experience and will find the right solution for you.

UPVC windows that don’t close properly against the gasket create a small gap between the window and the gasket where heat can escape – which in turn leads to higher heating bills and a drafty home.

Insects can also crawl or fly through gaps between your windows and window frames, and moisture can get in, leading to condensation and mold growth.

Sometimes your window is also difficult to close and it can cause damage if you have to force it shut – especially if you are in a hurry and close the window quickly to get out of the house or because it is cold or noisy outside.

The good news is that UPVC windows that won’t close are easy and inexpensive to fix.

The checklist for non-closing plastic windows

If your UPVC windows won’t close, the first thing you should do is determine the source of the problem by examining your windows.

Our checklist will help you to localize the problem area:

Check if the wing has fallen off

Sometimes the sash can fall off if the window has a side swing opening and has the ability to open like a door.

With the window closed, look at the top corner of the window above the handle. If you can see daylight when you move, your window is down.

Also, check that your UPVC window fits in the frame as if it has shifted down on the handle side, then the window could fall off.

It’s normal for a UPVC sliding window to fall off a bit, but if this falloff is affecting how the window works for you and it keeps falling off, you’ll need to contact a window company.

Check the lock

With the window closed, slide a credit card between the sash and frame. The credit card shouldn’t be easy to move – it should be very tight.

If not, you will need to adjust your lock to make the seal tighter. It’s easy to do with an Allen key.

Check the hinges

With the PVC window closed, check the hinge side. If you see a gap on the hinge side between the sash and the frame, the problem is in the hinges.

This means the hinges will wear out and stop pulling the sash against the frame. The hinges need to be replaced, but this job is straightforward for an experienced window fitter.

Problems closing other types of UPVC windows

Sometimes you might have a UPVC window that isn’t a sash, but you’re having trouble closing it. Maybe it’s a bay window, casement or awning style UPVC window that is difficult or difficult to close. This is due to the swelling of the UPVC frame caused by hot temperatures.

In this case, your plastic window is not broken and does not need to be replaced – the window will simply retract when the temperature returns to normal. In this case, do not adjust your plastic windows, as this will cause problems in the future.

How to fix a UPVC window that won’t close properly

If you have a UPVC window that won’t close properly, and you’ve used the checklist above to pinpoint the problem, you can fix the UPVC closing problem yourself.

Once you’ve located the problem on the hinges, you need to:

Lift the wing out by unscrewing the hinges from the UPVC frame

Look at the old hinges and how they attach to the UPVC frame

Replace the old hinges by unscrewing them and inserting the new hinges

Place the UPVC wing back into the frame and screw in the new hinges

Open and close the window a few times, checking for gaps and making sure it opens and closes smoothly

Once you have located the problem with the lock, you must:

Check out the cams. These are the parts that move up and down as you turn the handle and you can see them clearly when you open the window

The cams can be rotated with an Allen key. Twisting them one way loosens them and the other way tightens them. Turn the cams to tighten against the gasket

If you have seen that you have a dropped UPVC wing, you must:

Buy some plastic packers – chances are there aren’t enough of them in your sash.

Close your window with the glass removed and make sure the sash is aligned

Reinstall the glass and pack it with plastic blocks so there is no movement between the wing and the glass. Now put your glass back in place and pack it all around with plastic blocks so there is no movement between the glass and the wing.

UPVC windows that don’t close due to hot summer temperatures should simply be left as they naturally deflect when the temperature drops.

If you want to do something to make the UPVC cool faster, you can spray the outside with water or blot the frame with a cold, damp cloth, which will shrink the UPVC back together.

This is how you extend the life of your plastic windows

You can rub grease into your UPVC window locks and hinges to protect them from the elements. The air can damage locks and hinges, and the grease slows wear and prevents corrosion. This is especially important if you live by the sea, as sea air contains corrosive salt and moisture.

4 minutes | 09.10.2019

Now that we know what these terms are, let’s look at how to use them when choosing the right hinge size for your application.

First, let’s look at the anatomy of a hinge, which all styles share to some extent. This is important to understand when calculating the size of the hinge you need.

Proper sizing of the hinge is critical. For example, undersized concealed hinges can cause premature door failure and create safety issues.

How to size your hinges: hinge size calculator

As previously mentioned, the two hinge dimensions we are concerned with are the sash or hinge height and the overall hinge width (measured with the hinge in the fully open position).

The required hinge height is determined by the door thickness and the door width. The width of the door is important as it affects the weight of the door. A wider door requires more structural support for stability.

For example, if the door is 1-3/8 inches thick and the width is no more than 32 inches, the hinge height is 3-1/2 inches. However, if the door is between 32″ and 36″ tall, the leaf height of the hinges must be increased to 4″ to accommodate the increased weight.

Here’s a simple chart to determine leaf height:

Door Thickness Door Width Approximate Hinge Height 1-3/8″ Up to 32″ 3-1/2″ 1-3/8″ 32″-36″ 4″ 1-3/4″ Up to 36″ 4-1/2″ 1 -3/4″ 36″-48″ 5″ 1-3/4″ Over 48″ 6″ 2″, 2-2/4″, 2-1/2″ Up to 42″ 5″ (commercially required) 2 “, 2-1/4″, 2-1/2″ About 43″ 6″ (commercial duty)

The next step is to determine the total bandwidth, noting that this is measured with the band fully open, also known as the full wingspan.

The minimum width can be determined by a simple calculation using three dimensions:

thickness of the door

backset

release required

To determine the backset, here is a general rule of thumb: For door thicknesses from 1-3/8″ to 2-1/4″, the standard backset is ¼”. For door thicknesses of 2-1/2″, the standard backset is 3/8″.

Determine how much clearance you need to prevent the door from touching the cabinet or panel.

Then calculate the bandwidth using this formula: (door thickness – backset) x 2 + clearance required = total bandwidth

If your calculation result is not a standard hinge size, go to the next larger size.

You can use this next table to determine the hinge width as well. Just check it with your individual application for correctness.

When replacing a kitchen cabinet hinge, there are a few factors you need to consider when choosing a replacement. This page has all the information you need to make an informed decision when browsing our extensive range of concealed hinges.

Our Hinge Helpdesk is a fantastic resource that will automatically select the best fitting hinge from our range based on your selection. Try it here!

Below you will find the most important information you need to identify your hinge, as well as a handy video guide to illustrate:

opening angle of the door

This is the opening angle of the door to the cabinet – the most common opening angles are between 95° – 110°. Or they can be larger, up to 170° for corner cabinets or smaller 40/50° for half-doors that close into a corner.

Cup hole diameter in the door

You should check the diameter of the hole in the door where your current hinge sits – these are usually 26mm, 35mm or 40mm for larger hinges. It’s important to measure the hole in the door and not the hinge itself, as the hinge can be slightly smaller.

Hinge Overlay Options

There are three common types of hinge pads:

Fully Overlay – The door covers the body end of the cabinet when in the closed position

Half Overlay – Two doors on each side of a cabinet frame

Inset Overlay – The door face is flush with the front edge of the cabinet end

Hinge mounting plate connection

You should also check how the hinge connects to the body. Most hinges are either a clip-on hinge or a slide-on hinge

Clip On – Commonly found in the kitchen, these hinges simply “clip” onto the mounting plate when attached to the cabinet side, with no screws required

Slide On – These hinges “slide” onto the mounting plate to attach and then need to be screwed into position

Body and door thickness

Note the thickness of the door and body as this will determine how large the mounting plate needs to be – usually they are 15/16mm or 18/19mm – but there are various other sizes – including plates for glass and plastic doors.

Shop our favorite hinges now

Now that you’ve read how to tell which hinge you have in your kitchen cabinet, you can click HERE to find your perfect hinge.

Hinges are important but often overlooked items in your daily life. You encounter them when you come home, when you move around the house, when you drive your car, and even when you prepare meals in the kitchen. For such small objects, they are of enormous importance. If you’re replacing old hinges or building something new that requires a hinge, consider placement, use, and style to ensure you get a hinge that works for you. Hinges come in many varieties, including strap, piston, pivot, butterfly, and spring.