How To Identify The Correct Window Hinges Before Buying

28th July, 2026

How To Identify The Correct Window Hinges Before Buying

Purchasing new window hinges is no easy task however with this simple guide we hope to make that a little easier.

For this guide we are going to concentrate on the world of upvc.

First thing we need to know is where the hinges are located and this is either "top hung" or "side hung" check the handy image below to better understand this.

Top hunge hinges are located on the sides of the window and side hung are located at the top and bottom of the window, the arm attached to the window itself for a top hung are normally shorter than the length of the hinge track base as indicated with the blue arrow in the above image, side hung this arm is usually the same length as the track base indicated by the red arrow

Next we need to measure the overal length

For Top hung hinges common sizes are as follows:

8" (200mm)
10" (250mm)
12" (300mm)
16" (400mm)
20" (500mm)
24" (600mm)

Side hung common sizes

12" (300mm)
16" (400mm)

Actual size may vary 10-20mm depending on brand.

The next important dimension is what is known as the stack height and to correctly measure this the hinge needs to be removed.

The stack height is the thickness of the hinge when it is closed, it could measure either 13mm or 17mm with the 13mm being the more common size.

Next to work out is if the hinge is a slimline or standard and this we need to measure the width of the track base.

Turn the hinge upside down and measure across

If you get a measurement close to 18mm then your hinge is standard width hinge, if you get close to 15mm then you have a slimline hinge.

If you have a slimline hinge please contact us on 01388 777899 or email us at sales@sash-hardware.co.uk to find out how to purchase a slimline version.

Now we know the positioning, length, stack height and also track width next we need to know if your hinge has any special features.

Egress (For fire escape windows often identified with a green end)
Easy clean
Restrictor

Egress hinges are designed to give the maximum opening to enable a person in an emergency to jump out of the window, this opening must be atleast 450mm in width and also height.

Below is a comparison between an egress hinge shown with the green parts on the left side of the image and a standard hinge on the right side of the image with both arms in the fully open position.

As the window opens with the standard hinge you will note how the whole window moves over slightly leaving a large gap to the hinge side but with the egress type hing as the window is opened the window stays over close to the edge of the frame

giving you a larger opening.

Then we have easy clean, hinges designed so that you can slide the whole window over to enable cleaning of the outside glass, this is usually done by pressing a button in the hinge and with some slight pressue push the window over.

Restrictor hinges have a built in lock or catch that stops the windo opening past a pre determined point however the restrictor can be bypassed to open the window fully.

Top tip, on most hinges they have marks stamped in to indicate which way they open, as hinges are only supplied in pairs you have a right handed version and a left handed version

This is usually an arrow or "RH" or "LH"

If the hinges are opened in the incorrect direction the locating tip will not work as it should, if opened incorrectly you can "force" it back over so all is not lost.