Draughty Window Not Closing Properly! UPVC Hinge Replacement

As we head into winter and energy bills reach record highs, I'm on a mission to make sure our house is as energy efficient as possible. A window in our bedroom doesn't pull tight to the window seal when closed causing a permanent draught due to a worn-out hinge. Time to eliminate the draught!
UPVC Window Hinge Link: Measure the length and stack height of your hinges.
Yale Fire Escape Hinges amzn.to/3MchTcG
Non-Fire Escape Hinges amzn.to/405BHnT
Comment below and subscribe for more!
If you'd like to support the channel even further, you can do so via the following methods:
Paypal: [e-mail]
Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/froywher...
All support will be reinvested in to improving the quality of my videos.
Thanks for watching, Froy.

[@user-dr6jk5qk2z]

Lots of simplified information covered in detail thanks for covering all the detail.

[@froywhernside]

My pleasure!

[@Mindboggle100]

Froy, you have a gift for teaching as well as a lot of skill... Outstanding tutorial, and well filmed on location. I rely on KZbin for so much, yet it can only as good as the content. Thanks, very appreciated tutorial.

[@froywhernside]

Thank you 😁 Appreciate it. I'll keep at it

[@jamsand3]

Best and clearest tutorial I've found for this

[@ShaamoneHeeHee]

I meant to say, thanks for doing this video, I've watched a couple of these and between you all it gave me the confidence to replace a hinge this afternoon.

[@froywhernside]

Nice! That's the idea, get more people giving it a go. Thank you 😁

[@nickgrantley3879]

superb Froy ........... that is one of the clearest DIY vids ive seen and great links too - excellent

[@froywhernside]

Thank you! I tried to keep it simple. More on the way 👍

[@davidrigby9572]

Good little video. I need to do the same hinge replacement myself and that's a nice little walk-through for the process.

[@froywhernside]

Thanks, just don't drop the window 😁

[@vinyltheif]

Just what I needed to see mate! Albeit not in the trade I fitted my windows ~ 16 years ago & one now has the same issue so I'll try the same screwfix hinge.

[@froywhernside]

Thanks, I always think if someone can do it, why can't I

[@tonybunner3725]

This Really helped😀😀 me ,had a window blow open in a storm and top of window would not catch on the keep ,did not have to replace the hinge ,just readjusted it and replaced the bent screws .

[@andrew2272kag]

Always good to know you can do things solo. Really helpful video, thanks. Gonna remove the foam draft excluders and swap the hinges this week.

[@davidpeters223]

The hinges you took off are fire rated hinges, (egress hinges)by pressing that metal tab allows the window to open 90 degrees to help people escape if needed. The hinges you replaced them with aren't fire rated hinges so window wont open as wide. Hope this helps.

[@froywhernside]

Very true, should have mentioned that in the video. Options in the description for both 👍

[@billyballsohyes554]

An egress hinge opens to 90 degrees to allow escape in a fire, that metal tab is there so the sash can be slid along for cleaning of the outside pane, it is not there for escape. That is an easy clean egress hinge, you can’t be trying to press a metal tab in the event of a fire.

[@grahamshillingford8229]

Well said, you are quite correct easy clean egress friction stay all in one. I love it when people who try to correct someone get corrected themselves!!​@@billyballsohyes554

[@simonarcher7698]

Thanks, exactly what I needed to see before attempting this myself.

[@froywhernside]

Thanks, subscribe for more 😉😁

[@eriktz2326]

Thank you I'm working in maintenance and I was struggling for 1 hour how to change hinges Thank you perfect video nicely explained ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[@davidbullock6444]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@paulcharleton3208]

Thanks for that I found this exact situation on my daughter's bedroom window after hearing an almighty whistling in the recent high winds. I watched the video to the end and was rather dreading the taking out and ordering the correct hinge - it wouldn't have gone back so easy for me 😂. However after you showed the angled end piece engaging with the plastic recess I checked mine out and noticed it catching in quite a bit before the top hinge. So with nothing to loose I found a small file and got in there to file a bit more of a groove into the plastic and now it's much better - no longer hitting the back of the plastic which was throwing the metal out. I've halved the gap already and will carefully do a bit more tomorrow. So cheers for that - and I was let off the hard bit !

[@jossmaxwell00]

Thanks so much for this video. Now I know how to sort my drafty window. Cheers 👍👍👍

[@aaronabbott2728]

Thank you for the video it is very helpful 👍🏻

[@narcoserrasalom6464]

That's the video I was looking for! Thanks buddy! Well done! 🙌

[@stephenyounger8280]

Thank you for terrific video. I used this to change hinges on window at my son's place today and was invaluable. Thank you

[@froywhernside]

Glad it helped 😁

[@osainet]

Many thanks Froy!!! This your video just helped me fix my draught window 😂

[@donalobrien4756]

Great video. Very helpful. Thanks for doing it.

[@froywhernside]

Thank you 😁

[@NPVG26]

This is so incredibly helpful. I was thinking I'd have to replace my window but it's just the hinge and now thanks to you I know how to replace it! Thank you!

[@froywhernside]

I think a lot of windows get replaced unnecessarily

[@wandalloyd2206]

Thank you, very well explained.

[@froywhernside]

Glad you liked it

[@NeilsCarsAviationTravel]

Thanks for this, I need to replace my hinges later today and this really helped. One tip I got was to test fir the hinges to the main window frame first and have all the holes pre-pilot drilled, then remove and fit to the window. It makes final fitting easier. Luckily mine is living room window so I will be able to work from the driveway.

[@froywhernside]

Great advice, thanks Pilot holes would definitely help

[@TheOldMan76]

Great video, thank you!

[@alanr585]

You're a hero doing that job single handed!

[@froywhernside]

One wrong move and it would have cost me a few hundred quid so not advisable 😂

[@rorygallen433]

Great walkthrough video

[@phelimoneill2813]

Great video - Thank you as it was just what i needed to see to do this myself!

[@froywhernside]

Glad it helped 👍

[@dudmanjohn]

Nice job 👌

[@petethebeat48]

I didn’t realise the hinges were that cheap and that easy (ish) to replace. I greased all the moving parts on the 4 windows that I have with the same issue. It made them seal properly again, but if they start to leave a gap at the hinge end again, I will replace them myself. I was thinking I would have to get a window doctor type company in. Thanks for showing me I can do it myself.😊

[@froywhernside]

Yeah very simple. Saves calling out a "pro" 😁

[@nixonsmateruby1]

I put clear silicone around mine in winter and keep the living room windows shut and the difference is amazing.

[@froywhernside]

We have to open our windows daily as we find our house gets quite humid if we don't... Another problem to solve 😁

[@TDC10000]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@johnmcnamara4846]

Brilliant video.

[@froywhernside]

Thank you 😁 More coming soon

[@playlistsincheck-en2pq]

thanks Froy apprieciate the video

[@user-oc8ke1jv1s]

very good tutorial. thanks. I might try too as my window has same problem.

[@froywhernside]

Just be careful when taking the window out... Heavy and awkward!

[@alexbruce7708]

Great video. Thank you. The irony is that a 2pence piece of plastic end cap is designed to wear out, the replacement still has the same issue, but all that is really needed are new plastic caps, or better still, some metal ones. Great video.

[@froywhernside]

I would like to know which company makes the best quality hinges.

[@jamesmckenzie6949]

Thank you froy, you nailed it,exactly my situation,and you explained the solution clearly,nice one ✓

[@sidr7193]

hi, have the same problem. do you know what them 2pence piece of plastics end caps are called and where i could buy them from. thank you

[@chrisross5976]

LEGEND!

[@gunnerman9511]

Good stuff, I can confirm this is a proper ball ache job, especially if you live in a tall building with these heavy windows as gravity isn't your friend. 2 people are definitely recommended and even easier if one is outside on a ladder holding it in place while you screw it back in. Putting it back in and lining it all up once you've put the new hinges on is very tricky and your vid made it look easy.

[@froywhernside]

Thanks! It was a struggle!

[@michaelconnor8317]

You could always deglaze it to make it lighter, then reglaze it after you've refitted it. Don't forget to toe and heel the sash when you refit the glass.

[@frederickstevens6415]

first class instructions hope i can do my widow to your high standard

[@froywhernside]

Just don't drop it! 😁

[@dougieman765]

Thank you for this video

[@froywhernside]

Thanks for watching 👊

[@jackychan7709]

Great video❤

[@froywhernside]

Thanks 😊

[@OCD_Sparkies]

The struggle method is the only method!

[@michaelconnor8317]

Deglaze the sash, then take it out to fit the hinges, replace the sash then reglaze the sash. It's that simple when you do it for a living.

[@thomasroche212]

Always have a second set of hands lifting out or fitting back in window. Easy to do but can easy drop out when the last screw comes out

[@michaelsummers5001]

Nice one thanks

[@froywhernside]

Thanks for watching 👊

[@Home_made_ch]

Thanks. Most important information i found at 6:20 of video. My windows had exactly same issue, but instead of black plastic ends i have metal < shape, so this < was pushed away with time and

[@froywhernside]

Great solution 👌

[@mrlanguage1977bb]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to make this. People do tell you you sound like David walliams right?

[@froywhernside]

Not heard that one before but I'll take it 😂 Little Britain was incredible 😅

[@Davidl-ux5ke]

I do this job most days and unless its big top opener i just take them out glazed never dropped one yet 😁😁 A set of glass suckers can give you another thing hold onto when take it in and out

[@froywhernside]

Must be a good money maker, probably takes you about 10 mins 😁

[@JohnnyMotel99]

small tip, don't fit the screw in the hole with no adjustment, then if the hinge needs adjustment you have the two oval holes for that. Then finally fix last screw in the middle hole.

[@froywhernside]

I'll check what I did, I think I used one hole that had no adjustment 👍

[@TheRealLindenH]

Good walk-through instructions - we have exactly the same issue with what looks like the same three pane unit - how heavy is the frame/window you did the work on?

[@froywhernside]

Not heavy at all really, just have one person holding the window and the other unscrew the hinge so there's limited risk of dropping it 👍

[@lavonaffair]

i wonder if this is the same procedure with full door windows. Probably more involved for supporting the weight. I'll check when i get home. probably same principle though. Thanks a lot, much appreciated.

[@froywhernside]

The hinges would be much more heavy duty I'd guess, but yeah replacing the worn out hinges should be a similar process.

[@woosheroes494]

❤

[@sidr7193]

hi, thank you for the great video. i have a question and was wondering if you could help? at 6:20 you explain about the hook piece which goes into the black plastic bit. on my window the black plastic bit has worn which is not allowing the window to seal properly. do you know what that black plastic bit is called and where i might be able to buy from? thank you.

[@froywhernside]

I have no idea to be honest. You can probably buy a new hinge and just swap out that piece... Maybe

[@pakirambo7]

Has this made a big difference to noise reduction? Because my room is next to a main road and the noise is driving me crazy since there’s a gap in the windows.

[@froywhernside]

Yes it did, also stopped the annoying wind whistle

[@marcter1375]

why this black thingy on the hinge is made of plastic?and not something stronger like metal so itwould last longer.Got 2 windows replaced 1 year ago and having now just the same issue like in video. Great video

[@froywhernside]

Anything to keep manufacturing cost down I guess 😂 Thanks 👍

[@paulvango]

The original hinges were easy egress hinges, and you have changed the hinge for a normal stay which is ok as long as it’s not a bedroom

[@froywhernside]

Exactly that. Probably best to fit egress everywhere thinking about it 👍

[@AdiCristea]

Why shouldn't be a bedroom, please?

[@paulvango]

@@AdiCristea in a bedroom the regulations are that you must have fire hinges on the sash so as to get maximum opening 90 degrees you can get a easy clean fire hinge which you can push over so you can clean the glass

[@MickHealey]

One of the things I love about KZbin is that I can watch someone else struggle, so that I don't have to 🤣😂 Thank you for a great video. I'm lucky that my faulty first floor window can be accessed from the ground floor flat roof below. So, I'll go outside and hold the window, while Wifey does the business with a screwdriver from the inside.

[@froywhernside]

No point making it too easy for yourself 😁

[@unda25]

What size lenght are the screws i have double glazed but old windows like 90s

[@froywhernside]

From memory about 20mm, best take one of yours out and measure it

[@mrjackstrong5389]

What spec are those window seals ? Got the same and can’t find replacements

[@froywhernside]

Not a clue to be honest. Probably best to try and pop one out if they're not glued on?

[@Heisenberg0086]

I am trying to replace the hinges on a bathroom top hung window, however, the top screw hole which holds the hinge to the window had threaded a hole where the screw goes into the window. I think from using a drill rather than tightening manually by hand. Does anyone know of a fix around this other than replacing the window?

[@froywhernside]

Depends what you've got left to work with. Bigger gauge screw, different hinges with screw holes different locations, drill a new hole in the hinge, use some sort of threaded insert, pack the hole with plastic and epoxy then try again... One of those could work but depends how bad it is, how much weight it needs to hold, etc. Could be worth calling in a window repair person if not not sure

[@royboywales]

The plastic bit on the end is a built in failure device😄 they should be brass or alloy.

[@petethebeat48]

Mine are metal, I was wondering if the plastic was an inferior design (cheaper) or not. Thanks for clarifying my suspension 😊

[@ShaamoneHeeHee]

Just finished doing a hinge due to the metal flange cutting through the plastic bit and leaving the 5mm gap on the frame around that area. Easy job but annoying unnecessary due to a bad bit of design. Still, gave me a chance to get the tools out the shed 😊

[@steverogers702]

My frame screw holes won’t catch the screw what do you recommend new holes drilled in the hinge

[@froywhernside]

Longer screws to catch material further down Bigger diameter screws Or like you can do with wood, find something to glue in the hole and then screw into it, a piece of plastic. I have seen previously people use wire, poke some stranded electrical wire in the hole and then screw into it, should grip fine if you use enough.

[@froywhernside]

If that doesn't work, I'd try and find a hinge where the screws holes are in different places

[@buttonman6262]

Any idea how to get the top hinge off when the eaves are in the way?

[@froywhernside]

Unscrew from the frame first if you can access? Remove the window with hinges still attached.

[@juliabrown900]

what causing the hingis go like that? I have new windows and is already second time when this happened

[@froywhernside]

Hinges wearing out / poor quality hinges. Make sure the friction adjusters aren't too tight, the window should open and close easily but not so loose the wind slams the window. Might be worth checking your window frame is square and plumb in the opening, could be twisted which won't help but you'd probably have more problems if that were the case.

[@isaacadams9290]

would it not be easier to replace the plastic bit instead?

[@mikailhussain01]

👍🏽

[@Mike_5]

Guessing many people have this issue and have no idea what to do about it and don't want some clown coming in and charging them hundreds of pounds to do a simple job - Nice One 🙃

[@froywhernside]

It is simple, people should be brave and try 👍

[@woocksie1]

The old hinge openes less because of the cleaning mechanism... the metal bit which says PRESS. that is the difference Screw fix hinges are cheap stuff just installed the exact same today... let's see how long will last. Anyway is an easy fix.

[@froywhernside]

Certainly are cheap and cheerful. Any recommendations for good quality hinges?

[@woocksie1]

@@froywhernside As I said unfortunately I couldn't find any, I used the same Screwfix hopping that will last long enough. There might be some out there , but can't recommend ... sorry!

[@johnsammons3827]

Our builder drilled top of patio door frame for bump stops upper and lower. The top bumper stop leaks water. Where on earth is it getting in

[@froywhernside]

Does the door have a bead of silicone along the top and down the sides on the outside? Are there draining holes in the cill? What's above the door? Any gutters, pipes, roof?

[@mohammeddulal1320]

I have aluminium frames. Will the process be the same

[@froywhernside]

More than likely yes, I'd take one screw out to check the type of screw needed and measure the hinge as normal.

[@penman1289]

Why did you not take the glass out first. Its quite easy to put internal beaded glassed glass back at the end of fitting your window hinges?

[@froywhernside]

Saves time not taking the glass out. If it were bigger I would have 👍

[@penman1289]

@@froywhernside I mentioned taking out the glass because you said it would be easier with 2 people, I do understand if you did this for a living you need to save time, but not if you are a DIY person.

[@icooper5236]

Cheap repair because you have cheaper hinges, side hung are either 12"" or 16"" the hinge you are taking out is egress easy clean so they open to 90 degrees and they slide that's why there was no centre screw it has an extra one in the corner. The height is known as the stack and it's either 13 mm or 17mm. Your new hinges won't slide

[@froywhernside]

Yeah exactly, I've added links in the description for those that need egress hinges 👍

[@keithbateman8489]

Thanks for this an confirmation that it really needs two people. One part that really confuses me: it a side hung opening, so both hinges are on the same side (top and bottom). The hinges are marked 'L' and 'R' for left and right. Both hinges would be on the left, or on or right.

[@froywhernside]

You have to have a left and a right hinge so when fixed 180 degrees to each other (top and bottom) they hinge the same way. If you had two left hinges for example, once fixed to the window they would hinge in opposite directions and you wouldn't be able to fix the window in the frame, let alone open it.

[@loui425]

Can you post a link to the hinges you bought mate?

[@froywhernside]

www.screwfix.com/p/mila-ideal-window-friction-hinges-side-hung-311mm-2-pack/7268g

[@eriktz2326]

Genius

[@eriktz2326]

@@froywhernside genius

[@rc-po3ns]

And what about window hinges with rivets

[@kevingriffin2846]

Can I ask why you haven’t used fire engresshinges on replacement

[@froywhernside]

I just used whatever Screwfix had in stock at the time. Still enough room to climb through if needed 👍

[@kevingriffin2846]

So you can’t get out of window because Screwfix didn’t stock them building inspector want be happy

[@froywhernside]

As said, you can still get out fine if needed so nothing to be concerned about.

[@beikdw5762]

@@kevingriffin2846 To be honest, the windows look fine. All he needs to do is make sure that the escape width is 450mm if they were egress windows before. Those windows are quite wide as it is.

[@georgemoffat797]

@@froywhernside it’s not for escape it’s for easy cleaning ?

[@rachelcohen4441]

Hi Froy. I tried to do it own my own. Yikes window far too heavy. Please could you help me change mind. I can't find anyone. I will pay. Please Please.

[@froywhernside]

Got a neighbour who could help? Best to search for an insured tradesman on Checkatrade, etc if you're struggling to find someone so you're covered if anything goes wrong

[@mac192]

Remove the glass first? Chisel along the bead and it pops off, remove the other 3 and remove the sealed unit.

[@graham415]

No to mention you took off the old fire escape hinges and replaced them with non fire escape hinges on 1st floor window? The best way to do this type of job for one person is simply remove the glass it makes it so much easier , especially when it’s internally glazed.

[@froywhernside]

Great advice 👌

[@gosiakr8572]

I think your old hinges where easy clean fire escape one which opens 90 degree .These new one are okay but aren’t fire escape.

[@froywhernside]

Correct. They still open to 90 degrees and are big enough to climb out of in an emergency but fire escape hinges should be used.

[@JonnyWinterbottom]

I love ur videos 😂😊😊😊😊😊😊❣️❣️🩵🩷💯💯😊

[@froywhernside]

Sarcasm? I'll still take it 😅

[@froywhernside]

Would you rather ask for help or struggle in silence?! 😩😁

[@jamesfranklyn8547]

Great video, thanks. I have a very similar problem to deal with for a customer and this has been a great help. 😅 many times I’ve struggled in the same way and I still to this day plough forward with the struggle method.

[@froywhernside]

Struggling builds character 😂

[@jamesfranklyn8547]

@@froywhernside 😂😂 now I have an excellent way of justifying my own stupidity, perfect 👍🏿

[@stephenk0nig252]

I would remove the glass first.

[@TheJoetuffguy]

1:06 you farted!

[@froywhernside]

You wish 🤣

[@cleodecker1821]

Remove the glass

[@froywhernside]

Not the first person to suggest that, great idea

[@rockyfish3115]

Next time use a normal screwdriver or a drill on low not an impact driver

[@froywhernside]

I was driving to be careful to not strip the plastic out. Good shout for next time 👍

[@KarenMenpes]

I would have had to deglaze before removing hinges. Bit safer ..

[@froywhernside]

Definitely would be much easier to remove and install the window without glass 👌

[@eelm2079]

looks like you just needed some wd40 in that

[@ShaamoneHeeHee]

Take the glass out first mate, only takes 5 mins

[@froywhernside]

I'll try that next time, do you need any "special" tools to not damage the plastic trim?

[@ShaamoneHeeHee]

@@froywhernside no mate, a stiff paper scraper, flat blade screw driver and a hammer.

[@user-rg3ix5qe4u]

20 minutes to explain something that can be done in less than 5 minutes

[@froywhernside]

Love you too, thanks for watching 😘

[@ryanmccloskey8734]

Fire escape window fucked up

[@froywhernside]

Still plenty of room to get out if needed 👌

[@neilmurray7842]

It has two openings so still has fire egress in place …

[@robertmontgomery3869]

Cheers for that lesson

[@froywhernside]

Any time 😁👍

[@shinyjohn6568]

another tip take the glass out first to make it easier to get the frame in and out👍

[@froywhernside]

That would take away the fun of struggling... That's what I live for 😜

[@noisyshaun]

5:20 the actual stress I got from watchin a guy try to support a window with one hand while placing his drill back down with zero assistance 🫣 Attempting this tomorrow so thanks for explaining it all so well!

[@noisyshaun]

Quick update, I did it and it worked! I can't stress enough how awkward and heavy a window can be, the one I did was wider square shaped window and I hugely underestimated it's weight. Even though you can lift it, making the tiny manoeuvres needed to line up the screw holes is super awkward so I'd recommend doing it with someone else to feed the screws in while you hold it. Thanks loads for your video, there are a lot on here of this job and this is by far the most comprehensive. 👌