Choosing The Correct Friction Hinge

Standard Friction Hinges

This is the most common type of friction hinge used in the UK. Side hung hinges which are fixed to the top and bottom of the sash, typically come in lengths of 12 and 16 inch. Top hung, which are fitted to the sides of the sash, come in lengths from 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20 and 24 inch.

Options:
Yale Standard
ERA Standard

Egress Only Friction Hinges

Egress-only friction hinges, typically available in 12" or 16" lengths and can only be side hung. It was introduced to comply with regulations for fire escape windows, which require that the width and height of the opening must be at least 450mm, the clear openable area must be no less than 0.33m², and the cill height (bottom of the openable area) must be no more than 1100mm from the floor.

Options:
Vanguard Egress Only (metal end cap)
Securistyle Defender Egress Only (Yale)

Egress Easy Clean Friction Hinges

This type of hinge includes all the standard egress features but also allows the sash to be moved to the centre of the frame for cleaning. While this is not a regulation in England, it is required in Scotland. These hinges are typically used on first floors and above and can only be side hung.

We stock the Yale Egress Easy Clean Hinge in 12" and 16" because the sash can be moved easily using just the handle—unlike most easy clean hinges, which require more complex manual operation. The Mega Egress version is unique, offering an 8" option ideal for French casements with flying mullions, and a 13" version capable of carrying up to 40kg (note: the easy clean function must be disabled to achieve this weight capacity).

Options:
Yale Egress Easy Clean (12" and 16")
Mega Egress Easy Clean (8" and 13")
Cotsworld Egress Easy Clean (12" and 16")
Royal Egress Easy Clean Friction Hinge

Egress Restricted

This hinge is required where there is a concern for the occupant’s safety and that they may not sufficiently understand the risks of windows on the first floor or above. Typically used in care facilities for the elderly, mentally vulnerable or children. The Nico Egress Friction Hinge with Integrated Restrictor covers this problem very well, choose from a left or right hand side hung version available in either 12 or 16 inch.

Options:
Nico Egress Restricted