Not too long ago, we came across window hinges that caused the bulk of the window problems. The wood rim to which the hinges were attached is almost entirely aged. The homeowner was unable to locate the bulk of the upstairs windows. It was a backward case of a defective system covering rot.
Image credit: https://chameleon-decorators.co.uk/blog/window-hinges/
Thermal bridges formed by hinges
Exterior window hinges importantly reduce the window service cycle.
This happens because more frost and heat are transferred to the wood frames with the support of screws and hinge plates. Metal has a higher thermal conductivity than wood. The process of configuring the temperature in one material through another is also popularized as thermal bridging.
Because of thermal bridging, the corner of the bottom wood rail where the hinge plate attaches to the sash will be the first space where the paintwork will crack and let water in.
Moisture will make flawless circumstances for rust and rot soon become apparent.
Lever arm 14+ centimeters
The hinge pin, around which the sash spins, is 7 centimeters from the space where the hinge is attached to the window frame and sash. This makes about 14 centimeters of leverage, increasing the pressure on all the joints as you open the window and slowly break the wood frame and let in more moisture.
How to fix a bad window hinge system
- Before that, you must expel all rotten and decayed wood.
- Remove the decrepit hinges.
- Restore sash windows with fresh wood such as Accoya or Tricoya.
- In case your asset is not a Class 2, install fresh ball-bearing window hinges by cutting a fresh mortise in the wood frame and sash.
Please Note: If you live in a Grade 2 house, you need to save the decrepit hinges and repair them by removing all layers of old paint and erosion and lubricating the unit. Excess grease goes out before painting. To avoid rusting, use zinc-plated screws to fasten the hinges back to the window.
