If your uPVC window has started to drop, stick, or refuse to close on the seal, the culprit is almost always a worn-out friction stay — the metal hinge arm hidden inside the frame that lets the sash open and stay in position. The good news: it's one of the cheapest and quickest window repairs you can do. This guide gives the real 2026 UK window hinge replacement cost, breaks down the different types, and explains when it's worth doing yourself vs calling a fitter.
Window Hinge Replacement Cost in 2026
- Single standard friction stay (replacement): £50–£90 fitted
- Pair of standard friction stays: £80–£150 fitted
- Heavy-duty (large/heavy sash) pair: £110–£180
- Easy-clean / fire-egress hinges (pair): £120–£200 — let the sash swing out 90° for cleaning the outside from inside
- Tilt & turn hinge gearing: £150–£280
- Whole-house refit (8–10 windows): £550–£950 in one visit
All prices include parts, labour and VAT. Our £180 minimum job charge means combining several hinge replacements into a single visit gives the lowest price per window — typically £80–£100 per pair when doing 4+ at once.
Signs Your Window Hinges Need Replacing
- • The window has dropped and now scrapes the frame or refuses to close on the seal
- • It's stiff to open or "jumps" partway through opening
- • You can see daylight around the sash when the window is shut
- • The hinge arm is visibly rusted, bent or seized
- • The window won't open fully to its normal 90°+ position
- • Cold draughts are getting in even though the handle is locked
Standard vs Easy-Clean Hinges
When replacing hinges it's worth deciding whether to upgrade to easy-clean (also called egress) friction stays. These swing the sash out 90° so you can clean the outside of upper-floor windows from inside — a big plus if you've ever paid £50 to a window cleaner for a 10-minute job.
- Standard friction stay: Cheapest, ~30° opening — fine for ground floor
- Easy-clean: ~30% pricier, full 90° swing, much safer/easier for first-floor and above
- Fire egress: Required by Building Regs for habitable upper-floor rooms — full opening clear of frame for emergency escape
Repair vs Full Window Replacement
For dropped or sticking uPVC windows, hinge replacement is almost always the right call. A pair of friction stays at £80–£150 vs a full window replacement at £450+ means you're saving 70–80% and getting another 10–15 years out of the existing frame.
Full window replacement only makes sense if the frame itself is damaged, the sealed glass unit has misted (which is also separately repairable for £60–£120 — see our double glazing repair cost guide), or the window is over 25 years old and showing failure in multiple places.
Get an Instant Window Hinge Quote
Our online hinge calculator gives a fixed VAT-inclusive price in under 60 seconds. Just tell us how many hinges you need replaced and we'll confirm the price and a fitting date — usually within the same week across Hampshire and Dorset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a window hinge?
A single uPVC window hinge replacement costs £50–£90 fitted in 2026. Most windows need a pair, so plan for £80–£150. Heavy-duty and easy-clean upgrades add £20–£40.
What is a window friction stay?
It's the metal arm mechanism that lets a uPVC window open outwards and stay in position. They wear out after 8–15 years, causing the sash to drop or stick.
Why is my uPVC window dropping or sticking?
Almost always worn friction stays. Replacing the pair (£80–£150 fitted) restores normal operation.
Can I replace a window hinge myself?
Possible, but identifying the right stack height and length is tricky. Professional fitters carry common sizes on the van — the labour usually adds only £30–£50 vs a DIY attempt that may not seal properly.
Is it cheaper to replace hinges or the whole window?
Hinges, by a long way. £80–£150 vs £450+ for a full window replacement.
