What goes wrong with them
Friction stays wear out. The arms loosen, the sash starts to sag under its own weight, and the window no longer lines up with the frame. You'll notice it catching on the bottom corner first, then needing a shove to close, then not sealing properly at all — which is usually when the draughts start.
Why it's worth doing early
A dropped sash puts strain on everything else. The handle and locking points end up taking the weight they were never meant to carry, and what began as a pair of worn hinges turns into a new mechanism as well. Replacing stays is a small job; leaving them isn't.
Getting the right part
Friction stays are not one-size-fits-all — they're specified by length, by the stack height between sash and frame, and by track width. Fitting an approximate match is what causes a window to bind six months later. We measure the old one properly and match it.
Egress and fire escape hinges
Some windows need egress hinges, which open wider so the opening can be used as a fire escape. Bedrooms above ground floor often fall into this. If your existing hinges are egress, the replacements need to be too — we'll check rather than assume.
Get a price for your job
Free quotes, no call-out charge and no obligation. Ring us and describe the job, or send a photo and we'll come back to you.
Call 01922 894977 Request a quote
Certass registered · PWF Trusted Installer · £5m public liability · 40 years' experience
Common questions
My window only catches slightly — is that the hinges?
Usually yes, and it's the point to deal with it. A slight catch is a hinge starting to go, and it only ever gets worse.
Can hinges be adjusted rather than replaced?
Sometimes a small amount, but friction stays have very little adjustment in them. If the arms are worn, adjustment just moves the problem.
Do you replace both sides?
Always. Stays wear at the same rate, so replacing one and leaving the other means being back for the second in a few months.
Where we cover
window hinges and friction stays across the West Midlands and the towns around it, including: