Hidden hinges for plastic windows: pros and cons

The sash of a conventional metal-plastic window is placed on the inside of the structure and rotates on hinges fixed to the frame. Window hinges are arranged quite simply, and this simplicity ensures the reliability of the mechanism. In addition, the use of high—quality metal makes it possible for the hinges to withstand a significant load - so that they cope with large doors equipped with double-glazed windows.

But, despite the simplicity and reliability, there are disadvantages to classic loops. Firstly, they are placed on the visible side of the structure and may not fit into the design (especially if it is impossible to find overlays in the color of lamination). Secondly, the hinges placed outside accumulate dust — and because of this, they work worse over time.

An alternative solution is to complete the plastic window with fittings with hidden hinges. In recent years, such hardware mechanisms have become increasingly popular. And their cost is decreasing — the price difference is becoming less and less significant, because accessories with hidden hinges can be safely considered as a basic option for window configuration.

How hidden type loops are arranged

The hinge is a rotary mechanism that connects the window sash to the frame. At the same time, accessories with hidden hinges have a number of features:

• The hinges themselves are not mounted on the sash and frame from the outside, but are hidden in the gap between them. So they are visible only when the window is open. In the closed position, the mechanism is completely hidden — and of all the fittings, only the window handle remains in sight.
• Unlike the classic hinges with a cylindrical design, the hidden ones are arranged more compactly. In shape, they resemble scissors made of flat elements connected by hinges. The details of the hidden hinges are made of high—quality metal and are equipped with stiffeners - so they have quite a sufficient margin of safety.

As for the functionality, it practically coincides with the functionality of classical visible loops. The window opening angle is quite sufficient (usually about 100 °), and if necessary, the window can also be installed in a folding position for ventilation.

Hidden Loops: Pros and cons

Despite the constantly decreasing cost of accessories with hidden hinges, there is still a difference in price. Therefore, the installation of such a mechanism instead of the usual visible loops must be justified. This solution has both pros and cons.

Positive

The main reason why buyers of plastic windows choose accessories with hidden hinges is design. Firstly, the absence of additional elements on the front surface of the profile makes the window more neat and concise. Secondly, there is no need to solve the already mentioned problem of finding overlays whose color corresponds to the shade of the profile lamination.

Important! The second point is especially relevant for design designs. The palette of lamination from most manufacturers is much wider than the palette of shades of loop linings from manufacturers of accessories. The problem is partially solved by painting plastic with powder pigments, but this greatly increases the cost of the design.

In addition to the aesthetic appearance, hidden loops also have practical advantages:

• Safety. The whole mechanism is located in the gap between the frame and the sash, completely hidden from the access of outsiders. Unauthorized entry into the room will be seriously hampered — any attempts to remove the sash from the hinges are doomed to failure in advance.
• Thermal insulation. Installation of fittings with hidden hinges allows you to keep the sealing contour around the perimeter of the structure. The absence of breaks in the loop zone increases the level of tightness, which means it reduces the risk of drafts and blowing.
• Easy to maintain. The hinges are located inside the window and are not in contact with the external environment. This means that less dust will accumulate on the mechanism (the integral sealing circuit plays its role again), and the lubricant will last longer due to slower drying. But if necessary, it will be as easy to clean and lubricate the hinges as in the case of open hinges.
• Less sagging. A window with hidden hinges rarely requires adjustment — thanks to the minimal free movement of the mechanism, even a large and heavy (up to 100 kg) sash practically does not sag.

In addition, if necessary, most of the frame of such a window can be hidden behind the slope. With the classical design of the hinges, their outer parts will interfere — and in the case of hidden hinges, it is enough to make sure that the edge of the slope does not interfere with the opening of the sash.

Minuses

Fittings with hidden hinges are more compact and more complex. This is due to a number of features that need to be taken into account:

• Firstly, the maximum weight of the sash is still limited - most manufacturers produce hinges that work with sashes up to 100 kg. So for a very large window, you will have to choose hinges of a classic design.
• Secondly, the installation of fittings should be carried out in compliance with fairly strict standards. Therefore, the requirements for the production culture of windows will be higher.
• Thirdly, there are differences in the adjustment technology — although it is necessary to adjust the loops less often. If the need arises, you will either have to spend time studying the manufacturer's recommendations, or contact specialists for the maintenance of metal-plastic windows.
• Finally, the difference in price — yes, it is small, but accessories with hidden hinges will almost always be more expensive than the standard one.

Where the window design will be a priority, there is simply no alternative to fittings with hidden hinges. In other cases, such a mechanism will be at least as good as the standard one. At the same time, the numerous advantages of hidden hinges for plastic windows make such a solution increasingly in demand.

You can order a high-quality professional installation of metal-plastic windows by following the link