How do I fully open UPVC windows?

lewesian

My upstairs windows won't open fully and I'd like to be able to do so for cleaning. Attached are pictures of (the very grubby) bottom and top hinges. I can't see a tab or button that most people suggest. Any ideas are most welcome.

Eldi_Dos

Below the hinge in the first photo is a grey metal piece, if you push that upwards hopefully it will release a catch.You will then be able to rotate window to fully open position and catch should re-engage holding window steady in cleaning position.
It is not a bad policy to clean all the hinge parts with a old toothbrush (or similar) and then give moving hinge parts a light lubrication at this time of year.
I use WD40 for this but others would use silicon grease.

lewesian

Many thanks for your reply, but I cannot see a 'grey metal piece'. I can find nothing that actually moves and cannot see what is stopping the window from opening. Thanks also for your tips on cleaning, I'll give it a go once I find out how to open the window fully

marcia_

lewesian said:

Many thanks for your reply, but I cannot see a 'grey metal piece'. I can find nothing that actually moves and cannot see what is stopping the window from opening. Thanks also for your tips on cleaning, I'll give it a go once I find out how to open the window fully

 Embarrassingly i had to call a window repair company when my window was blown wide open and wouldn't shut. I tried everything to find a catch or button and failed. Do post if you figure it out because I've still not a clue snd the repair guy thought it was funny and wouldn't tell me! 

ThisIsWeird

marcia_ said:

lewesian said:

Many thanks for your reply, but I cannot see a 'grey metal piece'. I can find nothing that actually moves and cannot see what is stopping the window from opening. Thanks also for your tips on cleaning, I'll give it a go once I find out how to open the window fully

 Embarrassingly i had to call a window repair company when my window was blown wide open and wouldn't shut. I tried everything to find a catch or button and failed. Do post if you figure it out because I've still not a clue snd the repair guy thought it was funny and wouldn't tell me! 

Did he find it equally funny when you refused to pay the 'ole?

Eldi_Dos

@lewesian
In the first photo there is a metal bar that goes from window to the channel that hinge slides up and down in.Underneath that bar is a metal piece, if you push that upwards with your thumb hopefully it will release catch.
If it is too stiff give it a spray with WD40 and leave till tomorrow and try, if it has not been used for awhile they can be tricky.

twopenny

I'd start by cleaning and spraying just in case it gets stuck open in this weather. 

Be sure not to do it on Friday when everyone is off for the weekend.

You can use a 'spout brush' , tiny bottle brush, costs £1ish. Will easily clean behind the hinges and such.

Toothbrush and white vinegar too, dry with paper towels. Don't use anything abraisive or strong cleaners. Dish washer soap should be ok.

lewesian

I'm really sorry but I cannot see or find this 'metal piece', but many thanks for your suggestion.

carly

lewesian said:

I'm really sorry but I cannot see or find this 'metal piece', but many thanks for your suggestion.

Some of my windows have them,( to allow fully opening in case of emergency etc, and cleaning ).and some don't.( the ones where the room has an additional escape route dont ) . They were optional at the time of fitting and called " fire escape hinges ".It could be that your windows don't in fact have any.  Sorry but I can't tell from the photo...viewing on a very small phone   .You might be able to swap out all the hinges for new ones but would it be worth it 

35har1old

Eldi_Dos said:

@lewesian
In the first photo there is a metal bar that goes from window to the channel that hinge slides up and down in.Underneath that bar is a metal piece, if you push that upwards with your thumb hopefully it will release catch.
If it is too stiff give it a spray with WD40 and leave till tomorrow and try, if it has not been used for awhile they can be tricky.

Just watch out for corrosion as it can lead to the window falling outwards and if you don't have a good grip it may end up falling to the ground