I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in the
photo. These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg

The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge side
that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the outside of
the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.

On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in the
photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge side
that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the outside of
the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.

I expect another reason for doing them like that is so that they can
fold back against a wall even when the window is recessed into the
opening somewhat.

Lots of modern windows have hinges that allow cleaning access.

--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

On Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 12:48:17 PM UTC+1, GB wrote:
I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in the
photo. These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg

The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge side
that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the outside of
the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.
I believe in Scotland that is a building reg requirment.

Jonathan

On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in the
photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge side
that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the outside of
the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.
just an early 1950's easy clean hinge so you can get your hand
through,,,,no big deal...but quality

On 24/04/2021 12:56, John Rumm wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in
the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.

I expect another reason for doing them like that is so that they can
fold back against a wall even when the window is recessed into the
opening somewhat.
not in scotland you can't where the window is installed in the correct
position behind the dpc.....

On 25/04/2021 10:23, Jim GM4DHJ ... wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:56, John Rumm wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and
I noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in
the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm
surprised it's not more commonplace.

I expect another reason for doing them like that is so that they can
fold back against a wall even when the window is recessed into the
opening somewhat.
not in scotland you can't where the window is installed in the correct
position behind the dpc.....

Tricky having a vertical DPC in a solid (sandstone) wall though.

On 25/04/2021 10:20, Jim GM4DHJ ... wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in
the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.
just an early 1950's easy clean hinge so you can get your hand
through,,,,no big deal...but quality

If that window had normal hinges then a gust of wind could blow it
back and damage the hinges. Crittal windows have always been like
this, AFAIK.

The buyer of this flat will knock a fair bit off to cover the
cost of DG replacement, or secondary glazing if this is in a
conservation area.

On 25/04/2021 10:34, Andrew wrote:
On 25/04/2021 10:23, Jim GM4DHJ ... wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:56, John Rumm wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and
I noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like
in the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm
surprised it's not more commonplace.

I expect another reason for doing them like that is so that they can
fold back against a wall even when the window is recessed into the
opening somewhat.
not in scotland you can't where the window is installed in the correct
position behind the dpc.....

Tricky having a vertical DPC in a solid (sandstone) wall though.
indeed

On 25/04/2021 10:38, Andrew wrote:
On 25/04/2021 10:20, Jim GM4DHJ ... wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and
I noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in
the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm
surprised it's not more commonplace.
just an early 1950's easy clean hinge so you can get your hand
through,,,,no big deal...but quality

If that window had normal hinges then a gust of wind could blow it
back and damage the hinges. Crittal windows have always been like
this, AFAIK.

The buyer of this flat will knock a fair bit off to cover the
cost of DG replacement, or secondary glazing if this is in a
conservation area.
I would keep them ....quality lasts forever

On 25/04/2021 10:46, Jim GM4DHJ ... wrote:
On 25/04/2021 10:38, Andrew wrote:
On 25/04/2021 10:20, Jim GM4DHJ ... wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and
I noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like
in the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm
surprised it's not more commonplace.
just an early 1950's easy clean hinge so you can get your hand
through,,,,no big deal...but quality

If that window had normal hinges then a gust of wind could blow it
back and damage the hinges. Crittal windows have always been like
this, AFAIK.

The buyer of this flat will knock a fair bit off to cover the
cost of DG replacement, or secondary glazing if this is in a
conservation area.
I would keep them ....quality lasts forever

Crittal are still in business and make double-glazed, thermally
isolated modern metal versions though (if you have very deep
pockets)

On 25/04/2021 13:20, Tim Streater wrote:
On 25 Apr 2021 at 10:46:11 BST, "Jim GM4DHJ ..."
wrote:

On 25/04/2021 10:38, Andrew wrote:
On 25/04/2021 10:20, Jim GM4DHJ ... wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and
I noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in
the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm
surprised it's not more commonplace.
just an early 1950's easy clean hinge so you can get your hand
through,,,,no big deal...but quality

If that window had normal hinges then a gust of wind could blow it
back and damage the hinges. Crittal windows have always been like
this, AFAIK.

The buyer of this flat will knock a fair bit off to cover the
cost of DG replacement, or secondary glazing if this is in a
conservation area.
I would keep them ....quality lasts forever

You calling iron-frame windows "quality"? PoS.

em...yes

On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in the
photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge side
that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the outside of
the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.

They look identical to those in my old house, built in 1947.

Bill

On 25/04/2021 13:20, Tim Streater wrote:
On 25 Apr 2021 at 10:46:11 BST, "Jim GM4DHJ ..."
wrote:

On 25/04/2021 10:38, Andrew wrote:
On 25/04/2021 10:20, Jim GM4DHJ ... wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and
I noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in
the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.


The buyer of this flat will knock a fair bit off to cover the
cost of DG replacement, or secondary glazing if this is in a
conservation area.
I would keep them ....quality lasts forever

You calling iron-frame windows "quality"? PoS.


My 45+ year old workshop has exactly the same windows. No sign of rust,
all open and close perfectly.

Mike

On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in the
photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge side
that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the outside of
the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.

Replacement windows I have had fitted open inwards, making the outside
even easier to clean.

--
Colin Bignell

On 28/04/2021 10:39, nightjar wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in
the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.

Replacement windows I have had fitted open inwards, making the outside
even easier to clean.

But meaning that you have to remove any pot plants or ornaments.

I had a conversation with an elderly French woman some years ago and we
talked about this. She liked the idea of opening outwards, but worried
about cleaning. When I told her that we have a window cleaner who comes
round once a month to do it, she thought it a wonderful idea!

On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and I
noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in the
photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge side
that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the outside of
the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm surprised
it's not more commonplace.

Means you have to move any bulky furniture under the window.

--
Max Demian

On 28/04/2021 10:51, Steve Walker wrote:
On 28/04/2021 10:39, nightjar wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and
I noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like in
the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm
surprised it's not more commonplace.

Replacement windows I have had fitted open inwards, making the outside
even easier to clean.

But meaning that you have to remove any pot plants or ornaments.

Assuming you clutter the window sill up with such things.

You can also get windows that pivot about a horizontal point halfway up.
That brings the outside in, without having to worry about plant pots.

I had a conversation with an elderly French woman some years ago and we
talked about this. She liked the idea of opening outwards, but worried
about cleaning. When I told her that we have a window cleaner who comes
round once a month to do it, she thought it a wonderful idea!

Its what I do.

--
Colin Bignell

On 28/04/2021 12:09, nightjar wrote:
On 28/04/2021 10:51, Steve Walker wrote:
On 28/04/2021 10:39, nightjar wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell, and
I noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges, like
in the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm
surprised it's not more commonplace.

Replacement windows I have had fitted open inwards, making the
outside even easier to clean.

But meaning that you have to remove any pot plants or ornaments.

Assuming you clutter the window sill up with such things.

You can also get windows that pivot about a horizontal point halfway up.
That brings the outside in, without having to worry about plant pots.

I had a conversation with an elderly French woman some years ago and
we talked about this. She liked the idea of opening outwards, but
worried about cleaning. When I told her that we have a window cleaner
who comes round once a month to do it, she thought it a wonderful idea!

Its what I do.


But I suspect you don't live in a tower block.

Don't French windows open inwards because they tend to (historically)
have external shutters which are useful to keep out the heat of the sun
during the middle of the day.

Inward opening windows make it difficult to fit curatin and blinds.

Local library has interesting timber windows that swivel horizontally
about their middle but still use some sort of reflex hinge so they can
be turned almost inside out for easy cleaning. The hinges are marked
'made in Norway' and must have been expensive, despite being single
glazed (refurb in 1986). Pity it is a single story building :-)

On 29/04/2021 15:55, Andrew wrote:
On 28/04/2021 12:09, nightjar wrote:
On 28/04/2021 10:51, Steve Walker wrote:
On 28/04/2021 10:39, nightjar wrote:
On 24/04/2021 12:48, GB wrote:

I was recently helping my son in law get his flat ready to sell,
and I noticed that the Critall metal windows have unusual hinges,
like in the photo.Â* These are similar to parliament hinges.

https://www.deltaglazing.co.uk/wp-co...ow-repairs.jpg


The effect is that, with the window open there's a gap at the hinge
side that's wide enough to get your arm through for cleaning the
outside of the window.

That's such a simple idea, and so easy to implement that I'm
surprised it's not more commonplace.

Replacement windows I have had fitted open inwards, making the
outside even easier to clean.

But meaning that you have to remove any pot plants or ornaments.

Assuming you clutter the window sill up with such things.

You can also get windows that pivot about a horizontal point halfway
up. That brings the outside in, without having to worry about plant pots.

I had a conversation with an elderly French woman some years ago and
we talked about this. She liked the idea of opening outwards, but
worried about cleaning. When I told her that we have a window cleaner
who comes round once a month to do it, she thought it a wonderful idea!

Its what I do.


But I suspect you don't live in a tower block.

I would expect windows in tower blocks to have very limited opening, for
reasons of safety. Then again, I wouldn't have expected them to have
window frames that could melt in a fire.

Don't French windows open inwards because they tend to (historically)
have external shutters which are useful to keep out the heat of the sun
during the middle of the day.

It could also be because the hinges are then on the inside and burglars
cannot remove the door by driving out the hinge pins. I have outward
opening French doors and they need dog bolts to protect against that.

Inward opening windows make it difficult to fit curatin and blinds.

But not impossible, assuming you want them. Mine are at the back of the
house and I don't bother with either.

Local library has interesting timber windows that swivel horizontally
about their middle but still use some sort of reflex hinge so they can
be turned almost inside out for easy cleaning. The hinges are marked
'made in Norway' and must have been expensive, despite being single
glazed (refurb in 1986). Pity it is a single story building :-)


--
Colin Bignell