How to Replace Window Sills

Windows are the breathers for your house. It is through them that air as well as sunshine comes into your house and makes it worth living. Imagine a house without any windows and your mind will automatically conjure up the image of a prison. Apart from being the source of ventilation, windows also add to the beauty of your house. Thus, it becomes very necessary to ensure that they remain in good shape always. Many times, you must have seen the window sills of a house getting rotten and spoiling its look. In case you are also suffering from the same problem, just read the instructions provided below and know how to replace the window sills of your house.

Replacing Rotted Window Sills

Things Needed

Hammer
Chisel
Pry Bar
Hacksaw Blade
Sandpaper
Wood Preservative
Galvanized Finishing Nails
Putty
Exterior Caulk
Primer
Paint
Paintbrush
Pressure Wood, to match the old window sill

Instructions

First of all, you need to remove the rotted window sill.
Take a chisel and hammer and pry it away.
Now, using a ply bar, separate it from the adjoining sides.
If there are any nails, cut them with the help of a bucksaw blade.
After you have taken out the old sill, get a new piece of wood, of the same thickness as the former.
Place the old window sill on top of the new wood and cut the latter to the same dimensions.
Sand and treat the wood.
Place the new sill into the old spot, to ensure that it fits perfectly.
If it doesn’t fit, make the necessary alterations.
Making use of galvanized finishing nails, attach the sill under the window sides. Ensure that the nails sink beneath the surface.
Fill the holes with wood putty.
After the putty dries, sand it and caulk any gaps.
Finally, prime and paint the new window sill.

Window Sill Repair

The sill is that part of the window frame, which bears the maximum wear and tear as it extends out of the window. In case you do not want to replace the window sill, you can do some repairing on it and make it work for a longer time. You just have to cover the sill with an aluminum sheet and paint in a color that matches the wood. Below given are some instructions that you need to follow, to repair the damaged window sill.

Cut a paper template in a size that fits the sill. Lay the template on a sheet of aluminum and mark the pattern on the metal sheet. Cut out the marked pattern, using the tin snips.
Caulk the edges of the sill and the wedge on one side of the aluminum, to the stool of the sill. Nail it in place, using the 1-inch roofing nails.
Tape a wooden block over the aluminum surface and fix it by tapping a hammer over it. This would make the aluminum assume the shape of the sill.
Nail the aluminum underneath the sill and use caulking compound to seal the edges.
Prime with metal primer and paint the aluminum to match your trim.

How to Cite

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