Your window sills are the most important part of your window. You window sill get most of the abuse and damage that comes from opening and closing your window, so you will need to take good care of it.
Since damage can happen to your window sill, replacement or window sill repair may be part of your home maintenance. In some cases you will be able to repair your window sill. If it is a wood window sill that has been exposed to dry rot, you may be able to dig out the dry rot, replace with an epoxy, sand, prime and paint to make it look good as new. Before finishing, check for the reason why it started rotting in the first place, to see if a replacement window sill will be more appropriate. If it is totally rotted, window sill replacement may be necessary.
In some cases, instead of investing in replacement window sills, you can install a cover. Vinyl is often a good choice for this, and can be the difference between making a replacement window sill and simply repairing one. Vinyl covers can be specially designed to fit your home and are very low maintenance.
If you decide that you need to do an exterior window sill replacement, you will want to assess the amount of damage first. In some cases, the installation of a new window will call for sill replacement. Other times, you may need to do replacement of the entire metal frame window and sill. If you have Anderson windows, you can call the company about an Anderson window sill replacement and have a professional come out and judge the amount of damage and give you an estimate on repairs.
Along with your window sill, you may need to replace window trim. If you are looking at how to install the window sill with a stool, the process is pretty easy. You can get stool material almost anywhere, and should be milled at the bottom to rest inside the edge. This type of replacement works best in homes where woodwork is an important part of the home’s décor.
Start by cutting the stool to fit the window. Measure the distance between the insides of the window frame, and add a ¼” to account for the reveal on either side. Then add double the width of the casing so there is casing on both sides. Then figure the horn, typically ½” to ¾” and double this measurement as well. Once you have this measurement, you can cut your piece to length, and then notch the stool so that it will slide. Secure with finish nails, and complete the rest of the window trim installation.
