Window sills come in a range of rubber materials. Window sills are essential for the health and durability of your building. They direct water away from windows, helping to prevent leaks.

The Basics

The window sill is both a functional and decorative element in your home. It offers you a place to display plants, pictures and candles while protecting your windows from external elements like snowfall and rain.

Before making a purchase, it’s essential to know your options. The two most popular window sill types are lipped and flat sills.

Lipped sills are an ideal choice for new construction or replacement projects, as they’re easy to install and come in various colors to match any decor. Though more costly than flat sills, these long-term investments offer better value over time. Plus, with proper care they’ll last a lifetime!

On the contrary, flat sills require more upkeep. They must be replaced regularly and may need sanding or staining at some point. Unfortunately, this option will not look as visually appealing as a lipped sill does.

When shopping for a window sill replacement, the most critical element to consider is selecting the appropriate material. Neglecting to select proper material could cause serious issues with your windows over time such as rot and mold growth. To prevent such issues from arising, take time to shop around and compare prices so that you find the most cost-effective option that meets both your needs and budget.

Materials

Window sills come in a range of materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. When selecting one for your home, take into account its style, architectural details and lifestyle.

Window sills have traditionally been made from wood; however, wood sills are no longer as durable and need regular upkeep to remain looking their best.

Modern window sills often feature a waterproof coating for durability and added insulation, as well as being available in various colors and designs to match your home’s decor.

PVC and plastic window sills are popular too, though they lack the strength of wood. Furthermore, these materials can be damaged from heavy objects, making them less desirable than classic sills.

Ceramic tile window sills are another common choice, though they can be expensive and lack as many design options as other materials. Furthermore, these materials tend to get stained or dirty easily, making them less appealing than other options.

Stone window sills are another attractive choice that may suit your style. Unfortunately, they’re less common than other materials and typically found on older homes.

In some instances, window sills may be part of a wider strip of weather-resistant material known as a sill pan that spans the width of a wall from inside to outside, as is common with basic masonry construction. This serves to shield the exterior of the building from rain and help shed water when it’s raining.

An alternative, but more practical option, is installing a clapboard system. This straightforward piece of siding sits atop the sill and helps to drain water away from inside the house and prevents it from penetrating through windows.

Some homeowners may prefer to have a separate piece of trim work for their window sills as well, which can be made from various materials and distinct from the windows. This is an ideal option for people who want to add something unique to the room or plan on using the window as extra storage space.

Installation

Window sills are an integral part of a home’s exterior walls. They serve to stop the lower rail of the window and keep its sash in place when closed, as well as protecting walls and floors from water damage.

Lipped sills also prevent condensation from forming between the window panes. They come in a range of materials such as wood, aluminum, metal and plastic.

Before beginning this project, make sure you have all of the tools necessary. A miter saw is ideal for this job as it offers a clean cut without needing much sanding. Additionally, you’ll require a jigsaw for removing the old window sill.

Step two is to measure and mark the width of your windows. Use this measurement for creating the frame for your new sill.

Once you’ve done this, you can begin cutting your new sill to size with a miter saw or hand saw, depending on which option works best for you. If neither option suits your needs, feel free to use either tool instead if desired.

When selecting wood for your sill, it’s essential to select a select grade with no knots and won’t warp or bow. Doing this will guarantee the finished product will be sturdy and long-lasting.

When selecting the color of your new sill, you can match it to the other window trim in your house. This will help keep the entire structure looking unified and polished.

You can also add an apron to the outside edge of your sill for a more tailored appearance. This is an effective way to conceal window frame edges and enhance your home’s visual appeal.

Before installing the apron, measure its length. This will give you a better indication of where to position it within your window frame and guarantee that everything fits securely.

For a professional appearance, make sure your apron’s edge measures the same distance as your casing’s outer edges. To further accentuate this look, install returns (45-degree miters) on both edges. Once installed, it’s time to install your window sill.

Maintenance

A lipped sill can be an attractive way to add style and safety to your home. This design makes it safe to place heavier objects without fear of them sliding off the edge or hitting on the frame above. Depending on what style of window you have, sills come in various materials like wood, fiberglass and metal; regardless of which material is chosen for the job, most will fit seamlessly with other elements in the decor.

Maintaining your lipped sill is a relatively straightforward and cost-effective task, especially when compared to fixing cracked or rotten sills. This is especially true if you hire an established company for the work. Furthermore, being one of the sexiest sills, its presence outside and inside your home makes it especially important that it looks presentable. There are plenty of great lipped sills available; research carefully so that you find one suitable for your requirements.