I have been repairing many rotted window sills this season. Often I cut out the rotted wood then glue and screw a new piece into place. The removed rotted nooks and crannies are filled with autobody filler.
I am curious: at what point is it worth replacing the windows since removing the entire sill is very difficult(considering removing inside/outside trim , getting the proper sill then fastening the new sill in place.
Anyone have any tricks for removing/replacing the entire window sill.
Tom Siva of THIS OLD HOUSE replaced just the outside portion of a sill in about 5 minutes!
Replies
I used to repair and fill... no more. I now use vinyl replacement sills from H/D or others. Most homeowners are receptive to this, even though it cost more, knowing that it will never happen again. They usually have now idea what it cost anyway. In most cases they are happy to get it done.
The replacement sills that you use are they the complete sill. How do you install them?
I have found 2 types/ 1 with a lose nosing and one complete... I cut the old sill in 1/2 and pull up in the middle. (after removing interior trim and stool) Next I clip/ remove all nails and staples from the old stool, slip the new one in place/ after liquid nails to the dado of the jamb and I use large shims under each end and 1 or 2 more in the middle depending on the width. You may have to trial the sill several times and shave the bottom side to get a good fit. Particularlly on brick openings.