Modern tendencies require innovations in every area of life, including repairs. With the development of technology, new materials and products appear that have much better performance. If previously it was necessary to install two window frames to provide heat and sound insulation, now it is enough to install a thin metal-plastic window, which perfectly copes with the same functions, and is also more efficient. Instead of a heavy concrete window sill, PVC products are now used, which are important to be able to install correctly to achieve optimal performance.
Peculiarities
Installing a plastic window sill in an apartment or house can be done for various reasons. The simplest of them is the wear and tear of the old window and its complete replacement, including all its components. A long time ago metal plastic windows have gained authority and are very popular, as they are easy to install, and their service life and performance characteristics very high.
Due to the fact that a modern window is a universal product, you can choose a wide variety of window sills that will meet the stylistic goal of the room and provide comfort.
The most versatile option is considered to be a PVC window sill, which fits perfectly with the window itself, creating a single composition. In addition, the cost of such a product is much lower than that of more sophisticated options of the type natural stone. In order to accurately determine which window sill is best to install in the room, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of this window element.
Among positive qualities you can note:
- resistance to moisture and different temperatures - a PVC window sill does not change its shape and appearance;
- no need for serious care of the product;
- light weight of the window sill, unlike similar options;
- does not need painting to refresh the appearance;
- does not shrink like wooden products;
- possibility of installation of this element any size, shape and even color depending on the wishes of the owners.
If we talk about negative sides, then they should include:
- Fragility of the product - if used carelessly, dents and even holes may appear on the window sill.
- If upper layer has a gloss, it is susceptible to scratches, which will quickly deteriorate the appearance of the product.
- Weak resistance to very high temperatures. You should not place hot pots and kettles on a PVC window sill, as this can deform the surface, ruining it forever.
There are quite a lot of options for materials from which a window sill can be made, but most often they choose those that look good and have the desired characteristics. If speak about PVC structures, That important advantage is also that it is inexpensive, and does not require most additional work, which are inherent in other materials: treatment against corrosion, rotting, painting.
In addition, thanks to their excellent characteristics, these window sills comply with GOST, because they are not harmful to humans and have parameters that ensure the safety of residents.
Style and design
Since metal-plastic windows are often white, PVC window sills were initially made only in this version. With the growing popularity of this product, different color solutions for both windows and window sills began to appear. Most often a variation white is an imitation of wood, which is used in bedrooms or children's rooms. In addition, this option allows you to install modern designs V wooden house, which will not stand out externally, but fit into the concept of the building.
To produce this kind of product, laminated PVC films with a wood look are used. To impart the desired properties, additional impregnation with melamine resin is carried out.
This way you can give the surface the look of any wood, be it oak, alder or cherry.
In addition, window sills finished with natural stone, most often granite or marble, are also popular. Thanks to this solution, you can avoid buying an expensive and heavy product, but get the same nice option window decoration. If you need to somehow decorate the room, which is especially often the case with a children’s room, then you can resort to using colored window sills.
They can have different textures and shapes, which are selected taking into account the wishes of the client.
If we talk about convenience, then for each type of house there are options of different lengths and widths, so that you can manage the space as correctly as possible. Brickwork differs in width from the walls panel house, that’s why we need different window sills here. If we talk about original design solutions, then you can make a window sill-tabletop that will perform two functions at once, thereby making it possible to do without buying a table.
This option will look good in small kitchens or bedrooms where you need to place many functional areas in a small space.
Use of glossy or matte finish, original forms and dimensions - this is all that the owner of a PVC window sill can get. Often, such options are made to order and are a little more expensive, but the appearance of the room with such an accessory will be inimitable. Each owner decides for himself what to install in his home based on taste preferences and financial capabilities.
What to install?
Usually window sills are made standard sizes to fit the most common window options. But due to the fact that frames can often have atypical characteristics, very often it is necessary to trim the product on the spot so that it fits under the window as well as possible. To approach the process correctly, the first thing you need to do is take all the necessary measurements, and only then cut off the excess.
It is best to mark with a pencil or marker so that it is clearly visible.
Necessary tools and components
Any repair process requires correct selection tools to provide maximum efficiency work, and right choice components will make the process of operating the product simple and not causing any problems or worries.
To install a PVC window sill, you need to have:
- the product itself;
- corner for determining the slope of the window sill;
- level to check the evenness of installation of the product;
- marker with tape measure for marking;
- silicone sealant for sealing joints and seams;
- polyurethane foam to eliminate cavities between the window sill and the wall of the house itself;
- jigsaw for cutting off unnecessary parts;
- hammer drill to dismantle old design and provide necessary conditions for new;
- screwdriver for fastening the window sill;
- self-tapping screws;
- cement mortar for leveling the surface under the new window sill and sealing the installation sites of the structure;
- a stationery knife and clean rags to give the window structure a finished look.
In addition to the basic tools and materials, you should also not forget about additional ones, which include slopes, thanks to which the window is transformed, creating a completely different perception of the room.
The cover on the window sill, which is put on both sides of the product, is necessary in order to frame it beautifully and close the cavities into which dust or moisture can get, from where it will not be easy to remove it. Usually it looks like a smooth strip with protrusions at the ends.
When installing it, you need to cut it in half and then measure it required amount so that it fits perfectly on the new window sill.
In order to cut a window sill, you can use several tools:
- Hacksaw for metal, any home owner will have one. The process of cutting with it will be lengthy and will require considerable physical strength.
- Jigsaw, which is best suited for such work, as it cuts off excess parts quickly and without special labor. For best result It is important to set the pendulum stroke to zero, and for the work choose a metal file with small teeth.
- Bulgarian helps to trim unnecessary parts very quickly and accurately, but at the same time it is very noisy and dusty during operation.
- Cordless saws are cordless instruments. It is easy and convenient to work with such equipment, but their disadvantage is the high cost of the tool.
When all the tools are ready, you can begin work, in which it is important to follow all the recommendations, otherwise the product may become distorted and the appearance of the window will suffer greatly from this.
It is important to remember that the places that need to be foamed must dry out for some time so as not to change their characteristics.
Preparatory work
In order to install a new PVC window sill, the first step is to dismantle the old structure. Depending on what material it was made from, and will be carried out certain works. It is best to remove old parts carefully so as not to damage the masonry and have to restore it. If it was not possible to carry out dismantling effectively, then additional procedures will be needed.
First of all, the surface where the window sill will be installed is cleared of debris and unnecessary parts. Next, you need to calculate what dimensions the new window element has and whether it is necessary to change the dimensions of the opening. If both designs had approximately equal performance, then the process will proceed faster. If there is an obvious difference, then it is necessary to carry out work to adjust the size of the window opening to install a new PVC product.
If the window sill is thinner than before, then the difference can be eliminated using cement mortar, if it is thicker, then the excess part can be removed using a hammer drill, after which you will have to make a concrete screed.
When calculating the height of the base for installing a new element, it is important to take into account the gap for the foam on which the product will be attached. It must be at least 2 cm. If necessary, additional work is carried out to adjust the grooves in the side slopes. In order for the window to keep the cold out, it is important to exclude any possibility of this, which is why the junction of the frame and the window sill is coated silicone sealant, after which the installation itself takes place.
When calculating the width of the window sill, it is important to decide where exactly it will begin and end. You can make it the width of the window or leave a margin of a few centimeters so that the edges on each side go into the wall. Typically, such gaps are four to six centimeters long.
Initially, you need to make cuts in the slopes into which the new PVC window sill will be inserted.
Installation subtleties
In order to install a new PVC window sill with your own hands, you need to correctly install the structure. The installation process of such parts can be carried out using:
- polyurethane foam and special glue that are used to attach the window sill;
- brackets for fixation;
- profile for PVC installations products.
The simplest and convenient option There will be an option with foam for installation. The first step is to prepare wooden wedges that will serve as supports for the new window sill. They are placed over the entire surface of the prepared base. It is important to check the levelness of the installation using a level and note the tilt of the product. It is necessary that the bevel be directed into the room in order to direct condensation not towards the stove, but into the room.
If any inconsistencies arise in these indicators, then the wooden wedges can be increased or, conversely, decreased depending on the situation.
All work is carried out in stages to avoid installation errors and unsatisfactory results. Once the wedges are of the appropriate size, the free space between the window sill and the base is covered with foam. To prevent the angle of inclination from changing, it is important to install a weight on the windowsill that will provide the required resistance, so the foam will harden correctly. For complete hardening, at least two or even three days should pass, after which you can remove the weighting and use the window sill.
The process of installing a window and window sill goes step by step, and it is important to take into account all the stages in order to get a decent result in the end. This process is inextricably linked with the finishing of the walls, therefore, when planning the installation option, you need to think in advance about how further work will be carried out.
- If you plan to install a window sill before finishing it with sandwich panels or plasterboard, then there is no need to ditch the bottom. As the thickness increases, the slab will be pressed using the finishing material.
- If the slopes are covered with varnish or putty paint, then in this case it is necessary to trench the surface.
If you plan to use massive elements in the form of wooden panels, lining, cork to finish the window, Venetian plaster, then it is important to take into account the protrusion of the slab, taking into account the thickness of the coating. Otherwise, it will be recessed inside the opening, which will not look aesthetically pleasing.
Thus, replacing a window requires that the old concrete window sill was also dismantled and replaced with a new one. For the convenience of further work, it is advisable to remove the old structure without causing any major damage to the masonry.
You can replace a heavy and outdated window sill with a modern PVC product, which is not only light and quite durable, but also has a varied appearance that can be matched to the style of the room, which is very convenient.
The work process comes down to the following steps:
- Installation of a new product, inserting it into pre-prepared grooves.
- Aligning the window sill relative to the window using wooden wedges.
- The fixation process, when you can fix the window sill using polyurethane foam, which long years will provide excellent performance characteristics.
- The use of plugs, which may have different shapes. Depending on the design features of the window sill, they can be without lugs, if the thickness of the product is quite large and there is a desire to make it look like a stone monolith, or with lugs if the thickness is minimal and simple version window element.
To change the window sill quickly and correctly, it is important to complete all the steps, which include dismantling old structures, installing new and Finishing work. This is important because incorrect dismantling of an old product will add unnecessary work, inaccuracies in installing a new one will lead to operational problems, and improper finishing work will affect the final appearance.
To remove the foam that will remain after installation, you must first cut it off using stationery knife, and then apply a layer of tile adhesive, which needs to be puttied when dry. Only after this can the surface be painted or wallpapered.
Dimensions
To do high-quality repairs, you need to select the right materials for it. When replacing windows and window sills, it is worth choosing the correct dimensions of the latter. Standard width the dimensions for it will be:
- 50-60 cm, if installation will be carried out in a brick house;
- 20-25 cm for panel houses.
The widest window sill that can be found on the market is 80 cm, and the narrowest is 20 cm. If we talk about length indicators, it can be from 1.5 meters to 6.
All unnecessary parts are removed during the installation process so that the resulting window has an aesthetic appearance.
If we talk about atypical windows, for example, small structures in a bathroom or other room, then in this case there is no need to use a large window sill, the best solution the width will be 10 cm. Almost all standard products have a thickness of 2 cm, which is sufficient for moderate loads and full use of the window element. There are also thinner products, where the thickness is 1.8 cm, which implies lighter loads on the surface.
If the window sill is planned to be used as a table, then its width must be sufficient for this, so products are produced in widths from 60 cm to one meter. This option can be used in almost any room where you need to minimize the amount of furniture and increase functionality.
Colors
Due to the emergence of new materials for the manufacture of window sills, options have also appeared color solutions for such products. The simplest one is to use various colors and shades, which can either be transferred to the window itself or go separately as decorative element premises.
Often such accents are made in the kitchen, bedroom, nursery, where there is an opportunity to add color to the interior.
For a more refined appearance, you can use window sills imitating natural stone, marble and granite, or wood, which looks especially beautiful in wooden buildings. The variety of options for window sills can include not only color, but also texture, which can be glossy or matte.
For original style and to give the interior an expensive appearance, it is better to use gloss, but in a quieter room the matte version will look great.
Window repair is always accompanied by nuances that it is advisable to know and skillfully use.
- If you need to use a hammer drill, it is important to protect your face and hands with glasses and gloves so that nothing gets on them.
- When working on the base for a new PVC product, you need to clearly know its dimensions, so as not to knock off the excess part of the wall, but also not to make the hole smaller than necessary.
- The gap that forms between the window sill and the surface on which it rests must be sealed with foam. To help this material adhere better, it is important to wet the surface before use.
- When choosing the width of the product, it is important to know that its protrusion beyond the slope should not exceed 6 centimeters. If this is neglected, the circulation of air masses may be disrupted and the windows will fog up heavily.
- When repairing a balcony and replacing windows with access to it, the thickness of a standard window sill will be 20 cm, but if you have suitable dimensions, you can use even meter-long products. You can also fix the product on the balcony using foam or glue, depending on the situation.
For useful tips on choosing and installing window sills and slopes, see the following video.
Successful examples and options
- You can install windows both in a wooden house and in a brick one, and depending on this you can choose the color of the entire structure and design features certain parts.
- Usage wooden window sill in combination with a frame in the same color it blends harmoniously with the entire house, which is finished modern materials with imitation wood.
Installing a PVC window sill is a relatively simple process if you have basic knowledge about the process of construction and repair, as well as certain practical skills. Plastic window sills are now quite popular: they do not need to be painted, they are available in widths up to 60 centimeters, which allows them to be installed on any wall thickness. In addition, they are best combined with the most popular windows today - plastic.
Taking measurements and choosing a window sill
Before proceeding directly to the installation process, you need to take measurements, and do them correctly, because both the appearance of the window sill and its functionality directly depend on this.
First of all, measure the width of the window and add 10 cm to it. This will be the length of our window sill. Now we measure the distance from the corner of the wall to the window, that is, the thickness of the wall to the window.
We add 5 cm to the result obtained during the measurement process. If the protrusion is larger, it will disrupt proper air circulation and your windows will systematically fog up.
Window sill installation
Now, all the measurements have been completed, the window sill has been selected, and you can begin the installation process. A special profile is installed on the bottom of all plastic windows, to which the ebb is attached from the outside. We will place the window sill against the same profile from the inside of the room. We measure and cut out the window sill of the required width and length. When measuring the width, do not forget to allow 5 cm for the protrusion, as well as 1 cm, which will go under the window frame.
Now we try on the window sill, if anything interferes with it free installation, for example, uneven slopes, we eliminate the obstacle using a hammer drill. Cleans the surface of the wall from dust, debris and dirt, then we select wedges-linings under the window sill using trimming. You can rent a vacuum cleaner with a wall chaser on etools.by – see the website page.
The window sill should fit tightly to the frame, but the main thing here is not to overdo it, otherwise the window sill will be deformed.
The window sill should lie as horizontally as possible, and its front edge should be lowered three degrees relative to window frame. As soon as the wedges on which the window sill will be installed are selected along the entire length of the frame, you need to secure them with plaster so that they do not “walk” during the installation process.
Now remove the window sill, wet the wall and apply a lime-gypsum mortar. The layer of mortar should be 1.5 cm above the level of the wedges; we mount the window sill on it, pressing it tightly so that the window sill “sits” on the wedges. In this case, the excess solution is removed flush with the wall and rubbed down.
If you install the window sill on polyurethane foam, do not overdo it., because the foam expands greatly during use and can move the window sill from its place, then the whole process will have to start all over again. Install and secure the window sill using spacers. Fill the voids with foam. After it has completely dried, remove the spacers and cut off excess foam. Be sure to check the quality of the installation with a level; if something doesn’t work out, use a hacksaw to remove the mounting foam and repeat the whole process all over again.
Plastic window sills can also be attached using special brackets, but this method is used quite rarely. This fastening is used only if the width of the window sill exceeds its length.
We fill all the gaps between the frame, slopes and window sill with acrylic; it will protect the window sill from moisture penetration and prevent cracks from appearing.
The installation process of the plastic window sill is completed. As you can see, there is nothing complicated about it, but you should always take into account the element of chance, if something goes wrong, then doing it all over again can be much more difficult and expensive.
Video instructions for installing a window sill
Nowadays they are gaining more and more popularity plastic products. This material is quite practical and reliable, and also not expensive. If you decide to replace wooden windows with plastic ones, and do not want to overpay for installing a window sill, or simply want to install a window sill yourself, then this article is just for you.
Preparatory stage includes measurements of the future design, as well as all materials and tools, as well as preparation window opening to install a new window sill.
Before purchasing, you need to take several measurements, namely:
- Window sill width. It is equal to the width of the window opening plus 10-15 centimeters.
- Window sill length. Measured as the length of the window opening plus 10-15 centimeters.
Please note that it is too large and wide window sill can significantly impair air circulation, therefore, water droplets will accumulate on the windows and their service life will be reduced.
Of the tools, you should prepare or purchase:
- Jigsaw or grinder.
- Level.
- Hammer.
- Angle-ruler.
- Masking tape.
Materials you will need:
- Construction foam.
- Sealant.
- End caps.
- PVC panel of suitable size.
- Plastic substrates.
Preparing the surface for installing a window sill
First, you need to remove the old structure. This is done using a jigsaw or hacksaw. Next, you need to remove cement screed around the edges.
Clear the space of debris, loose material, insulation, and everything else. This will ensure reliable fastening of the new window sill. It is best to vacuum the base under the window sill, this way you are guaranteed to reliably clean the base.
If you are planning to install a window sill with projections on the sides, then you should create small openings so that the panel fits in easily. First, a notch is made on the wall, then an opening is knocked out with a hammer the right size. The openings must be the same on both sides and such that the PVC panel can be easily inserted.
After cleaning the base under the window sill, it should be well primed to ensure adhesion of the solution to level the base.
If you are only planning to replace the window sill, and the windows remain old, then the width and height will be the same as the width and height of the old wooden window sill. All you have to do is remove it and transfer the measurements to PVC panel. If they plan to change the windows or new windows have already been installed, then the dimensions of the window sill are calculated again. It is important that the window sill is installed only after the installation of the new windows has been completed. When taking accurate measurements before cutting, it is important to take into account that the window sill should extend 10-15 centimeters under the window frame, and the protrusions on the sides should not exceed 5 centimeters. The window sill should be made at an angle so that the absolute height under window frame and the height at the periphery differed by 2-3 millimeters.
Installing a PVC window sill with your own hands involves cutting the material. PVC cutting can be ordered from hardware store or do it yourself using a jigsaw.
Once you have your PVC panel cut out, follow the instructions:
- Cut the bars for the substrates. They can be either plastic or wooden. Their width should not be less than 5 centimeters, and their length should be the same as the width of the base, excluding the window frame. The thickness of the substrate is selected based on the height of the window opening and the width of the PVC panel. Please note that the PVC panel must fit freely between the window frame and the substrates.
- The optimal number of substrates is 2-3 pieces per meter of length. Before installing them, the base must be properly leveled.
- The base is leveled using cement mortar or alabaster mortar. This is done to ensure that the window sill does not have significant irregularities and maintains the integrity of the structure.
- After the base is leveled, it is checked with a level.
- Supports are installed every 40-50 centimeters. After this, they are checked by level in two directions. The supports can be tilted away from the window, but the angle of inclination should not exceed 0.5-1 degree.
- To check the correct installation of the supports, a control installation of the panel is done. If it fits in well and lies flat, then work continues.
- Before you start fixing the window frame, you should first clean the window frames from the protective film and install plugs on the ends.
- The supports are securely fastened, and only after that, plastic panel can be installed. To ensure that it adheres to the base as best as possible, it is tapped with a hammer. After that, control measurements are made again with the level in two directions. If the panel lies flat, then work continues; if not, the panel is removed and the supports are aligned.
- Small gaps should be left on the left and right to prevent the panel from deforming. At the end of the work, they are sealed with sealant. The gaps should be no more than 5 millimeters. This is done so that the foam does not deform the window sill.
- All cracks and voids are filled with foam. Some experienced experts advise filling the voids between the supports not with foam, but with some kind of solution, for example, gypsum or cement. In this case, the support will be securely fastened.
- If you are afraid that the window sill may become deformed under the influence of foam, then leave several weights on it for a couple of days. Although, this should not happen if you left small gaps on the left and right.
- After the foam has completely dried, the excess should be removed with a knife, all remaining cracks should be filled with sealant, the joints between the window sill and the wall should be leveled and puttied. This way you will give your window sill a neater look.
In order to better understand the sequence of work, we suggest you watch the DIY installation of plastic window sills video.
Unlike plastic, wood gives the interior a touch of luxury and home comfort. But, at the same time, wood is a heavier and more capricious material.
The preparation process is no different from the preparation process for a plastic window sill.
The plane is cleaned and primed, leveled and supports are installed. The only difference is that a wooden window sill also needs metal frame.
Wood is a rather heavy material. Small blocks of aerated concrete or wooden blocks. It is best if the gaps between these blocks are minimal. All cracks should first be filled with a solution of cement or gypsum.
To ensure that the window sill does not hang in the air and is securely attached to the surface, screws are screwed from above onto the base at a distance of 30-40 centimeters. The caps of the screws should stick out as much as necessary so that the window sill fits tightly to the base of the window frame and does not hang in the air. To prevent the screw caps from falling inward, they are coated with plaster or cement around them. Then, it is applied to the plane construction foam. Special attention is given to the surface under the window, the rest of the space is filled evenly with foam.
After all the work has been completed, it is placed on top wood panel window sill, blown with foam at the seams. After a few days, the foam is cut off and the cracks are filled with sealant.
Installing a window sill with your own hands on a plastic window requires certain knowledge, therefore, carefully re-read the instructions and watch the training video before you begin.
Installing a window sill involves such basic types of work as: surface preparation, leveling, fastening the base, fastening the window sill, sealing the structure.
Repairing an apartment or house includes installing window sills and slopes on plastic windows. It is known that the window sill, in addition to its aesthetic role, also plays a protective role.
In addition to mechanical loads and the influence of temperature, wooden, stone and plastic window sills are influenced by moisture and sun rays.
All these factors determine the service life of windows.
Installing or replacing them with your own hands on plastic or wooden windows is a simple process and does not require any professional construction skills.
Preparatory stage
Before you repair and replace window sills and slopes, you should buy everything necessary tools, which are needed to install a window sill under the window.
After all, correctly selected and good materials, the tools are a pleasure to work with, as they increase efficiency and quality of work.
In addition, the products and tools will be useful in the future, given that the repair and replacement of windows will be done more than once, and the installation of slabs will be carried out under each window.
All of them are purchased in specialized stores or window companies.
If you will be installing windows yourself, you will need the following tools:
- circular saw or jigsaw;
- level
- roulette;
- polyurethane foam;
- marker;
- hammer drill
Installation of a window sill begins, first of all, with measurements. First you need to find out the dimensions of the workpiece.
It should be remembered that depending on how correctly the required dimensions, depends on the quality of all work.
The length of the workpiece should be chosen longer than necessary, because later it will not be difficult to adjust the dimensions using ordinary tools.
The width of the workpiece should be such that the design does not interfere with the air circulation from the battery upwards.
If this condition is neglected, condensation will appear on the windows, and a flow of cold air will move into the room and it will be necessary to replace the windows.
That is why determining the dimensions correctly in advance is a very important stage of the preparatory work.
Trimming a slab under a window
Sometimes a situation arises when you need to correctly adjust the window sills to the appropriate window sizes. First, markings should be made on the product using a marker.
Do not forget that the excess is cut off from the part that is attached to the wall.
At the same time, the cutting lines should also be noted. They should go 0.5 - 1 centimeter so that the slab fits rigidly and tightly with the window frame.
If the edge of the product does not preserve the stiffening ribs, the internal sections will lose the desired shape at the joint and bend inward.
Trimming is done with your own hands using a jigsaw, a saw or a special hacksaw, and stone window sills are trimmed with a special diamond blade.
The main thing here is not to forget about accuracy and not to press the tool with great force in order to prevent scratches or chips, otherwise you will have to change the workpiece.
You should also not forget about safety measures: avoid getting small particles in your eyes and use gloves.
Now the workpiece is completely ready to be installed in place. The window sill must be washed and proceed to the next stage.
Lining installation
When the measurements and trimming of the window sill have been carried out, it is necessary to continue the repairs and prepare the linings.
This is important for creating small slopes during outside so that the water flows out.
The linings should not protrude so that they do not have to be cut off again later.
If there are gaps, they are usually covered with polyurethane foam.
When laying, do not forget to install plastic or plastic slopes. wooden windows. The lower slopes are cut to the wall, and the installation site is cleared of unnecessary material.
It is assumed that the gap between the window sill and the wall does not exceed 4 millimeters and is quite tightly and correctly adjacent to the windows.
It is also necessary to install metal strips and insert the ends of these strips into the lower plugs under the window sills to avoid their deformation.
Installation of window sills
Repair involves installation of window sills and slopes different ways. The first one is outdated and rarely used.
It implies that the window sills are fixed using a special adhesive solution. Most quick way- This is a do-it-yourself installation using self-tapping screws.
First, holes are drilled in the frame, into which these same parts are then screwed.
The joint area is poured silicone sealant, and the edge of the window sill is placed under the frame, tightened with self-tapping screws.
According to the second method, installation is carried out using aluminum spring brackets, screwed with self-tapping screws.
And the final method, which is the most reliable and involves the use necessary materials, consists in the use of special linings that are installed under various window sills.
Eat different ways installation of various window sills, before use the positive and negative aspects of each of them are assessed and only after that you need to choose the most optimal one, because the replacement of windows will depend on this.
The methods differ only in how various window sills, including wooden ones, are placed under the frame.
If the window sill is uneven, then during installation there may be a gap left between its upper part and the frame. It is carefully filled with silicone.
After this you need to wash everything.
Installation of slopes
Upon completion of the installation of the window sill, it is necessary to install the same (wooden or plastic) slopes.
To do this, both horizontally and vertically, you need to level the window opening with your own hands.
This process is carried out using polyurethane foam, which protects them from the influence of temperature. Next, the quality of the poured foam is checked.
If there are excesses, they should be removed, and if deficiencies are found, they should be refilled.
First, you should install the top panel, which stretches along the entire length window installation and only then secure the side panel.
Exist different approaches. Installation can be carried out using slatted frames, while securing the panel with nails or staples.
It is necessary to do everything as correctly and carefully as possible, without damaging the window sill, window and its slopes.
The second approach, the simplest and most convenient, is the use of polyurethane foams for installing windows, as well as masking tape.
An important condition for beautifully made slopes is the ideal vertical fastening of the rails.
For leveling purposes, you should use wooden blocks and use a level to achieve the perfect vertical.
When all necessary materials installed, excess amounts of foam cut off, outside and inside the room, before washing everything, it is necessary to apply a rotband to the foam.
As soon as it hardens, the various external slopes should be painted with water-based paint.
Then you need to remove the protective layer from the slopes, window sill, plastic window, wash off the stains and dirt, and finally coat all the cracks with liquid plastic.
At this stage the renovation is completed.
The role and importance of the window sill cannot be overestimated, since it is not only a beautiful window element that performs decorative function. It prevents cold air from the street from penetrating inside the house, thus playing an important function in the thermal insulation of the room. In this regard, installing a window sill with your own hands must be done with maximum precision and accuracy, in compliance with all norms and rules! We will talk about the basics, features and nuances of this in our article.
What is the window sill board made of?
Modern window sills can be made from a wide variety of materials. Depending on this, the installation method also changes.
Made of plastic
PVC products are becoming increasingly popular in construction from year to year. The situation is similar with plastic window sills, which have a whole list of advantages:
- Easy to install with your own hands;
- Manufacturers place a special layer on top laminating film, which can be decorated with different images and colors, which makes it possible to choose a model the best way suitable for the style of the room;
- Retains heat well indoors;
- Plastic tolerates moisture well and is not afraid of mold and fungi, which is especially important for lovers of indoor plants;
- The surface is easy to clean;
- Thanks to stiffening ribs, modern plastic window sills withstand mechanical stress;
- Temperature changes are not scary;
- Under prolonged exposure to sunlight, the characteristics of a plastic window sill do not deteriorate.
However, despite a lot of advantages, PVC window sills also have a number of disadvantages:
- High temperatures on the surface, for example, the lid of a hot pan, can damage the product, causing deformation;
- Laminating decorative film easily scratched, in addition, over time it can peel off;
- Artificial origin of the material.
And although PVC products have some disadvantages, most often the owners of apartments and houses choose it, performing self-installation window sill.
Stone board
Connoisseurs of natural materials often prefer stone window sill boards. In most cases, this is done marble and granite. Of course, stone models are distinguished by their unique natural image on the surface and beauty in general, but such a pleasure cannot be called cheap!
Along with this, on a carefully polished surface natural stone you can easily get an unsightly scratch, their thermal insulation leaves much to be desired, and many stains, be it tea, wine or coffee stains, are easily absorbed by the material. In addition, the large mass and cost of the material leave no chance for independent installation, forcing you to hire professionals for this.
A worthy alternative natural material considered a window sill board from artificial stone . It is made of acrylic and is not inferior to its natural counterpart in beauty, heat resistance and strength. An additional advantage of a stone acrylic window sill is that the surface is not scratched, and the product itself is noticeably cheaper.
MDF and chipboard
Window sills made of chipboard and MDF panels remain more budget option compared to wooden products. Many manufacturers make window sill boards from wood fiber and particle boards. Such models are covered with a special film on top.
Chipboard is a less moisture-resistant and durable material than MDF - if the protective film is damaged and moisture gets on the chipboard, the latter may begin to swell, which will lead to noticeable deformations of the window sill. MDF boards are more stable, but their price is higher.
Window sill boards made of wood fiber and shavings are easy to clean, the main thing is do not use abrasives for this!
Made of wood
Types of wood such as pine, cherry and oak remained for a long time familiar material for the production of window sill boards. Wooden window sills remain very popular today.
Installing a wooden window sill with your own hands begins with careful drying and processing of the material varnish and antiseptic composition.
The main advantage of wooden window sill boards is its noble appearance and natural origin. However solid wood is subject to deformation, and the material itself is not cheap. You can increase the performance characteristics of a wooden window sill if you avoid contact with aggressive chemicals, water and abrasives. In addition, it is worth updating the coating from time to time!
Subject to compliance with all technological standards and requirements, window sill boards are more resistant to negative external factors and have a lower price tag.
DIY window sill installation
Regardless of the type of window sill, installation is carried out according to one scenario. And since in most cases PVC window sills are installed independently, using them as an example we will tell you step by step how to install a window sill with your own hands, simultaneously highlighting the features and nuances of the work. At the end, we will touch on the features of installing structures made of other materials.
Board length and width
Before purchasing material, it is worth accurately measuring the proportions of the future window sill. The length of the window sill board is measured as follows:
- The width of the opening is measured near the window, as well as against the wall on the side of the room;
- In order to hide the edges of the board inside the slopes, it is necessary to add at least 1 centimeter to the maximum width of the opening;
- If you plan to place a protruding window sill in the room (which does not go flush with the wall), then, in addition to the dimensions of the board, you should also take into account the dimensions of the eyelets.
Measure the width of the wall to the window to most accurately measure the width of the window sill. TO given value add 1.5-2 centimeters, which will go as recesses into the window grooves. This will be more than enough when installing the board flush with more or less even walls.
Important nuance! If the walls have unevenness, then it is worth accurately measuring the distance on both sides - this will make it possible to install it yourself as evenly as possible.
If desired, you can arrange a small protrusion, but its size should be no more than 8 centimeters, otherwise air convection may be disrupted, which will cause the formation of ice in the cold season and uneven distribution warmth in the room.
Based on the obtained dimensions, the window sill board is adjusted in width and length. After this, you can proceed directly to installing the window sill with your own hands.
Dismantling the window sill (photo)
Installation procedure
- Place the future window sill at the installation site. Trim the board if necessary.
In the case of chipboard, wood and MDF, it is better to cut the material jigsaw, better suited for stone and plastic Bulgarian!
- If necessary, make grooves in the wall surface using a hammer drill. This is where the edges of the window sill will be placed in the future.
- Clean the surface of the workpiece thoroughly from debris and dust.
- Remove the protective film from the inserted edge of the board and insert the window sill into the window profile.
- Starting from the extreme sides, wooden wedges are installed under the window sill. In this case, the maximum step between the wedges should not exceed 40 centimeters, and the inserts themselves should not extend beyond the inner edge of the window sill and wall.
- The level of the window sill is checked using a spirit level. In case of a slight deviation from the horizontal, the level of the board is corrected by driving in additional wedges.
It is important to emphasize that the slope angle to the inner edge from the window should be about 2 millimeters! Thanks to this, water will not accumulate near the window, simply flowing down.
- Any cargo is placed on the windowsill, and the total mass should be in the region of 10-20 kilograms.
- After checking and leveling the board horizontally, the board is secured in place. For this purpose, polyurethane foam is usually used. For best quality work worth using professional foam , as well as a special gun, with the help of which the foam will be sprayed. Finally, using self-tapping screws, additional fixation to the profile from the outside.
Important point! If the foam is in a place where it should not be, immediately clean the surfaces with a cloth. Frozen foam should be removed using a special solvent.
- After a day, the excess foam is trimmed, and all excess load is removed from the window. At the end it is removed protective film and plugs are installed at the ends.
If you are planning to install a wooden window sill, then inside boards are worth placing felt treated with antiseptic. This is done using shingles. In the case of stone window sills, the ends are similarly protected using a felt layer. In other respects, installing a window sill made of wood and stone is no different from its plastic counterpart.
This is how you install a window sill with your own hands; as you can see, there is nothing overly complicated here, especially when we're talking about O plastic construction. The main thing is not to overdo it with the application of polyurethane foam and be careful and precise while working.
