How window sills are attached to plastic windows. Do-it-yourself window sill installation


Sometimes, due to damage, it is necessary to dismantle the old window sill and install a new one. Some at one time did not order a window sill along with plastic windows, but later they decided to install it. Now we are going to take a step-by-step guide on how to install a plastic window sill. Moreover, this work is quick and not difficult. You can do it yourself, saving money.

We start installing the window sill

The first thing to do is to remove the unnecessary. For example, dismantle the previous window sill, and also use a puncher to hollow out the grooves so that a new window sill can be inserted into them.



The depth of the grooves can be different depending on the length of the window sill, as well as on how much it is possible to make these grooves. Usually the ledge of the windowsill is 5-10 cm.
Next, measure the length of the window opening, taking into account the grooves. To do this, you need a tape measure. Cut off the excess from the windowsill using this size using a jigsaw. Use a pencil with a square to make the corner you will cut to be 90 degrees.





Cutting off the excess, try on the windowsill.

If it does not fit, then it is necessary to clear the grooves a little with a puncher. Please note that when measuring, it is important to take into account the side plugs that are attached to the windowsill.




Prepare construction foam by stirring it according to the instructions on the can.


The sill itself is attached to the outside of the window. First, you need to dismantle the drips, which are usually attached to self-tapping screws. Then, from the inside, tighten several self-tapping screws with an indent of 30 - 40 cm to make marks. The self-tapping screw should come out on the other side. Thus, from the outside you will already have holes into which you will screw the screws to secure the window sill.




When you screw the self-tapping screws into the window sill, immediately screw the self-tapping screws into the same holes in which they were fixed.


When the window sill is installed on self-tapping screws, as well as foam, it is necessary to close the irregularities that were formed during installation. To do this, mix the required amount of joint filler. The main space of the side grooves can be sealed with polyurethane foam, and then puttyed to level the slopes.





Also in the lower part of the window sill, it is necessary to eliminate the gaps between the wall and the window sill, using foam and putty. Since the space between the window sill and the radiator can be small, this makes it difficult to seal irregularities. Therefore, some people install a special film to reflect heat, thus increasing heat transfer, as well as closing the irregularities formed during the installation of the window sill.

When you are finished installing the window sill, remove the protective film. If you do not take it off for a long time, it will be much more difficult to do it later.


Why is it better to do this work yourself? For 1 running meter, the master can estimate the work at 1000 rubles, depending on the area. Of course, in the capital, or in other large cities, this cost may be higher. But in fact, this job is simple, and it can be done in just a couple of hours.

The demand for PVC double-glazed windows has led to the fact that plastic windows have become a ubiquitous norm. Their superior performance makes it easy to achieve the desired indoor comfort. At the same time, it is important to correctly carry out the installation of a high-quality window sill on plastic windows. We will consider instructions with a photo and a step-by-step installation plan in more detail below.

Basic moments

The key feature of installing a window sill on PVC windows is the ability to cope on your own. The practicality of the wear-resistant material lies in the following properties:

  • Neutral attitude to moisture and ultraviolet rays;
  • Resistance to mechanical deformation;
  • Resistance to mold formation;
  • No painting required.

To enhance the aforementioned properties, window sills are additionally laminated with a film. Before the direct installation of a new product, it is necessary to dismantle its predecessor, as well as prepare the opening. Let's consider each of the stages separately.

PVC window sill is practical and easy to maintain

Dismantling the old product

No special skills are required for dismantling. Of course, if you do not count for such accuracy and perseverance. Since the dismantling and subsequent installation of the product always entails damage to the cladding. This is due to the fact that anchor plates for fastening are masked behind it. That is why the work requires devices to get rid of old layers of plaster. You will also need a hammer and screwdriver. The sequence of actions at this stage will be as follows:

  1. The first step is to unscrew the screws that hold the anchors;
  2. Then the mounting foam is removed, with which the lower surface of the window sill is generously insulated (for this you just need to knock on it with a hammer);
  3. Now the product can be easily removed from the window. If you cannot get it, then you should look for the secret in the far corners of the opening. There is probably another mount hiding there. It also needs to be dismantled. For this, the glass unit is taken out of the opening, and the window profile is carefully examined for the presence of screwed-in screws. After unscrewing them, you can start preparing the opening.

Opening preparation

To equip the window sill properly, the opening must be thoroughly cleaned. This will require a primer and putty. The sequence of actions will look like this:

  1. If there are deformations on the lower slope, it should be leveled. The putty fits perfectly. To continue preparing, you will need to wait for it to dry completely.
  2. In order to prevent the formation of fungus on the plastic structure, you can use a primer as an antiseptic;
  3. When replacing a window sill in an old house, take care of the waterproofing layer. For this, a special mastic is applied to the slope. It must also dry completely in order to proceed with the installation work.

Window sill installation diagram

Installation of a window sill

Before installing the window sill, make sure that the foaming of the window frame is done at a high level. Then you need to check the slopes located in the opening.

Attention! The installation of the window sill should be carried out one hour after the installation of the glass unit.

When choosing a window sill, you should focus on its width. It should be optimal so as not to disturb the natural convection of the air. Often, the distance from the edge of the wall to the window frame is taken as a basis. To the resulting value, add about 8-10 cm.

Step instructions

To install the product in the prepared place, the master will need protective pads, a foam gun, and pads. The sequence of actions is as follows:

  • The dimensions of the product are adjusted as required. This is done by undercutting or using protective pads. The latter can easily increase the dimensions of the window sill by several centimeters;
  • Then the window sill should be installed to the required height. It should correspond to the same value at which the window itself is located relative to the lower slope. For this, pads of one or another material are used. Usually a few pieces are enough to fix the window sill under the profile. It is important to use a building level to keep a straight line;

Attention! Use a pencil to mark the inside of the window sill. Where it intersects with the edge of the opening.


Due to the popularity of double-glazed windows, you can find many photos and detailed instructions for installing them on the net. An equally important role in this is played by the installation of window sill boards, since it prevents the appearance of drafts and fungus. Its installation is carried out in stages. It is important to follow the sequence of actions.

Video: Installation of PVC window sill

The role and significance of a window sill cannot be overestimated, since it is far from only a beautiful window element that performs a decorative function. It does not allow cold air from the street to penetrate inside the house, thus playing an important function in the thermal insulation of the room. In this regard, the installation of a window sill with your own hands should be done with maximum accuracy and accuracy, in compliance with all rules and regulations! We will talk about the basics, features and nuances of this in our article.

What is the window sill 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 more and more popular in construction from year to year. The situation is similar with plastic window sills, which stand out with a whole list of advantages:

  • Easy to install by hand;
  • Manufacturers place on top of a special laminating film, which can be decorated with various images and colors, which makes it possible to choose the model that best suits the style of the room;

  • They keep heat well inside the room;
  • Plastic tolerates moisture well and is not afraid of mold and fungi, which is especially important for indoor plant lovers;
  • The surface is easy to clean;
  • Thanks to the stiffening ribs, modern plastic window sills withstand mechanical stress;
  • Temperature drops are not terrible;
  • The characteristics of the plastic window sill do not deteriorate under prolonged exposure to sunlight.

However, despite the many advantages, PVC window sills also have a number of disadvantages:

  • High temperatures on the surface, for example, the lid of a hot pot, can damage the product, causing deformations;
  • Laminating decorative film is easily scratched, in addition, over time it can peel off;
  • Artificial origin of the material.

And although PVC products have some drawbacks, however, most often the owners of apartments and houses choose it, performing an independent installation of the window sill.

Stone board

Connoisseurs of the natural often prefer stone windowsill boards. In most cases, this is used marble and granite... Of course, stone models are distinguished by their unique natural image on the surface and beauty in general, but this pleasure cannot be called cheap!

Along with this, you can easily put an ugly scratch on the carefully polished surface of natural stone, their thermal insulation leaves much to be desired, and many dirt, be it tea, wine or coffee stains, are easily absorbed by the material. In addition, the large mass and cost of the material does not leave any chances for self-installation, forcing to hire professionals for this.

Window sill is considered a worthy alternative to natural material. made of 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 much cheaper.

MDF and chipboard

Window sills made of chipboard and MDF panels remain a more budget option in comparison with wooden products. Many manufacturers make sill boards from fibreboard and chipboard. From above, such models are covered with a special film.

Chipboard is a less moisture resistant and durable material than MDF - if the protective film is damaged and moisture gets on the board from the shavings, the latter can begin to swell, which will lead to noticeable deformations of the window sill. MDF boards are more stable, but their price is higher.

Sill boards made of wood fiber and shavings are easy to clean, the main thing do not use abrasive products for this!

Made of wood

Such types of wood as pine, cherry and oak have long remained the usual material for the production of window sills. Wooden window sills remain very popular today.


Do-it-yourself installation of a wooden window sill begins with thorough drying and processing of the material. varnish and antiseptic composition.

The main advantage of a wooden window sill is its noble appearance and natural origin. However, the wood mass is susceptible to deformation, and the material itself is not cheap. It will be possible to 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 coverage from time to time!

Subject to compliance with all technological standards and requirements, window boards from are more resistant to negative external factors and a lower price tag.

DIY window sill installation

Regardless of the type of window sill, the installation is carried out according to one scenario. And since in most cases PVC window sills are independently mounted, we will use them as an example and will tell you step by step how to install the window sill with our own hands, highlighting the features and nuances of the work along the way. At the end, we will touch on the features of the installation of structures from a different material.

Board length and width

Before purchasing the material, it is worthwhile to accurately measure the proportions of the future window sill. The length of the sill board is measured as follows:

  • The width of the opening is measured near the window, as well as against the wall from 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 bulging 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 lugs.

Measure the width of the wall to the window to most accurately measure the width of the window sill. Add 1.5-2 centimeters to this value, which will go as indentations into the grooves of the window. This will be more than enough when installing the board flush with more or less even walls.

An important nuance! If the walls have irregularities, then it is worth accurately measuring the distance on both sides - this will make it possible to do the installation with your own hands as evenly as possible.

If desired, you can organize a small ledge, but its size should be no more than 8 centimeters, otherwise air convection may be disturbed, which will cause ice formation in the cold season and uneven distribution of heat in the room.

Based on the dimensions obtained, the sill board is adjusted in width and length. After that, you can proceed directly to the installation of 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 as needed.

In the case of chipboard, wood and MDV, it is better to cut the material jigsaw, for stone and plastic is better suited Bulgarian!

  • If necessary, make grooves in the surface of the wall with a puncher. It is here that the edges of the window sill will lean against in the future.

  • Thoroughly clean the surface of the workpiece from debris and dust.
  • Remove the protective film from the edge of the board to be inserted and insert the window sill into the window profile.
  • Starting from the outer 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 go beyond the inner edge of the window sill and wall.

  • The level of the windowsill is checked with a spirit level. In the case of a slight deviation from the horizontal, the level of the board is straightened by driving in additional wedges.

It is important to emphasize that the slope angle to the inner edge of the window should be about 2 millimeters! Thanks to this, water will not accumulate at the window, just flowing down.

  • Any load is placed on the windowsill, while 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 a better quality of work, it is worth using professional foam, as well as a special pistol, with the help of which the foam will be sprayed. Finally, with the help of self-tapping screws, additional fixation to the profile from the outside is carried out.

An important point! If foam ends up in a place where it shouldn't be, immediately clean the surfaces with a cloth. Cured foam should be removed with a special solvent.

  • After a day, excess foam is trimmed, and all excess load is removed from the window. At the end, the protective film is removed and plugs are installed from the ends.


If you are thinking of installing a wooden window sill, then it is worth placing on the inside of the board antiseptic-treated felt... This is done by means of shingles. In the case of stone window sills, the ends are similarly protected with a felt layer. In other respects, the installation of a window sill made of wood and stone is no different from its plastic counterpart.

Thus, the installation of the window sill is carried out with your own hands, as you can see, there is nothing super complicated here, especially when it comes to plastic construction. The main thing is not to overdo it with applying polyurethane foam and observe attention and accuracy during work.

Usually, the installation of the window sill, plastic slopes and ebb tide occurs immediately after the installation of the window. In most cases, this is done by a team of builders specializing in metal-plastic structures. But there are times when it becomes necessary to install a window sill plate with your own hands, and how to do it correctly, we will consider in the article.

How to choose a windowsill

There are various reasons why there is a desire or need to install a window sill with your own hands:


  • The window is in good condition, and the window-sill plate is damaged (dirty, scratched, melted, burned out, etc.).
  • The old window sill was not installed correctly.
  • There was a desire to install a window sill of a different color. For example, after renovation in a room, the color of the PVC board does not match the new interior.
  • There is a need to replace the window sill plate with a wider or narrower one. A wider window sill is placed in the event that a large number of objects need to be placed on it, for example, pots with flowers or seedlings. A narrower sill may be needed if too wide prevents the free movement of warm air from the battery upward and the circulation of air in the room during the cold season. In this case, the warm air from the battery does not heat the window, it “sweats”, dampness and even fungus appear.
  • It is difficult to find a master who will undertake such a small amount of work as installing one window sill plate.
  • It is not at all difficult to install the window sill plate yourself, while you can save money that could have been spent on paying for the work of the master.
  • It's just nice to do something useful with your own hands.

Important!A wide window sill visually enlarges the room and its useful area.

So, if it becomes necessary to replace the PVC plate, you need to know that the window sills are different:


  • colors, in addition to light and dark shades, there are imitations of stone and valuable wood species;
  • dimensions: width from 110 to 800 mm, length from 4050 to 6000 mm, thickness from 18 to 22 mm;
  • company and country of origin;
  • price (from 3 to 20 dollars per linear meter);
  • the quality of the material - polyvinyl chloride, including resistance to wear and tear, resistance to heat, moisture and vapor resistance, UV resistance, environmental friendliness, durability.

Did you know? Polyvinyl chloride is widely used. Condoms are even made from PVC for people with latex allergies.

In addition to the window sill itself, it is necessary to purchase two end caps, which are installed on the side sections of the window sill at the final stage of installation work. If there is a need for a straight or corner connection of two window sill boards, you should purchase a universal corner connector for PVC boards.

Required tools and supplies

For a high-quality installation of a plastic plate with your own hands, you will need the following tools and consumables:


  • Metal square.
  • Marker or pencil.
  • Roulette.
  • Primer.
  • Grinder, jigsaw or hacksaw.
  • Rotary hammer (optional, only if the material of the slopes is dense concrete).
  • Chisel and hammer.
  • Brush.
  • Building level.
  • Construction foam and a gun.
  • A set of plastic substrates or wooden blocks.
  • Cement, plaster or glue for setting the blocks to the required height or for raising the level of the base.
  • Sealant.
  • Masking tape.
  • Stationery knife.

Installation process

Regardless of whether the window sill plate is installed by a specialized assembly team or a newcomer to this business, the entire process of installing PVC plate can be conditionally divided into several stages.


Preparatory stage

The place where it is planned to mount the PVC plate should be prepared, namely the lower part of the window opening and the side window slopes. The window sill should slightly enter the wall on the sides, therefore, in the slopes, it is necessary to cut through connectors with a depth of 1-2 cm on each side in order to bring a plastic plate there. To do this, the window sill is applied to the wall and marks are made for cuts with a pencil or marker. Next, carefully select the grooves so that the window sill fits freely into them. This work requires accuracy so that afterwards not to restore grossly damaged slopes and not to close up large holes in the slopes.

Important! In order to minimize the procedure for restoring slopes, it is worth treating them as carefully as possible during the installation of the window sill.

If the corners of the slopes were leveled using metal perforated corners, then you should carefully cut the metal corner using a grinder. It is also advisable to use a grinder to make a horizontal cut in the slope. The rest of the groove in the wall is conveniently done with a chisel and a hammer. These tools are most suitable if the slope material is gypsum plaster. If the slopes are made of concrete, then the indentations in the slope should be made using a hammer drill. Lateral grooves in the slopes serve as additional support for the window sill on the sides.



The lower part of the window opening and the support profile, which is located under the window frame and is used for installing the window sill, should be cleaned of pieces of plaster, concrete and brick that appeared during the creation of grooves in the slopes. Then, with a brush, sweep away all debris and dust. The cleaned surface should be moistened. This is necessary for better adhesion of the polyurethane foam to the surface on which the window sill will be located. It is advisable not just to wet the surface with water, but to use a primer for these purposes. The primer strengthens the surface, removes dust and moisturizes it at the same time. With a brush, generously apply the soil to the surface, soak all the pits, bulges, pores, cracks.

Important! In order not to blow from under the window sill, you should check the quality of the foaming of the window frame and, if necessary, eliminate all the shortcomings at the preparatory stage of work.

Window sill trimming

AND If you have a ready-made window sill, you need to cut out a blank for the window sill from it. To do this, you need to calculate the length and width of the future window sill. The length of the window sill slab should be greater than the length of the surface for the window sill and extend beyond the slopes. The length of these protrusions depends on individual taste preferences, usually 5-7 cm on each side, but you can limit yourself to a protrusion of 1-2 cm.


The workpiece width is calculated by summing:

  • the width of the window sill;
  • the depth to which the slab is inserted under the window into the support profile (usually about 20 mm);
  • the protruding part of the window sill, which should not be more than 100 mm, so as not to impede the passage of heat from the battery.
Along the edges of the window sill, rectangles should be cut out that prevent the canvas from being sloped. The plastic blade is cut easily enough. You can choose any tool for cutting: a grinder, a hacksaw, a jigsaw. All jags, irregularities and other small trimming defects will be covered with plastic end caps.

After the workpiece is ready, you need to try it on in place, that is, put it on the lower part of the window opening and bring it into the recesses of the slopes and inside the support profile. If some inaccuracies are revealed during fitting, they should be eliminated before the final installation of the window sill.

Installing the gasket

Some installers install the window sill strictly perpendicular to the window; they use a metal square for control. However, most experts believe that a properly installed window sill plate should have a slight tilt to the inside of the room, so that in the event of moisture it flows down.


To fix the desired installation option for the window sill blank, you need to put plastic spacers or wooden blocks along its plane. Their dimensions should be selected so that the surface of the PVC board is perfectly flat. To install one window sill, at least 3 supports are required (one in the middle and two closer to the edges). The distance between the supports should not exceed half a meter. In order for the gaskets or wooden blocks not to move, it is advisable to glue them onto a silicone sealant, gypsum or cement mortar.

Important! The process of fitting and installing a PVC window sill must be constantly monitored by the building level.

The supports of the window sill slab should be placed at such a level that, when trying on the window sill blank, a gap does not appear between the window sill and the window frame. If, in order to comply with this requirement, the supports turn out to be higher than 40 mm, this is unacceptable. A foam layer exceeding 40 mm will not be of high quality, there will be voids in it, it will not be able to withstand the required load, and the thermal insulation properties will be insufficient. In this case, before placing the linings under the window sill plate, you need to raise the level of the lower part of the window opening. This can be done with cement or gypsum plaster, self-leveling floor, etc.


Installation

At the preparatory stage of installing the window sill slab, we cleaned, strengthened and moistened the lower part of the window opening with a primer. By the time the window sill is installed, the primer has already dried, and for better adhesion and acceleration of the foam hardening process, the surfaces with which the polyurethane foam will come in contact should be wet. Therefore, it is necessary to moisten both the lower part of the window opening and the lower part of the window sill slab. The PVC board is covered with a protective film. The edges of the sill slab, which will be mounted under the window frame and in the slope holes, must be cleaned of the protective film.


On the rest of the windowsill, it is advisable to keep the film until the end of all repair work. In order not to blow from under the window sill, the first step is to slightly foam the space between the lower part of the window opening and the window support profile. Then the foam is applied in a wide strip under the far edge of the window sill plate, and then in dense stripes over the entire surface of the base. For the convenience of applying foam, additional extension nozzles are used.

Important! The height of the foam should not exceed the level of the supports placed under the windowsill. When foaming, the main thing is not to overdo it.

When solidified, the foam increases in volume by so much that it is able to lift the window sill plate up. To prevent such a nuisance, you need to put some kind of load on the PVC plate. It is advisable to put something flat under the load so that the weight spreads evenly. The load should be placed on the inner edge of the window sill, since the outer edge will be firmly pressed by the window block anyway.


Checking deviations

Once again we check if there are any cracks, if the window sill is installed evenly, whether the projections are the same along the edges, whether the required slope is observed. If small irregularities are found within the first two hours after installation, they can be easily corrected. Perhaps you need to make a few gentle hammer blows in the right direction, and the formation of pits or bumps can be leveled by moving the load on the surface of the window sill.

Sealing gaps

Gaps and cracks appear at the junction of the window sill slab and the slope, the window sill slab and the window, as well as the window and the slope. Obviously, it is advisable to correct such shortcomings after all the main elements (window, window sill and slope) have been installed.


Sealing of gaps is carried out using silicone sealant, which is applied in a thin strip at the joints. It is advisable to seal the edges of surfaces that the sealant should not get on in advance with masking tape. Moreover, excess sealant and masking tape should be removed immediately after applying the sealant. Once it dries, it will be much more difficult to do and the result will be less flavorful. Excess dried foam under the window sill should be removed. The foam can be easily cut with a utility knife. The resulting recess should be filled with ordinary wall plaster.

Excess foam under the window sill must be removed so that the thickness of the plaster layer is at least 1 cm. Such a layer will lie securely and will not be pressed through during further work and operation.

Installation of clamps

At the final stage, the side edges of the window sill are protected by end caps, and the window sill itself is cleaned of the protective film.


How to wash the windowsill

When common home remedies such as: soap, soda, vinegar, tooth powder, chalk proved to be powerless in the fight against pollution, special chemicals will come to the rescue. A selection of modern household chemicals will be able to cope with any dirt on the plastic surface. You only need to correctly formulate your problem to the sales assistant in the household chemicals department, emphasizing that you need a plastic cleaner.


Careful use and regular maintenance will help to avoid the problems associated with washing difficult dirt. The main thing is not to use metal scrapers and abrasives: they leave scratches, in which dirt then accumulates.

It is up to you to install the window sill plate with your own hands or use the services of a specialized construction team. In fact, the process of installing a window sill is not difficult, but it requires the availability or purchase of the necessary tools, consumables (the remnants of which may no longer be useful) and work skills. If the first attempt to install a PVC plate with your own hands is unsuccessful, then the total cost of self-installation may turn out to be much more than the wages of the master.

Video: how to install a window sill with your own hands

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Modern trends require innovations in every area of ​​life, including renovation. With the development of technology, new materials and products appear that differ in much better performance. If earlier it was necessary to mount two window frames in order to provide heat and sound insulation, now it is enough to install a thin metal-plastic window that perfectly copes with the same functions, moreover, more efficiently. Instead of a heavy concrete window sill, PVC products are now used, which is important to be able to install correctly in order to achieve optimal performance in operation.

Peculiarities

Installation of 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 component parts. For a long time, metal-plastic windows have gained prestige and are very popular, since they are easy to install, and their service life and operational characteristics are 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 task of the room and provide comfort.

The most versatile option is considered to be a PVC window sill, which is ideally combined 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 for the type of natural stone. In order to determine exactly which window sill is best placed in the room, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of this window element.

Among the positive qualities are:

  • resistance to moisture and different temperatures - the PVC window sill does not change its shape and appearance;
  • no need for serious care of the product;
  • light weight of the window sill, in contrast to similar options;
  • does not need staining to refresh the appearance;
  • does not shrink like wooden products;
  • the ability to install this element of any size, shape and even colors, depending on the wishes of the owners.

If we talk about the negative sides, then they should include:

  • Dullness of the product - if used carelessly, dents and even holes may appear on the windowsill.
  • If the top layer has a gloss, then it is prone to scratches, which will quickly degrade the appearance of the product.
  • Poor resistance to very high temperatures. You should not put hot pots and kettles on the PVC window sill, because this can deform the surface, ruining it forever.

There are quite a few options for materials from which a window sill can be made, but most often they choose those that look good and have the necessary characteristics. If we talk about PVC construction, then an important advantage is that it is inexpensive, while it does not need most of the additional work that is inherent in other materials: treatment against corrosion, decay, painting.

In addition, due to the 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 originally made only in this version. With the growing popularity of these products, different color schemes for both windows and window sills began to appear. The most common variation of white is wood imitation, which is used in bedrooms or in children's rooms. In addition, this option allows you to install modern structures in a wooden house, which will not stand out outwardly, fitting into the concept of the structure.

For the production of such products, laminated PVC films for wood are used. To impart the desired properties, impregnation with melamine resin is additionally carried out.

This way you can give the surface the look of any wood, be it oak, alder or cherry.

In addition, window sills with a natural stone finish, most often granite or marble, are also popular. Thanks to this solution, you can avoid buying an expensive and heavy product, but get an equally beautiful window design option. 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 color options for 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 use the space as correctly as possible. Brickwork differs in width from the walls of a panel house, therefore, different window sills are needed here. If we talk about original design solutions, then you can make a window sill-countertop, which 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.

The use of a glossy or matte finish, original shapes and sizes are all that the owner of a PVC window sill can get. Often, such options are made to order and they cost a little more, but the appearance of a 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.

How to install?

Window sills are usually made in standard sizes to fit the most common window sills. But in view of the fact that frames can often have atypical characteristics, it is very often necessary to cut the product on the spot so that it fits as well as possible under the window. To approach the process correctly, the first step is to take all the necessary measurements, and only then cut off the excess.

It is best to mark up with a pencil or marker so that it can be clearly seen.

Required tools and accessories

Any repair process requires the correct selection of tools in order to ensure maximum efficiency, and the correct selection of components will make the process of using the product simple and not causing any problems and worries.

To install a PVC window sill, you need to have:

  • directly the product itself;
  • corner for determining the slope of the window sill;
  • level to check the evenness of the installation of the product;
  • marker with tape 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;
  • a perforator to dismantle the old structure and provide the necessary conditions for the new one;
  • screwdriver for attaching the window sill;
  • screws with self-tapping screws;
  • cement mortar for leveling the surface under the new window sill and sealing the installation sites of the structure;
  • a utility knife and clean rags to complete the window structure.

In addition to the basic tools and materials, do not forget about the additional ones, which include slopes, thanks to which the window is transformed, creating a completely different perception of the room.

The overlay on the window sill, which is worn on both sides of the product, is necessary in order to beautifully frame it and close the cavities into which dust or moisture can get, from where it will not be easy to remove it. It usually looks like a straight strip with protrusions at the ends.

During installation, you need to cut it in half, and then measure the required amount so that it ideally "sits" on the new window sill.

Several tools can be used to cut a window sill:

  • Hacksaw for metal can be found at any owner of the house. The process of cutting 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 much difficulty. For the best result, it is important to set the swing of the pendulum to zero, and for work, choose a file for metal with small teeth.
  • Bulgarian helps to trim unnecessary parts very quickly and accurately, but at the same time it is very noisy and dusty in 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 start work, in which it is important to adhere to all the recommendations, otherwise the product may skew and the appearance of the window will be greatly affected by this.

It is important to remember that the places that need to be foamed must dry out for some time in order not to change their characteristics.

Preparatory work

In order to make the installation of a new PVC window sill, the first step is to dismantle the old structure. Depending on what material it was made of, and certain work will be carried out. It is best to remove old parts carefully so as not to damage the masonry and do not have to restore it. If the dismantling did not work out effectively, then additional procedures will be needed.

First of all, the surface where the window sill will be installed is cleaned of debris and unnecessary parts. Next, you need to calculate what dimensions the new window element has and whether you need to change the dimensions of the opening. If both designs had approximately the same performance, then the process will proceed faster. If there is an obvious difference, then work is required to adjust the size of the window opening for the installation of a new PVC product.

If the window sill is thinner than the previous one, then the difference is eliminated with the help of cement mortar, if it is thicker, then the excess part can be removed using a perforator, after which a concrete screed will have to be made.

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 should 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 not let the cold through, it is important to exclude any possibility for this, which is why the junction of the frame with the window sill is coated with silicone sealant, after which the installation itself takes place.

When calculating the width of the window sill, it is important to decide exactly where 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, these gaps are four to six centimeters long.

In the slopes, you initially need to make cuts into which the new PVC window sill will be inserted.

Subtleties of installation

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, which are used to fix the window sill;
  • fixation brackets;
  • profile for installing PVC products.

The easiest and most convenient option for installation will be the option with foam. The first step is to prepare wooden wedges that will serve as a support 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 slope of the product. It is necessary that the bevel is directed into the room in order to give direction to the condensate not towards the stove, but into the room.

If there are any inconsistencies in these indicators, then wooden wedges can be increased, or, conversely, reduced, depending on the situation.

All work is carried out in stages to avoid installation errors and unsatisfactory results. As soon as the wedges are of suitable dimensions, the free space between the sill and the base is covered with foam. So that the angle of inclination does not change, it is important to install a weight on the windowsill, which will give the required resistance, so the foam will solidify correctly. For complete solidification, at least two or even three days should pass, after which you can remove the weight and use the window sill.

The process of installing a window and 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 decoration 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 put the window sill before finishing with sandwich panels or drywall, then you do not need to groove at the bottom. By increasing the thickness, the board will be pressed with the finishing material.
  • If the slopes are lined with varnish or paint over putty, then in this case it is imperative to gouge the surface.

If it is planned to use massive elements in the form of wooden panels, lining, cork, Venetian plaster for finishing the window, 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 sill is also dismantled and replaced with a new one. For the convenience of further work, it is advisable to remove the old structure without much damage to the masonry.

You can replace a heavy and outdated window sill with the help of a modern PVC product, which is not only light and strong enough, but also has a varied appearance that can be matched to the style of the room, which is very convenient.

The work process is reduced to the following stages:

  • Installing a new product, putting it into the grooves prepared in advance.
  • Aligning the window sill with the window using wooden wedges.
  • The fixing process, when you can fix the window sill, is possible with the help of polyurethane foam, which will provide excellent performance for many years.
  • The use of stubs, which can be of different shapes. Depending on the design features of the window sill, they can be without ears, if the thickness of the product is quite large and there is a desire to make it look like a stone monolith, or with ears with a minimum thickness and a simple version of the window element.

To change the window sill quickly and correctly, it is important to complete all the stages, which include dismantling old structures, installing new ones 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 incorrect finishing work will affect the final appearance.

To remove the foam that remains after installation, you must first cut it off with a clerical knife, and then apply a layer of tile glue, which must be putty after drying. Only after that the surface can be painted or pasted over with wallpaper.

Dimensions (edit)

To make a quality repair, you need to select the right materials for it. When replacing windows and sill, it is worth choosing the right size for the latter. The standard width for it will be the dimensions:

  • 50-60 cm if the 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 free market is 80 cm, and the narrowest is 20 cm.If we talk about the length indicators, then it can be from 1.5 meters to 6 meters.

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 would be a width of 10 cm.Almost all standard products are 2 cm thick, 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 should be sufficient for this, therefore, products with widths from 60 cm to one meter are produced. You can use this option 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, color options for such products have also appeared. The simplest of them is the use of various colors and shades, which can either be transmitted to the window itself or go separately as a decorative element of the room.

Often such accents are made in the kitchen, bedroom, nursery, where it is possible to add colors to the interior.

For a more sophisticated appearance, you can use window sills with imitation of 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 is glossy and matte.

For an original style and giving the interior an expensive look, it is better to use gloss, and in a quieter room the matte version will look great.

Window repair is always accompanied by nuances that it is desirable 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 lies must be sealed with foam. For this material to bond 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, then the circulation of air masses can be disrupted and the windows will fog up a lot.
  • When repairing a balcony and replacing windows with access to it, the thickness of a standard window sill will be 20 cm, but if there are suitable dimensions, even one-meter-long products can be used. You can also fix the product on the balcony with foam or glue, depending on the situation.

For helpful tips on choosing and installing a window sill 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 the design features of certain parts.
  • The use of a wooden window sill in combination with a frame in the same color blends harmoniously with the whole house, which is finished with modern wood-effect materials.