Variants of window sills for plastic windows. Types of window sills - which one to choose for you? The main operational characteristics of window sills

October 26, 2016
Specialization: professional in the field of construction and repair ( full cycle holding finishing works, both internal and external, from sewerage to electrics and finishing works), installation of window structures. Hobbies: see column "SPECIALIZATION AND SKILLS"

It is advisable to think about which window sill to choose for plastic windows in advance - not only before installing the structures themselves, but also before repairing in general. This approach will allow - and choose optimal size products that meet all our requirements, and find an option that fits perfectly into the overall style of the room.

Fortunately, there is definitely something to choose from here - and below I will give a brief description of the most popular parts.

In addition, it is not enough to choose the right window sill for PVC windows - it must be installed correctly. I will devote a separate section of the article to the nuances of installing window sills.

Varieties of window sills

Type 1. Plastic

I will start analyzing the types of window sills for plastic windows with the most popular variety - plastic products. This rather extensive group includes many models that differ both in appearance, as well as operational parameters.

By by and large, the design of the plastic window sill remains the same regardless of which company produces it:

The basis of the product is a hollow PVC panel with walls 1.5-3 mm thick.
Inside the panel there are stiffening ribs that are responsible for mechanical strength window board. The more such edges, the better product and the greater the load it can withstand without deformation.

On the outside, the panel may have either a smooth or rough texture. Smooth window sills need to be wiped down regularly to remove fingerprints, but textured windowsills are less prone to this type of dirt. On the other hand, a deep texture fills up with dirt over time, so cleaning will take longer.

The sizes of window sills for plastic windows can be different. Most often, these parts are produced in the form of panels with a length of 5.8 - 6 m and a width of 100 to 800 mm. Standard Thickness boards is 20 mm, but if necessary, you can find thicker products.

The differences between models from the budget segment and expensive window sills are as follows:

PVC pigment quality. Cheap white plastic turns yellow over time due to the accumulation of various substances from the air, and when choosing a more expensive product, you do not have to look for how to whiten the window sill: titanium oxide, used to give white PVC, is able to maintain whiteness for 10 years or more.

The same applies to color models: where a budget product “burns out” and discolors, a high-quality window sill will look like new.
But the main difference is the coverage. In high-quality rulers (here I will include Danke, Moller window sills, etc.), a special compound is applied over the plastic base that can withstand both abrasion and temperature effects. So it is impossible to scratch or burn through the plastic without serious effort.

By the way, this is not a marketing exaggeration: window sills from a fairly expensive segment can withstand the impact of a cigarette butt or a hot pan with minimal consequences. Checked it out personally!

Price for plastic products is flexible: if the cheapest models cost from 50 - 70 rubles per linear meter (with a width of 100 mm), then products from the already mentioned Danke or Moller will cost at least 300 - 450 rubles per meter.

If you need a wider window sill, then it will, of course, cost more.

Type 2. Wooden

A wooden window sill for a plastic window is a worthy solution that can not only look good, but also serve for a long time without deformation and damage. Naturally, not every window sill made of natural wood is suitable here: it is advisable to choose a product specially designed for this purpose.

It is worth noting that in terms of design, wooden details will not fit all windows. For example, in combination with a typical white profile, such a window sill will look somewhat vulgar, but it can be combined with a laminated product (of course, if the shades match).

By design, wooden window sill boards are divided into two large groups:

solid, made of solid wood of expensive species;
veneered, covered with decorative veneer with a birch or pine base.

And if massive parts are most often made to order for a specific object (this is understandable - the cost of raw materials there will be impressive), then veneered models can be found in mass sales:

The basis of the product is a solid or glued board: for budget varieties - pine, for more expensive ones - birch.
To prevent deformation and the formation of a "propeller", technological cuts are made in the base. They compensate for uneven linear expansion of wood fibers during temperature and humidity changes and help to maintain the shape of the board.
From the outside, the base is veneered - a thin plate of expensive wood (oak, cedar, wenge, etc.) is glued onto it.

Installed on the front end plate(smooth, shaped or curly). It can be either solid or veneered.
After the manufacture of the window sill, all surfaces are covered with a special varnish that protects the veneer and the base from moisture and mechanical damage.
Also, the ends of the window sill are subjected to protective treatment after cutting to size immediately before installation: waterproofing impregnations protect the fibers from atmospheric moisture.

By cons wooden products it can be attributed to a lower moisture resistance compared to plastic ones (after all, even treated wood can swell when wet for a long time, which cannot be said about PVC).

Also, the disadvantage is the high cost: 1 linear meter of a board 200 mm wide will cost from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the design of the product and the type of wood used in the work.

Type 3. Composite

Composite products are products that are made by combining two different materials. As a basis for such window sills, they most often take either MDF or chipboard, and cover the part with a vinyl film or natural wood veneer:

Chipboard window sills are based on chipboard, which is produced by glue pressing of natural raw materials. The advantages of this material include low cost, the disadvantages are relatively low strength and a tendency to swell when in contact with moisture.
Veneering for decorative finishes such boards are used extremely rarely, so almost exclusively a polymer film is used as a decor. However, despite the moisture resistance of the decorative layer, it is desirable to use composite window sills made of chipboard where the risk of regular wetting will be minimal.

MDF is a material that is denser and stronger than chipboard, but at the same time significantly heavier and more expensive. Both films and natural wood veneer with protective varnishing can be used as a covering for a window sill, but in any case, the moisture resistance of such a window sill will be slightly above average.
This means that it will withstand the periodic ingress of drops, but if it stays in a humid environment for a long time, it will begin to deform.

WPC - wood-polymer composite. A rather specific material, which consists of polymer base, pigments and wood fiber filler. Wall and floor panels are most often produced from WPC, but window sills can also be made - in this case, the products are quite attractive, durable and practically not afraid of moisture or temperature changes.
As for the price, chipboard products will be the cheapest, MDF window sills will be somewhat more expensive. WPC panels are a relatively new material for our market, so the price for them seems somewhat overpriced to me - but good functional performance and durability of the material partially compensate for this shortcoming.

Type 4. Stone

When deciding which window sills are better to choose for installation under a plastic window, do not forget about natural or artificial stone. And if products carved from a stone slab belong exclusively to the premium segment, then among models made of artificial material you can find quite affordable ones:

The most popular are acrylic composite parts. The panel is based on an acrylic binder, to which finely dispersed mineral filler (marble, granite, quartz) is added, as well as pigments, hardeners and other components.
The result is a monolith that is practically not inferior to natural stone in hardness, but surpasses it in viscosity - hence the lower risk of chipping.

An alternative to acrylic window sills are products made from the so-called quartz stone. Polyester resin is used here as a binder, and the filler is ground quartz (from 90 to 95% by weight).
Colored products are produced by adding various mineral pigments - ocher, minium, iron compounds, etc. Quartz stone is heavier and denser than acrylic, but it is more prone to chipping.

In any case, the products are strong, durable and wear-resistant, they are not afraid of moisture, high temperatures, or mechanical stress (within reasonable limits). The disadvantages I would include the complexity of installation (strong brackets are needed) and the high cost: the price of one linear meter is from 3.5 to 7 - 8 thousand rubles.

Type 5. Concrete

Considering window sill options for installation along with plastic windows, I would not forget about concrete products. They come in two varieties:

Old concrete window sills that were installed during the construction of the building. In houses old building you can find fairly well-preserved slabs that look attractive and will last for more than a dozen years. They can be left after cosmetic repairs (polishing + treatment with special impregnation for concrete).
New cast concrete slabs, often with decorative inclusions or with the addition of pigments. Outwardly, such products are similar to artificial stone panels, but they do not use as a binder. polymer materials, and Portland cement.

In any case, it seems to me that a concrete window sill is by no means the best solution for residential premises. But for public buildings this option can be called one of the priorities: the parts are reliable, durable, and most importantly - vandal resistant.

Window sill accessories

In addition to the window sill itself, you need to purchase additional components for finishing the window. Their choice is small, but almost all of them are useful:

Detail	Purpose
end cap	It is installed on the guillemot of the window sill, closing either the cavities inside the product or the end of the wooden base. Most often made of plastic, but can also be laminated on an adhesive basis.
Connector	It is installed between two window sill boards for splicing them along the length. There are longitudinal and corner connectors - the first are used for simple docking, and the second - for the formation of complex contours, for example, when glazing bay windows.
Molding	A thin corner or shaped strip that bridges the gap between the window sill and bottom plastic window frame. The use of moldings is justified not only from an aesthetic, but also from a practical point of view: even a small detail can effectively close the gap and block the flow of cold air.
Lattice	Probably the most useful, but at the same time the most difficult accessory to install. If the width of the window sill board is such that the part completely covers the radiator, then in order for warm air to access the glazing, it is advisable to cut special grilles into the window sill. Otherwise, the inner glass will not be heated efficiently enough, resulting in a large amount of condensation.

How to mount?

It is best to entrust the installation of heavy stone and concrete window sills to specialists - such parts are quite expensive, so it makes sense to spread the risks. But with plastic, wooden and composite products, it is quite possible to handle it yourself, and in this section I will tell you how to organize the installation process.

Most often, the window sill is mounted with inside structures, i.e. where the opening is located. Sometimes it is allowed to install window sills on both sides - for example, when decorating a balcony window. On the outside of the structure, instead of a window sill, a drainage bar is installed.

The part is installed strictly horizontally. The slope of the window sill in the transverse plane should be from 3 to 5 degrees towards the room for condensate drainage.
The optimal distance from the lower plane of the window sill to the radiator is 150 mm or more. It is extremely undesirable to reduce this gap: even the installation of gratings in the window sill is not able to fully compensate for the lack of free space above the radiator.

The edges of the window sill most often wind up in window slopes. To do this, a cutting is made in the slope plane, which is then masked in the process of finishing.

The front edge of the window sill can either be flush with the wall or go beyond its plane. The maximum extension beyond the plane of the wall is 100 - 120 mm.

If you are making a countertop window sill or planning to equip an extensive flower garden, then you can do more takeaway. In this case, it is highly desirable to install reinforcing brackets from a steel angle, or additional supports that remove part of the load from the window sill attachment point.

Plastic products

Plastic window sills are extremely easy to install. The instruction assumes work according to the following algorithm:

To begin with, we install the window in the opening and clean the base - the part of the wall on which the window sill will rest.

We cut the window sill to size, taking into account the size of the sections that enter the plane of the slopes.
If the slopes were preserved during the installation of the PVC window, we cut grooves in them for the ends of the window sill.

We fasten Z-brackets with self-tapping screws to the stand profile of the PVC window. The optimal fastening step is about 30 cm.
We put the window sill into the grooves in the slopes and snap its edge onto the brackets. In this case, the plane should go beyond the bottom of the frame.
We align the window sill on a plane, taking into account the desired slope, hammering wooden wedges into the gap between its lower edge and the base.

We fill the cavity under the windowsill mounting foam. We carry out blowing in several stages, necessarily moistening the cavity and the foam itself: this contributes to the controlled expansion of the material and prevents the foam from bending the product (primarily for budget plastic models).
The joint between the frame and the board is either covered with sealant or covered with a molding.

Until the foam is completely polymerized, we leave the window sill under oppression, after which we install end caps on the edges.

From my own experience, I strongly advise against using it as oppression. glass jars with water. Water in glass perfectly acts as a lens, focusing the sun's rays on a plastic surface. What will happen to cheap PVC as a result of such an impact, you need to tell?

Wooden and composite products

Products made of wood, chipboard / MDF, composite and similar materials can be placed in the same way as plastic. However, there is another installation option:

To begin with, we level the base on which the window sill will rest, and install wooden / plastic wedges on it in increments of up to 30-40 cm. We will use these wedges to adjust the position of the product.

Then we form a “pillow”: we place either a solution or a layer of polyurethane foam in the gaps between the wedges. The binder layer should be about 5 mm above the level of the wedges - therefore, we will remove the excess.

If used cement-sand mortar, I would advise additionally treating the wood with a moisture-proof compound - to avoid swelling. But putting a film, as is sometimes advised, is not worth it - the strength of the connection will drop significantly.

We take a window sill board, fitted to the size, and install it in the opening, leading under the lower edge of the frame and resting against the support profile. We put the lower plane of the board on a “cushion” made of mortar or foam and press it, relying on wedges.
From the outside of the window, through the stand profile, we twist several self-tapping screws that will prevent any displacement of the window sill.

We lay the level on top, and, focusing on it, with the help of wedges we set the window sill board along the plane.
We blow out all the gaps with mounting foam, after which we put a small oppression - in order to avoid deformation of the wood.

If the edges of the board are hidden under the trim of the slopes, they can be fixed at the ends of the window opening using steel corners with anchors.

Conclusion

For the design of PVC windows, you can choose different types plastic window sills, as well as products made from natural wood and materials based on it, natural and synthetic stone, concrete, etc. Each of these varieties has its own characteristics, but they are mounted - and you will see this by watching the video in this article - according to fairly similar schemes.

Be that as it may, this task is not the most difficult, especially since I can always help you good advice by providing advice either here in the comments or on the project forum.

Anton Tsugunov

Reading time: 8 minutes

The window sill is an important element of the interior. It completes the window opening, serves as a shelf and even a seat. Consider the best window sills for plastic windows, the rules for choosing them.

Often the window sill bears the main decorative load. Especially if the room is small or there are lush flowers, books, vases, photographs on the window sill.

Appointment of window sills

To choose a good window sill, you need to take into account its properties and specifications. This element of the interior performs several useful functions at once:

Protective. A properly installed window sill provides additional protection against the penetration of cold and moisture into the room.
Functional. In small rooms (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom), this element can serve as a table or working surface. In the office on the window sill there are often books, folders with documents. And in living rooms, it is sometimes used as a bench.
Binder. The product can complement the space of the table, serve as a transitional element between pieces of furniture.
Decorative. At good choice color and material, the window sill becomes a decoration of the room.

Types of window sills

Window sills are:

plastic;
wooden;
composite;
from natural or artificial stone.

Plastic

When replacing wooden windows the hosts are more likely to choose plastic window sill. When you weigh all the pros and cons, this seems like a very reasonable choice.

Advantages

Flaws

Same specifications with window material ( chemical composition, coefficients of expansion and resistance to temperature influences).

Environmental friendliness. High-quality models do not contain formaldehyde, lead stabilizers, which makes them safe for humans and completely recyclable.

Same care: one PVC cleaner can be used during cleaning.

Light weight.

Price range: 80–540 rubles/p. m with a web thickness of 100 mm.

Acrylic coating makes the window sill more resistant to heat and minor damage.

Strength, which is provided by the system of internal ribs.

Aesthetics: harmonious combination with the material of the double-glazed window. Laminate coating can imitate wood or stone.

Single service life (30–50 years)

Restrictions on the ability to withstand the load.

The absence of an acrylic coating impairs high temperature resistance.

Risk of deformation under mechanical or thermal stress.

Cheap models contain formaldehyde, the fumes of which are harmful to health.

Matte models have rough surfaces that accumulate dirt and dust

Experts advise choosing models of plastic window sills with a price of 250 rubles / p. m with a web thickness of 150 mm. The technology of their production excludes the addition of additives harmful to humans.

Parameters affecting the price:

The cost of the pigment included in the product. Titanium oxide is used for the production of expensive models. This pigment maintains the whiteness of the window sill for 10 years. Cheaper models easily absorb dust, acquiring a yellowish tint, and colored ones fade over time, creating a unkempt effect.
Coating quality. Brands Moller, Danke use compounds that prevent mechanical damage (scratches, abrasion) and deformations when exposed to high temperatures.

A standard PVC sheet for the manufacture of a window sill has the following dimensions:

Length - 4050–6000 mm.
Width - 100-600 mm with a step of 50 mm. A product with dimensions of 600-1000 mm with a step of 100 mm is considered wide.
Thickness - 18–22 mm. With an increase in this parameter, strength and resistance to mechanical stress increase.

Cloths of this length are purchased by construction companies and firms. For specific projects, installers cut window sills on their own required dimensions. It is possible to produce PVC sheets according to individual orders for old-plan houses or country cottages.

Composite (MDF, chipboard)

Well-pressed chipboards form the basis of chipboard window sills. As a rule, they are covered with a thick laminating film. It gives resistance to chemical agents, temperature and mechanical influences. Any colors and textures, inserts, inserts can be used.

Fibreboards, firmly bonded with safer and more environmentally friendly compounds (lignin, paraffin), form the basis of MDF window sills. They are 2 times more resistant to mechanical stress than chipboard products. In addition, MDF boards are moisture resistant, they can be installed in the bathroom.

The surface is laminated or covered with a thin natural wood veneer, which makes them look like wood.

Window sills of the German brand Verzalit have excellent characteristics (long service life, moisture resistance, strength, resistance to household chemicals). They are made from wood shavings pressed under high pressure with polymer resins.

Wooden

Beautiful window sills made of a solid array of dried wood testify to the good taste of the owner. They are made from:

pines, larches (price - 2500–2800 rubles / m²);
oak, ash, beech (price - from 4500 rubles / m² with a web thickness of 40 mm);
elite breeds (ebony, mahogany).

A solid array can be replaced by separate bars, tightly glued together.

But such products need regular maintenance. Before the manufacture of window sills, the array is impregnated with an antiseptic to prevent destruction. The texture and color of natural wood are preserved thanks to a layer of oil (mastic, varnish). And this surface layer needs to be updated (once every 1–1.5 years).

On sale you can find wooden window sills with the following dimensions:

The length of the canvas is from 15 cm, the width is up to 1 m.
The length of the canvas is from 70 cm, the width is up to 3 m.

Very durable, resistant to all types of influences (mechanical, chemical, biological), have absolute moisture resistance, fire resistance. They are based on mineral fillers and polymer resins.

Dyes create a rich color scheme, you can give the product any shape, which opens up scope for design solutions. On such a hard surface, you can securely fix / install any device (fan, vise). And the scratches that appear are easily eliminated by grinding.

There are also disadvantages. Only specialists can mount products. For reliable fastening of such models, brackets that can withstand heavy loads are required. And the high price (3,500–8,000 rubles/p. m.) does not allow classifying the products in the budget segment of products.

There are 2 options for window sills made of artificial stone:

Made from acrylic composite. The finely dispersed filler of marble, granite or quartz chips is compacted and bound with an acrylic mixture. In the manufacture of hardeners, pigments and other substances are added to the bulk. Additives increase the hardness and toughness of the material. New properties reduce the chance of chipping.

From quartz stone. Quartz chips, which make up 90–95% of the mass of the product, are bound with polyester resins. Technological process provides for the addition of mineral coloring pigments (iron compounds, red lead, ocher). Such a window sill is heavier and denser, but the risk of chipping increases.

From natural stone

Granite, marble or onyx are used for window sills made of natural stone. Such plates are well polished, have beautiful texture and intricate drawing. But due to difficulties in production (possible internal voids in the stone), they are not cheap (up to 4,000 rubles per linear meter with a web thickness of 20–30 mm).

Window sills from natural stone not resistant to surface damage: they are easily scratched. And the deep scratches that stand out on the stone are extremely difficult to remove. It will take 2-4 people to transport and install the stove.

Which window sills are better: glossy or matte?

Choosing between glossy or matte finish plastic, you need to remember the main features of these surfaces. The regularity of cleaning and the general appearance will depend on them.

Texture. Shiny glossy surfaces reflect light well, creating the illusion of an intense light flux and increasing the illumination of the apartment.

Resistance to aggressive influences. Matte surfaces turn yellow from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, chemical agents detergents over time destroy the plate.
Aesthetics. Any contamination or mechanical damage(scratch) is clearly visible on the glossy finish. The rough matte surface lasts a long time without cleaning.

Care: wipe the glossy window sill with a damp soft cloth. For matte surfaces, you can not do without detergents.
Compatibility with slopes. If the slopes are made of glossy plastic sandwich panels, the same glossy window sill will look good with them.

Window sill and condensation on the windows: where is the connection?

Dense wooden window sills accumulate moisture and, even if all installation rules are followed, can provoke condensation. But the stone ones will play the role of a kind of heater: they will warm up themselves and contribute to the uniform heating of the window opening.

Condensation can form on windows if installed too wide window sill. can be done in two ways:

The window sill should not overlap more than half the width of the radiator located under the window. Warm air currents will be able to rise up to the glass without obstacles.

With a large width of the window sill, gratings cut into it will become the exit, which will direct warm air flows to the double-glazed window.

But still, which window sill is better?

A good plastic window sill can last more than 10 years. Moreover, manufacturers are cautious and usually indicate a minimum service life. In reality, these products without problems serve almost as long as windows - about 40-50 years. Today, such PVC products are represented by a wide range of models that have different dimensions and decors. Thanks to this, window sill customers have the opportunity to choose window sills for installation in apartments, offices and any other objects. In order not to make a mistake when buying, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the selection criteria and the main characteristics of these elements of window structures.

Features of the manufacture of plastic window sills

Plastic window sills are made of polyvinyl chloride, which also forms the basis of profiles for PVC windows. To make the material lighter and more durable at the output, special substances are mixed into it - softeners, fillers, stabilizers. In the manufacture of brown window sills, special coloring pigments are added to PVC. Due to this, the plastic is evenly colored throughout the mass. In Russia, all requirements for such products are regulated in accordance with GOST 30673-99.

In the production of these products, the extrusion method is used - molten polyvinyl chloride is slowly squeezed out into special shapes where it freezes. The use of this technology makes it possible to produce window sills that are hollow from the inside - a solid inner chamber is divided by thin vertical ribs. Due to this cross-sectional shape, these products, with little weight, have a high degree resistance to external loads. The presence of internal honeycombs not only reduces the weight of products without reducing their strength, but allows window sills to withstand bends.

Pros and cons of PVC window sills

Before choosing and buying a PVC-based window sill, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with its main advantages and disadvantages. Such information will help you to take full advantage of the capabilities of these products and avoid many problems during their operation.

pros	Minuses
do not burn	Unable to withstand sharp and directed impacts from heavy objects
Increase the level of thermal insulation of windows	Easily scratched if at the windowsill glossy surface
Easy to clean off dirt	The front side with kapinos cannot be given a convex or concave shape
Not afraid of moisture	Dark window sills with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may be slightly deformed due to overheating.
They are independent of the main window structure, which makes their installation and dismantling possible.
Easily withstand the weight of heavy objects and an adult - the maximum load is up to 400 kg per 1 m²
Can be used as a desk or dressing table, shelf or even bench
Matte surface models have a high degree of abrasion resistance
They do not turn yellow, do not delaminate and are resistant to UV rays if they are made of high-quality polyvinyl chloride

Types of window sills

PVC window sills have approximate same performance characteristics and sizes, so the main differences are in decors. Today on the market there are several models with a matte or glossy surface:

white;
mass-dyed (brown);
laminated (wood-like and fantasy decors, as well as imitation of natural stone);
with co-extruded face.

Window sills are most often chosen taking into account their compatibility with window profiles. However, you can consider options for combining with, which you can read about on OknaTrade, floor coverings and facing material for walls, as well as furniture. A rich selection of decors allows you to choose a window sill for any interior and type of window structures, including products made of aluminum and natural wood.

Modern technologies lamination of window sills allow applying a film on their surface, which has absolute vapor and moisture resistance.

Dimensions and weight of window sills

One square meter of window sills different manufacturers on average weighs about 7.5 kg. Also, brands when releasing their products try to stick to the same sizes:

web length - up to 6000 mm;
width - from 100 to 1000 mm (step 50-100 mm);
height - from 18 to 22 mm;
kapinos height - from 30 to 45 mm.

All window sills are easily cut with a well-sharpened manual or electric cutting tool. Thanks to this, their dimensions and shape can be quickly adapted to individual needs.
Usually, for window sills with a width of up to 600 mm, the difference in size is determined by a step of 50 mm, and for models with a web width of 600-1000 mm - 100 mm.

How window sills are marked

When selling window sills, the manufacturer must provide all important information about the product. This information is contained in the marking, which, according to GOST, should consist of the following items:

Date of manufacture of the product;
View profile design;
Dimensions of the window sill (height, width, length);
The main material from which the product is made, and what additives were used in the production;
Recommendations for installation;
Individual characteristics products;
Number of shift, batch and extruder.

Before buying, it is recommended to check not only the presence of markings, but also ask the seller for quality certificates. Today, some entrepreneurs purchase extruders and use low-quality recyclable materials with impurities that are unacceptable by standards for the production of window sills. As a result, it is necessary to personally verify the quality of the purchased products.

What else you need to purchase along with the window sill

To complete the installation in accordance with the rules, it is necessary to use plugs and, in some cases, connecting profiles. These items are usually sold with window sills and are available in white, black and Brown color. If you plan to install wide panel, which protrudes far into the room, you will definitely need to buy and embed ventilation grates. Why is this needed.

Additional attention needs to be paid

Marking and quality certificates are not the only thing you need to pay attention to when purchasing window sills. When purchasing these products, it is recommended:

Give preference to proven products trademarks;
Make sure there is a protective film;
Obtain information from the seller about the manufacturer's warranty obligations;
Check the number of stiffeners - it is desirable that the distance between them does not exceed 35 mm;
Find out the maximum load that the product can withstand.

If window sills are ordered together with windows, then all this information must be obtained from the manager, and then checked when the products are delivered to the facility.

Minimum Thickness the upper wall of the plastic window sill should be 3 mm, the vertical stiffeners - 1.5 mm, and the bottom wall - 2 mm.

New modification - combined plastic window sills

Some manufacturers began to mix wood filler into PVC to improve the performance of window sills. Such an unusual combination of materials made it possible to increase the strength of the window sills and reduce their weight. Products made of wood-polymer composites are recommended for use in buildings where increased safety and environmental friendliness are required at the same time - in schools, kindergartens and hospitals. However, today they are increasingly used in all other facilities - residential, retail, office and industrial premises. Manufacturers have achieved great success in the development and manufacture of new products.

The window sill in the apartment serves as an additional protection against the cold, it can be used to place flowers, books, replace the countertop and even a place to relax, and the window sill is a magnet for children and animals, because it allows you to look out the window and learn the world. So why do we pay minimal attention to his choice and rely on standard solutions offered by window companies? We will figure out which window sill to choose and what materials to give preference to in order to get a high-quality and durable construction.

No. 1. Basic requirements for a window sill

Windowsill performs several functions at once:

decorative. Through the use modern materials the window sill can be an interesting decoration of the room. Moreover, it allows you to organically connect, slopes, walls and located under the window, and, of course, serves as an additional place to place flowers, accessories or store the necessary little things. There should not be many of the latter on the windowsill so as not to clutter it up and block the way for the light penetrating through the window. The window sill can become a work surface or a dining table in the most;
cold protection. A window sill mounted in accordance with all the rules is a barrier to cold outdoor air and prevents heat leakage to the outside;
correct distribution of heat in the room. Even the protrusion of the window sill beyond the wall surface matters. Thanks to him, the streams of warm air from the battery do not immediately rise up, but are directed into the room. However, making the window sill too wide is also not worth it, otherwise you can completely isolate the window and adjacent sections of the walls from warm air and provoke condensation on the windows and slopes.

To ensure proper circulation warm air and do not impede movement near the windowsill, the latter should protrude beyond the level of the walls by no more than 5-6 cm, and in the calculations it is necessary to take into account the future fine finish if it doesn't already exist. The window sill should not cover the radiator by more than half, otherwise it will be necessary to take care of the availability. As for the length, the window sill can protrude beyond the edges of the slopes by 1-8 cm, but no more.

When choosing a window sill, it should be remembered that it must meet certain requirements in order to last more or less long and cope with all the loads placed on it. So window sill must have performance characteristics:

No. 2. window sill material

For the production of window sills are used different materials. The choice is built on the basis of the planned budget, personal preferences, interior features and room conditions, as well as depending on which one is installed.

The most popular materials for the manufacture of window sills include:

polyvinyl chloride (PVC), often referred to simply as plastic;
wood;
Chipboard and MDF;
natural and artificial stone.

Sometimes they meet non-standard options: , mosaic, WPC, injection technology or fabric upholstery. The window sill can have not only the usual rectangular form, but also be rounded or fancifully bent, but this depends more on the characteristics of the material from which it is made.

Number 3. Choosing a plastic (PVC) window sill

plastic window sill last years firmly holds the lead, which is explained by its performance and affordable price. Such products, in fact, are an ordinary PVC profile with several chambers and vertical stiffeners. Hollow plastic window sills usually have a thickness of no more than 25 mm, but for a visible increase in thickness, the structure is equipped with a so-called "nose", its thickness is 30-40 mm. From above, the product is covered with a film that takes on decorative and protective functions.

The design features of the PVC window sill allow us to talk about its numerous advantages:

Among cons They call it the ability to turn yellow over time, “absorb” pollution and even deform with a strong temperature difference. Finally, such a window sill cannot be called natural. The product can be covered as regular pvc film, and melamine. The second option is preferable, as it can significantly increase wear resistance.

No. 4. Wooden window sill: pros and cons

A wooden window sill is an essential addition. Earlier in residential buildings only such products were used, today they are being replaced by cheaper plastic. However, fans wooden window sills a lot remains, because so they possess many advantages:

Cons a wooden window sill has a lot: price, sensitivity to temperature changes, high humidity, low resistance to ultraviolet radiation, fire, microorganisms and insects. It is better not to spill water on it and do not put hot dishes on it.

Manufacturers are doing their best improve performance wooden window sills and extend their service life. The wood must be well dried and treated with antiseptics, then covered with paints, varnishes or enamels, which protect the material from moisture, pests and temperature changes, and at the same time help to emphasize the unique structure of the tree. No matter how hard modern industry tries, the tree still remains quite demanding in care, and every few years such a window sill will have to be covered with special wax or parquet varnish.

Most commonly used window sills from the following species:

Window sills are rarely made from solid wood - more often used glued boards. Those who are ready to choose a window sill from array, should prepare for big expenses. Thin layers of wood are glued together under the influence of high pressure and temperature, and as a result, a product is obtained that is almost as strong as solid wood, but at the same time acquires additional useful qualities, for example, less susceptibility to deformation. The thickness of the wooden window sill in any case should not be less than 28 mm.

No. 5. Window sills from MDF and chipboard

Cheap replacement natural wood and stone - a chipboard window sill. chipboard are made using resins that can release formaldehyde during operation. With such products, you should be extremely careful and always check the emission level of that very formaldehyde in the documentation accompanying the product (permissible - E0 and E1). MDF board it costs a little more, but is safe for health, since no toxic substances are used in the production.

No. 6. Window sill made of wood-polymer composite (WPC)

Artificial stone can be made different technologies: agglomerate, acrylic stone or cast marble. In any case, mineral fillers, dyes and polymer resin are used as raw materials, and the difference lies in the percentage of components and the nuances of technologies. Artificial stone can have any shape, has a pleasant to the touch surface, dirt does not eat into it, and hot and mold are not capable of causing harm. If scratches appear during operation, they can be removed by grinding.

The window sill performs three functions at once: it unites the window frame and the walls, forms the common space of the window - from the street to the house, and prevents heat leakage. Materials for arranging the window sill are very different, let's deal with their pros and cons.

Plastic

Since PVC windows are the most popular today, this choice is the logical, simplest and most affordable. When ordering plastic windows, any manufacturer will immediately offer you a similar window sill in the kit. Traditionally they are white, in the color of the window. Of course, there are brown options that imitate wood and even stone, but plastic remains plastic.

Pros: affordable cost, ease of installation, very low weight, moisture resistance, durability.

Cons: matte light plastic window sill gets dirty very easily. Dust literally eats into it, it can only be washed off with abrasive products. Of course, if the window sill is not white, this problem is less noticeable, but it is there. If you put something hot on a plastic window sill, it will deform. It's also very easy to scratch.

Important! For the kitchen, it is better to choose plastic window sills with a special heat-resistant and durable coating. Yes, they cost a little more, but they last longer. Although, judging by the reviews, it is still absolutely impossible to put a hot pan on such window sills.

MDF and chipboard

Window sills simply from chipboard are practically not used now, since they have a lot of minuses. Laminated chipboard is stronger than MDF, so let's talk about these materials. In general, if you have MDF furniture in your house, then you can perfectly imagine all the advantages and disadvantages of such window sills.

The price is higher than plastic ones, there is a wide choice of shades and textures. It is more expedient to choose laminated boards for window sills, they are more resistant to moisture.

Minus: you can’t put it hot, during installation you can damage the edge, a special tape should be laid between the window sill plate and the wall. If damaged upper layer- it is possible to swell the entire window sill under the influence of moisture.

Wood

Do you still remember the good old wooden window sills, usually covered with white paint? We lived with them for many years, they remained in many old houses. Natural wood has a lot of advantages: safety, environmental friendliness, ease of maintenance.

But the old window sills ordinary boards could crack over time, the paint had to be updated regularly. And such a traditional option itself is simply considered unfashionable.

Now window sills made of solid wood are worth a lot. Particularly valued are durable oak and ash, which even without tinting look great.

Cons of natural wooden window sills: high price, mandatory grinding and impregnation with colorless wax or varnish, the risk of scratches. In addition, the varnish or wax coating will have to be updated regularly.

Artificial and natural stone

This is the most expensive, but very beautiful and durable option. Now window sills made of artificially created stone are almost in no way inferior to natural ones, so their popularity continues to grow. You can not be afraid to put hot, drop something heavy, dust is easy to brush off and usually it is not too noticeable.

Cons of stone window sills: high price. This is, of course, the strongest argument against. Otherwise, you can’t clean with abrasive products, natural marble, for example, can absorb spilled liquids, you will have to take care of it regularly.

Concrete

There is nothing new in concrete window sills. Outside the house, they were often decorated in this way, this is a traditional technique. Why not? Concrete is durable and can be painted different colors. Massive, durable, reliable, if necessary, subject to repair and restoration, maybe somewhat cold, but quite an attractive concrete window sill has few drawbacks. These include the difficulty of installing a heavy plate, as well as the likelihood of cracks in the event of temperature changes and violations of the pouring technology.

Tile

Generally, take out ceramic tiles and a mosaic separate view finishing the window sill, we admit, wrong. For such a coating, a base is needed. It can be concrete, wood, plastic. That is, tiles can be ennobled, for example, an ordinary plastic window sill, but cannot be used as an independent material.

There are many advantages to this option - resistance to damage, easy care, beauty, durability, possibility to replace individual parts in case of damage. But you should be especially careful about tile joints, because they are often responsible for the durability of the entire coating.