How to Replace a Rotten Window Sill
A window sill is the horizontal piece of wood or other material beneath a window. Window sills usually are made of wood, and as they are more exposed to the elements than other parts of the window they tend to show wear and tear more quickly. Sills have two components, an outer sill and an inner sill. The outer sill is the most likely to need replacing. A rotted window sill should be replaced immediately before the rot can spread. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2-by-4
- Jigsaw
- Circular saw
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- 10-penny finish nails
- Hammer
- Wood chisel
- Wire cutters
- Nail set
Instructions
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1
Raise the window and make sure it is secure. If it has the tendency to slip, brace it with a short 2-by-4. Cut the outer sill in half with a hammer and chisel. This will take some time. Be patient and continue with firm blows to the center of the sill.
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2
Wiggle each half of the sill until it comes free from the jambs. Each half of the now-cut sill is connected to one of the window jambs. Work it loose by wiggling or rocking the board until the nails give out. If any nails remain sticking out of jamb, cut them with wire cutters.
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3
Measure the length needed for the new sill, using a tape measure from one side of the frame to the other. Add 2 inches to the length so that the sill will overlap the jamb on each side.
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4
Measure from where the new sill will touch the inner sill out to the outside of the window jamb.
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5
Mark the new sill with the measurements, using a pencil, and cut the length and depth with a circular saw. Use a jigsaw to remove two square sections on the back end where the inner and outer sills meet.
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6
Tap the new sill into place with a hammer, nailing under each jamb as well as in the center of the board. Set the 10-penny nails with a nail set.
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