Often, during major repairs in the room, it is necessary to change the old windows. However, the installation of the window cannot be considered complete without external decoration, installation of slopes and window sills. It is about how the window sill is installed (the windows are already standing there), we will talk in this material.
Common mounting methods
There are several solutions that allow you to find the answer to the question of how to install the windowsill with your own hands:
- The design can be fixed through the use of adhesive. This is a fairly old method, which is rarely used by craftsmen today due to the emergence of more reliable options.
- One of the simplest solutions is to use self-tapping screws. Fasteners are screwed into pre-prepared holes in the windowsill. To add rigidity to the structure allows the use of special linings and foam.
- The following method involves the use of spring metal brackets as fasteners. The latter are screwed to the window sill profile using all the same screws.
- And finally, the last method is to compact the space under the windowsill with linings until the edges of the plane come under the window frame with an increased density level.
Tools and materials
How to install a plastic windowsill with your own hands in the most elementary way? This may require the following tools:
- building level;
- screwdriver;
- gun for mounting foam;
- hammer drill;
- jigsaw;
- pencil;
- stationery knife ;
- roulette.
Preparatory Activities
How to install a window sill? First of all, you should prepare the above tools, which are sure to be useful in the process. Next, you need to make the correct measurements. The aesthetic appearance of the installed window sill and its reliability directly depends on this.
When making measurements, it is important to consider not only the parameters of the installed web, but also a whole list of additional characteristics. Of particular note here is the location of the existing radiator. If the latter is set high enough, the presence of a free space of a few centimeters to the lower edge of the window sill can lead to disruption of the air circulation in the room and a deterioration in the microclimate.
When making measurements, it should be borne in mind that the length of the window sill should be greater than the space of the window opening. The width of the product can be chosen arbitrarily, depending on personal convenience and needs. A convenient option is a windowsill, which protrudes from the wall at a distance not exceeding 8-10 cm.
For installation, it is not recommended to choose too thick a window sill. When deciding on the size, you should check how well the air circulates, which is heated by the radiator.
Window sill trim
So, we consider further how to properly install the windowsill. Sometimes during installation, trimming of the product is required so that the latter corresponds to the parameters of the window opening. The most overall window sills reach a length of 3 m or more. The width of the structure can be from 25 to 70 cm.
If the windowsill is too large, excess material may be cut off from the side of the wall mount. Particular attention should be paid to the cut line. It should pass without touching the stiffeners, which are located inside the windowsill. Thus, the structure is not deformed during operation and will reliably connect to the frame.
To trim the windowsill, it is recommended to resort to the use of an electric jigsaw. It is allowed to use a small hacksaw on wood or plastic, depending on the material of construction. Work should be performed slowly, which will avoid the appearance of chips and scratches on the front surface of the windowsill.
Sawing products, do not forget about safety. Since breakaway pieces of material can get into the eyes, it is recommended that the work be done with mounting glasses. To protect your hands, you should use gloves or work gloves.
How to install a plastic window sill: basic steps
Installation of plastic window sills is quite simple:
- First, a thorough cleaning of the surfaces is carried out. Pollution is eliminated, garbage is removed.
- Using the building level, you must determine the horizontal position of the structure, set the beacons. Typically, when mounting window sills, their plane tilts down about 5 mm. This solution allows the formed condensate to drain from the plane.
- How to install window sills on plastic windows? The design sits on a special glue or mortar. As an alternative solution, you can resort to fixing the plane with screws on mechanical supports.
- In the next step, the free space between the concrete slab and the window sill is filled with foam. Excesses protruding out are neatly cleaned with an office knife.
- In conclusion, special plugs are installed on the end edges. The surface of the windowsill eliminates the protective film.
How to install window sills on plastic windows correctly? To do this, a free distance of about 6-7 cm should remain between the heating radiator and the lower edge of the product plane. Only in this case, warm air will freely rise from the battery, drying the glass packets and slopes.
How to install a window sill made of wood?
Installing a wooden window sill is much more difficult. Before starting work, it is worth paying attention to the quality of the source material. The sill should not contain obvious flaws in the form of chips, knots, other defects. Moreover, a well-dried board should be used. Otherwise, the latter may crack during operation under the influence of sharp jumps in temperature and changes in humidity.
How to install a window sill in this case:
- The existing base is rounded off on all sides, after which teardrops are created on its back surface. The latter are small gutters 5-6 mm deep and 7-8 mm wide.
- A felt lining soaked in antiseptics is placed on the back surface of the board.
- The prepared window sill is inserted into the openings in the wall. Teardrops are installed on pre-prepared wooden blocks. Structural elements are fastened with nails.
- The edges of the structure are reinforced with gypsum mortar.
Masters who are well versed in how to install a window sill made of wood recommend a rather impressive slope inside the room, which should be about 20 mm. This avoids the accumulation of condensate on the surface of the product and prevents rotting of the material.
Installation of slopes
Upon completion of the installation of the windowsill, slopes should be made. First of all, you need to resort to aligning the window opening vertically and horizontally. The easiest way to cope with the task, using mounting foam. The latter will serve as a good protection for slopes from freezing.
Surfaces can be reinforced with a mounting grid or drywall. The main task is the maximum alignment of the planes, as well as the formation of a smooth texture. On top of the slopes you can paint, focusing on the features of interior solutions when choosing a color.
Useful Tips
If the edge of the window sill protrudes into the room by 10 cm or more relative to the edge of the wall, it is recommended to strengthen the structure. For these purposes, it is worth resorting to the use of metal corners. But even with the implementation of such a solution, one should not overload the edges of the window sill during operation, since this can cause deformation of the plane.
Particular attention should be paid to the installation conditions for the windowsill on the balcony. In order for the surfaces to firmly "set", it is desirable to maintain the air temperature in the range from +16 to +20 ° C for several days.
It is recommended to apply a lot of mounting foam when installing the windowsill at the ends and in the middle part of the product. To strengthen the structure, the use of silicone sealants and glue is allowed.
Eventually
As you can see, installing the windowsill with your own hands is a completely feasible task. The main thing is to carefully approach the work, not to miss the moments that can adversely affect the subsequent operation of the structure.
It is from the installation of window sills that the attractiveness of the external design of the window opening depends. Failure to install them will not only make the room look scruffy, but also create some inconvenience. In particular, the landlord will have to regularly eliminate the smudges of condensate formed on the windows. Otherwise, annual finishing and updating of surfaces will be required.