The device of a window opening in a residential building or public building will not seem complete if it does not have at least one of the structural elements - a window sill or window sill. For its manufacture using a variety of materials. How to make a window sill from concrete or other material and how to mount the product yourself, read on.
The functional purpose of the windowsill
When installing a window structure, keep in mind that the outer walls are thicker than the window unit. Therefore, the frame will occupy about 2/3 of the cutaway opening. The remaining recesses on top and on the sides are formed with the help of internal and external slopes, from the bottom they mount the ebb and the window sill.
The sill board is installed indoors, the tide - outside.
The lower edge of the slope can be decorated in the form of a concrete window sill in a classic style, a board with rounded corners, a relief structure, in the form of a table top or seating area (if you have a large panoramic window).
Did you know that in addition to the decorative function, the window sill is used to drain and discharge condensate so that water particles do not fall on the walls. So, when installing the structure, the master performs a small ledge - an overhang that protrudes outward. The surface itself is set at a slight angle towards the room.
DIY window sill: materials, tips, instructions
Before starting work, remove the exact dimensions from the intended installation location. It’s good if you not only write down the taken measurements, but also draw a small sketch where you indicate the exact dimensions. Do not forget to calculate the necessary grooves and fastenings.
Window sill ebb
Making the concrete window sill separately, you may encounter some difficulties during installation, for example, such a product may be too heavy for self-installation.
If you design in a workshop, then use high-quality and smooth formwork. So you get a smooth surface that does not require additional grinding. At the same time, the top layer of concrete is not removed, therefore, it will not work to achieve the texture of marble chips on the surface, and you will have to figure out how to decorate the surface in a different way.
Advantages of concrete products
Concrete window sills have a number of advantages:
- Production at home.
- Obtaining several workpieces of the same shape, size and decoration.
- A chance to create an optimal microclimate for hardening the cement mixture.
- High quality do-it-yourself window sills in the workshop.
- An excellent opportunity to conveniently and easily process products with special tools.
The windowsill is ready: what's next?
After additional polishing of the surface, treat it with special impregnation, hardening concrete.
Craftsmen note that a series of small products can be cast in the workshop, and the overall window sills can be formed in place, otherwise it will be difficult to transport them to the window.
Engaged in the casting of concrete products yourself, you get access to create structures of any level of complexity.
Mounting a cast concrete window sill
You can put such a design in place, observing three simple rules:
- Prepare the landing pad.
- Install the product.
- Fasten the surface.
Despite the fact that the installation is reduced to several simple and easy to do steps, there are a number of additional factors that need to be observed.
Subtleties of installation
Of the general moments of the restoration of the concrete window sill, note:
- Preparations for the work begin with the cleaning of the sinuses from accumulations of dust and debris, chops remaining and obstructing the installation process of the influx of plaster or mortar.
- The surface is mounted in place of the old. A concrete window sill is inserted into a niche and leveled, focusing on the level. The design is fixed with wedges.
Window sill installation in detail
Remember that putting the windowsill in place is only half the battle. Plastering and painting work, finishing and painting or wallpapering have yet to be done. And this means that in addition to installing a concrete window sill with your own hands, you need to think about protecting its surface from chips, scratches and possible dirt. For such purposes, corrugated cardboard, stretch film or ordinary polyethylene and a roll of adhesive tape are suitable.