Replacing old windows with plastic structures involves the installation of a mandatory element - a window sill, which is a rectangular or curly board and can be made of different materials: PVC, natural stone, marble, wood, etc. Sometimes it is necessary to change only this detail, without affecting the window structure, and as an option it can be wooden window sills for plastic windows. The independent implementation of this type of work requires certain knowledge on how to properly install the windowsill on plastic windows. This will help to avoid serious installation errors, which will be followed by a violation of aesthetic indicators and a decrease in the life of the windowsill.
Preparatory phase and material selection features
At the preparatory stage, measurements are made of the site on which the window sill will be mounted on a plastic window, docking with the stand profile. The workpiece is cut in accordance with the dimensions obtained:
- The length is measured by the width of the window opening - this is the distance between the opposite slopes. To the obtained dimensions 7–9 cm are added to the allowance, of which 5–7 cm are allocated to the extreme ledge, and 2 cm to the groove under the window structure.
- The width of the panel is measured from the profile to the external angle of slope. These dimensions depend on the wall thickness and vary from 20 to 50 cm, only 5 cm are added to the protrusion on both sides.
Advice! It is unreasonable to increase the width of the board, as it will block the heating radiator, which can lead to disruption of the air circulation and will lead to freezing of the glass and the formation of unwanted condensate.
According to the dimensions obtained, the workpiece is cut. Models of window sills on a plastic window made of PVC panels due to their accessibility, aesthetics and ease of installation occupy a leading position and are popular with consumers. Technical characteristics of plastic panels in comparison with other analogues have a number of undeniable advantages: the products are presented in a wide variety of shades. Parts from PVC panels are cut with a grinder, as a result of which the edges are smooth, not requiring additional processing.
Remember! Using an electric jigsaw or an ordinary hand saw, be especially careful while working, otherwise the edge will turn out with torn notches and chips that will be difficult to cover with plastic end plates.
The wooden window sill differs from its analogs from PVC in increased strength and durability. Different types of material are presented on the market, which enables consumers to make the right choice in accordance with the requirements for such products:
- Inexpensive wood - larch, chestnut, pine. Such details relate to the budget option, so they are mainly installed in country houses and cottages.
- Noble wood species - oak and beech are suitable for any window structures. High-quality wooden window sills for plastic windows harmoniously look with a white profile or are selected for other colors of the window frame. Noble wood has an amazing texture, high strength and long service life. The main disadvantage of oak and beech elements is the high price, which is compensated by quality and durability.
After the choice of material is finally made, it remains to learn about all the features of the installation work: how to replace the old window sill with a new one, is it possible to install it on the balcony (loggia).
Installation steps
Regardless of the material from which the window sill is installed to the plastic window, the installation process is carried out using the same technology. The main feature of this method is the simplicity and lack of special skills. How to put a plastic window sill or how to install a wooden one? The choice of material is directly affected by the strength indicator, since for PVC and wood products this indicator is different. It is possible to achieve high strength and reliability of a wooden and plastic window sill during installation. Proper and competent installation of the windowsill with your own hands will exclude its subsequent bending and deformation.
Installation of different types of window sills on plastic windows
It is necessary to understand in more detail how to install window sills on plastic windows, and a phased description of the work will help in this:
- The first and mandatory action is to thoroughly clean the work surface on which the workpiece will be mounted, from building debris and dust.
- Further steps will require a building level to help determine how smooth the surface is. In the presence of irregularities, the workpiece is exposed by means of wedges and beacons. In order to install a wooden or plastic window sill, a special glue or mortar is used, which immediately after preparation is laid out on the work surface. The board is installed on a fresh solution and is pressed strongly. In order to fix the window sill of large width, mechanical supports are used - brackets screwed with screws. The number of elements securing the board depends on its length and strength of the material.
- In order for the workpiece to be installed correctly, in the lower part of the slopes on both sides, recesses (gates) for the thickness of the panel are made to the full length. Marks are made on the slopes, and rectangles on the left and right sides are cut out on the workpiece. Work on the creation of the gate is carried out using a hammer, grinder and chisel. The depth of the recesses depends on the material from which the slopes are finished - this may be a layer of plaster, putty or gypsum board. Advice! Slots and openings after installation are carefully sealed with an appropriate composition, which allows to achieve solidity between the surface of the window sill and the finish of the slope.
- The free space under the plastic panel is blown with foam. The foam-forming mixture increases in volume and can shift the workpiece put into place, so a load is placed on its surface. It can be bottles filled with water, bricks, blocks, even books. Frozen excess foam is carefully cut with a sharp construction knife.
- At the final stage, the ends of the plastic window sill are closed with plugs that add completeness and aesthetics. A protective film is removed from the surface of the panel.
Important! Window sills on a plastic window should be fixed horizontally, measurements are best done with a building level or square.
The principle of insulation of a plastic window sill
If you decide to change the window sill, then you should immediately take up its insulation. This will help to avoid serious consequences: the appearance of defects, cracks, leading to the formation of drafts and heat leakage. Before insulating the window sill of a plastic window, it is necessary to make the right choice of heat-insulating material. Effective insulation will be foam, for the application of which does not require much time. Also, for finishing small cracks and cracks in the window sill on a plastic window, a special silicone-based sealant can be used.
Features of installation on the balcony
Replacing the window sill of a plastic window on the loggia and balcony depends on whether the room is heated or not. In the absence of heating, it is preferable to give the choice to plastic analogues, as well as teak or larch blanks. But even for a warm room, wooden workpieces installed require careful processing with moisture-resistant impregnating compounds.
You can get a perfectly even window sill if its fastening will be carried out simultaneously with the insulation of the fence (parapet). Heat-insulating plates are inserted between the interior finish and always leave an air gap, which prevents the rapid loss of heat.
You also need to know how to put a window sill on the balcony for a plastic window. For fastening elements, a base is needed, on which bars along the entire window sill length will be mounted in increments of 50-60 cm. How many there will be depends on the parameters of the parapet. To finish looking neat, the bars should not go beyond the base. To fix them, a cement mortar is required.
Advice! Be sure to attach the workpiece at an angle of 3 ° to the side of the room, this will allow condensation not to accumulate on the surface of the window sill. To make such a bias possible with planed wooden wedges.
If a wide and heavy board was installed, then you should know how to make it securely fastened. Installation should be carried out using brackets for a self-tapping screw with a press washer. Long fasteners will not work - the best option is 4.2x16. The step between the brackets is 20-30 cm, but may be more, since it depends on the weight of the installation panel.
A waterproofing tape is attached to the brackets along the entire length, so that moisture from the street will not penetrate into the room. After that, the window sill is inserted between the window frame and the profile and pressed against the stop. The connection of the loose edge of the board with the brackets is also carried out using self-tapping screws.
Given the fact that the installation of window sills on the loggia and balcony is carried out in a variety of ways, you should give preference to the optimal and desired option. Knowing how to replace the windowsill, you can do the work yourself without the help of a specialist.