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Fixing a rotted windowsill is fairly
easy and can help make both the inside of the house as well
as the outside look well cared for and maintained. A few tools you
may need to repair most wood projects are a saber saw, a hammer,
new wood for the sill, and some nails. The first thing that should be done
is to measure the windowsill for length, width and thickness. Remove
all trims and casings in order to gain access to the rotted sill.
You can use a pry bar to remove any tough trims, but be careful
when using it so as not to dent or break any of the surrounding
wood around the windows. Be sure to remove all the nails in the
wall or in the window jam, and try to remove nails in the trim with
a pair of pliers. Remove the rotted sill as gently as possible,
since it can be a good indication of size or template for your new
sill. Take the rotted sill to a lumberyard
or home improvement center to get a good idea of what you may need.
Once you get new lumber, trace the old sill onto the new wood or
make measurements in the case that is too warped or damaged to use
as a template. Use a saber saw to cut out the new piece, and make
the cuts as smooth as possible. For those who have never used a
saber saw before, practice on some wood scraps to get a good feel
of the saw and the amount of control you have with it. Work
slowly to avoid any wrong cuts or uneven sawing. In the case that
you may happen to make a boo-boo, you may need to sand your cut
down a little for a smoother look. Install the new windowsill, and use
some finishing nails to keep it in place. Finishing nails
don't have a large, round head on them. When attaching the new piece
to the window, use new nails and then use a countersink tool in
order to drive the nails in for a better look. If you don't have
a countersink tool, then use a large, galvanized nail instead, placing
the point of the nail into the little round groove on the head of
the finishing nail. Use a wood putty to fill in all the holes and
use a paint or stain to finish the job. If you know you are going to
paint the sill ahead of time, it may save money to buy an inexpensive
piece of wood like pine, as opposed to oak. Fixing the rotted sill
can help window fit better, open and close easier and save money
in heating and air conditioning. In addition, a clean, well-maintained
windowsill will make everything look clean and new!
Related tags:Do it Yourself, |
