How to Repair a Rotted Window Sill
A window sill is a surprisingly easy repair that virtually anyone can do. Window sills will often have dry rot in them because of their exposure to the elements. That rot can spread throughout adjoining wood structures, so it is important to complete this repair as soon as it is noticed. Here are the steps to follow to get the job done.
1. Remove the Rotted Wood
You don’t have to remove the window. You do need to remove all of the rotted wood from the window sill. This generally means removing the entire window sill. Make sure to check joint connections to make sure the rot hasn’t spread to the frame or other parts of the window or exterior wall.
2. Shore Up the Adjacent Surfaces
There may not be any rot on the adjacent surfaces of the damaged window sill, but the wood may have become softened because of rot exposure. You’ll need need to harden the surfaces that have been affected by providing a weather-proof seal to it and allowing the repair to dry. You may need to use additional wood to firm up the frame as well.
3. Fill Any Voids That Are Discovered
The reason why the window sill rotted in the first place is because the caulking in place failed for some reason. The moisture will then create pockets within the frame that must be sealed to prevent further rot from developing. A polyester resin will take care of this issue quickly and affordably.
4. Install the New Window Sill
Make sure your new window sill is cut to proper size. You’ll also want to make sure the caulking around the window sill is in its proper place and without any gaps. Allow 24 hours for the caulk to properly dry and protect it from the elements as needed. Paint or stain based on the exterior or interior color of the home to complete the repair. Most of the time, the issue that caused the rot will be seen during the repair. If not, it is important to track down the cause of the window sill failure before completing the repair. Otherwise the rot issue will continue and this repair will just need to be repeated again in the future.
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