How Do You Replace An Exterior Concrete Window Sill?
How Do You Replace An Exterior Concrete Window Sill?
First, determine how much additional concrete you need to build a new sill. Then select the right size and thickness of cement for this job. After determining how much concrete is required, pour the cement into the window opening and smooth the top by means of trowel leveling.
Next, use a level to determine where the top of the sill should be placed in relation to either side of the window opening. After you have secured the sill in place, you must let it dry for a minimum of 48 hours before you install your wooden window trim.
In addition, make sure you use a square to straighten the sill on the inside and outside of your home. When the concrete is hard enough, remove the window trim and fill any nail holes with Joint Compound from your local hardware store.
This can be purchased in 5-pound bags and placed in a plastic bag if you want to keep it for later use. Then, press both sides of the window sill firmly into place before removing any excess mortar by removing the sills with a wire brush or stiff paintbrushes.
Lastly, paint both sides of the window sill with latex interior waterproofing paint before installing your new wood window trim that matches your windowsill. If you need to remove the concrete sill but are unsure how to do so, start by cutting a circular pry bar with the blade of a jigsaw. Use this special tool to remove any cement that surrounds your window.
You should be able to lift off the sill without much trouble once you’ve made an opening in which to work your pry bar. If this method doesn’t work for you, however, then simply contact a local masonry contractor and ask them how they would go about removing an exterior concrete window sill.
How Do You Stain A Window Sill?
- Prepare the wood sill for staining by sanding it lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. If the wood is dark or if you are unsure how to prepare it for staining, then use a stain as a lubricant to keep its surface in good shape.
The fungus that forms on a stained window sill can quickly consume the finish and leave raw wood exposed. You can use paint thinner to clean up any residue from this process and prevent the growth of additional fungi.
- Mix stain color into latex interior waterproofing paint and then apply the mixture evenly over your windowsill with a brush or roller.
- Place plastic sheeting over your windowsill to protect it from spills and splatters during application time.
- Remove the plastic sheeting and allow the stain to dry for several hours. If you are not sure if the sill is completely dry, use a paint and primer stick to test it before painting.
- Apply two coats of latex interior waterproofing paint over your stained window sill to protect the surface from moisture damage and exposure to UV rays that can discolor or damage it over time.
- Allow the second coat of paint to dry completely before applying a finish coat if you want a smooth, shiny look on your wood window sill.
- Remove any residue from brush strokes and then apply a clear protective coat made for outdoor wood surfaces or for indoor surfaces that will see heavy foot traffic in certain rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms.
