Plastic window sills

The window sill performs three functions at once: it unites the window frame and walls, decorates the common space of the window - from the street into the house, and prevents heat leakage. Materials for arranging a window sill can be very different, let's look at their pros and cons.

Plastic

Since PVC windows are the most popular today, this choice is logical, the simplest and most affordable. Any manufacturer when ordering plastic windows will immediately offer you a similar window sill in the kit. Traditionally they are white, matching the color of the window. Of course, there are brown options that imitate wood and even stone, but plastic remains plastic.

Pros: affordable cost, ease of installation, very light weight, moisture resistance, durability.

Cons: the matte light plastic window sill gets dirty very easily. Dust literally eats into it; it can only be washed off with abrasive agents. Of course, if the window sill is not white, this problem is less noticeable, but it is there. If you put something hot on a plastic window sill, it will become deformed. It is also very easy to scratch.

Important! For the kitchen, it is better to choose plastic window sills with a special heat-resistant and durable coating. Yes, they cost a little more, but they will last longer. Although, judging by the reviews, it’s still categorically impossible to place a hot frying pan on such window sills.

MDF and chipboard

Window sills simply made of chipboard are practically not used now, since they have a lot of disadvantages. Laminated chipboard is stronger, like MDF, so let's talk about these materials. In general, if you have MDF furniture in your house, then you can perfectly imagine all the advantages and disadvantages of such window sills.

The price is higher than plastic ones, there is a wide selection of shades and textures. It is more advisable to choose laminated boards for window sills; they are more resistant to moisture.

Disadvantage: you can’t install it hot, you can damage the edge during installation; a special tape should be laid between the window sill slab and the wall. If the top layer is damaged, the entire window sill may swell under the influence of moisture.

Tree

Do you still remember the good old wooden window sills, usually covered with white paint? We lived with them for many years, and they stayed in many old houses. Natural wood has a lot of advantages: safety, environmental friendliness, ease of maintenance.

But old window sills made from ordinary boards could crack over time, and the paint had to be renewed regularly. And this traditional option itself is simply considered unfashionable.

Nowadays solid wood window sills cost a lot. Particularly valued are durable oak and ash, which look beautiful even without tinting.

Cons of natural wooden window sills: high price, mandatory grinding and impregnation with colorless wax or varnish, risk of scratches. In addition, the varnish or wax coating will have to be renewed regularly.

Artificial and natural stone

This is the most expensive, but very beautiful and durable option. Now window sills made of artificially created stone are almost in no way inferior to natural ones, so their popularity continues to grow. You don’t have to be afraid to put something hot or drop something heavy; dust is easy to wipe off and usually it’s not too noticeable.

Disadvantages of stone window sills: high price. This is, of course, the most powerful argument against. Otherwise, you cannot clean it with abrasive agents; natural marble, for example, can absorb spilled liquids and will have to be maintained regularly.

Concrete

There is nothing new about concrete window sills. Outside the house they were often decorated this way; this is a traditional technique. Why not? Concrete is durable and can be painted in a variety of colors. Massive, durable, reliable, subject to repair and restoration if necessary, maybe a little cold, but quite attractive, a concrete window sill has few disadvantages. These include the difficulty of installing a heavy slab, as well as the likelihood of cracks in the event of temperature changes and violations of the pouring technology.

Tile

In general, endure ceramic tiles and mosaic in separate species finishing the window sill, we admit, is wrong. For such a coating you need a base. It can be concrete, wood, plastic. That is, tiles can be used to decorate, for example, an ordinary plastic window sill, but they cannot be used as an independent material.

This option has many advantages - resistance to damage, easy maintenance, beauty, durability, the ability to replace individual parts in case of damage. But you should pay special attention to the joints between the tiles, because they are often responsible for the durability of the entire coating.

October 26, 2016
Specialization: professional in the field of construction and renovation ( full cycle carrying out finishing works, both internal and external, from sewerage to electrical and finishing works), installation of window structures. Hobbies: see the column "SPECIALIZATION AND SKILLS"

It is advisable to think about which window sill to choose for plastic windows in advance - not only before installing the structures themselves, but also before repairs in general. This approach will allow you to choose optimal size products that meet all our requirements, and find an option that fits perfectly into the overall style of the room.

Fortunately, there is definitely plenty to choose from here - and below I will give brief characteristics most popular parts.

In addition, it is not enough to choose the right window sill for a PVC window - it needs to be installed correctly. I will devote a separate section of the article to the nuances of installing window sill boards.

Types of window sills

Type 1. Plastic

I will begin to analyze the types of window sills for plastic windows with the most popular variety - plastic products. This fairly extensive group includes many models that differ both in appearance and in operational parameters.

By and large, the design of a plastic window sill remains the same regardless of which company produces it:

The basis of the product is a hollow PVC panel with walls 1.5-3 mm thick.
Inside the panel there are stiffening ribs, which are responsible for the mechanical strength of the window sill board. The more such ribs, the better the quality of the product and the greater the load it can withstand without deformation.

The outside of the panel can have either a smooth or rough texture. Smooth window sills need to be wiped regularly to remove fingerprints, but textured ones are less susceptible to this type of contamination. On the other hand, the deep texture fills with dirt over time, so you will have to spend more time cleaning.

The sizes of window sills for plastic windows can be very different. Most often, these parts are produced in the form of panels 5.8 - 6 m long and 100 to 800 mm wide. The standard board thickness is 20 mm, but thicker products can be found if necessary.

The differences between models from the budget segment and expensive window sills are as follows:

PVC pigment quality. Cheap white plastic turns yellow over time due to the accumulation of various substances from the air, and if you choose a more expensive product, you won’t have to look for how to whiten a window sill board: titanium oxide, used to give PVC white, is able to maintain whiteness for 10 years or more.

The same applies to colored models: where a budget product will “fade” and become discolored, a high-quality window sill board will look like new.
But the main difference is the coverage. In high-quality lines (here I include window sills from Danke, Moller, etc.), a special composition is applied over the plastic base that can withstand both abrasion and temperature influences. So it is impossible to scratch or burn through the plastic without serious effort.

By the way, this is not a marketing exaggeration: window sills from a fairly expensive segment can withstand the effects of a cigarette butt or a hot frying pan with minimal consequences. I checked it personally!

Price for plastic products it is flexible: if the cheapest models cost from 50–70 rubles per linear meter (with a width of 100 mm), then products from the already mentioned Danke or Moller will cost at least 300–450 rubles per meter.

If you need a wider window sill, then it will, of course, cost more.

Type 2. Wooden

A wooden window sill for a plastic window is a completely worthy solution that can not only look good, but also serve for a long time without deformation or damage. Naturally, not just any natural wood window sill board is suitable here: it is advisable to choose a product specifically designed for this purpose.

It is worth noting that from a design point of view, wooden parts will not fit all windows. For example, in combination with a standard white profile, such a window sill will look somewhat vulgar, but it can be combined with a laminated product (of course, if the shades match).

By design, wooden window sill boards are divided into two large groups:

solid, made from solid wood of expensive species;
veneered, covered with decorative veneer with a birch or pine base.

And if massive parts are most often made to order for a specific object (this is understandable - the cost of raw materials there will be impressive), then veneered models can be found on mass sale:

The basis of the product is a solid or glued board: for budget varieties it is pine, for more expensive ones it is birch.
To prevent deformation and the formation of a “propeller,” technological cuts are made in the base. They compensate for the uneven linear expansion of wood fibers during changes in temperature and humidity and help maintain the shape of the board.
On the outside, the base is veneered - a thin plate of expensive wood (oak, cedar, wenge, etc.) is glued onto it.

An end strip (flat, shaped or figured) is installed on the front part. It can be either solid or veneered.
After manufacturing the window sill, all surfaces are coated with a special varnish that protects the veneer and base from moisture and mechanical damage.
The ends of the window sill boards are also subjected to protective treatment after being cut to size immediately before installation: waterproofing impregnations protect the fibers from atmospheric moisture.

The disadvantages of wooden products include lower moisture resistance compared to plastic ones (after all, even treated wood can swell when wet for a long time, which cannot be said about PVC).

Another disadvantage is the high cost: 1 linear meter of a 200 mm wide board will cost from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the design of the product and the type of wood used in the work.

Type 3. Composite

Composite products are products whose production combines two different materials. As a basis for such window sills, they most often take either MDF or chipboard, and cover the part with vinyl film or natural wood veneer:

Chipboard window sills are based on chipboard, which is produced by adhesive pressing of natural raw materials. The advantages of this material include low cost, the disadvantages are relatively low strength and a tendency to swell when in contact with moisture.
Veneering for decorative finishing Such boards are used extremely rarely, so polymer film is used almost exclusively as decoration. However, despite the moisture resistance of the decorative layer, it is advisable to use composite window sills made of chipboard where the risk of regular moisture is minimal.

MDF is a material that is denser and stronger than chipboard, but at the same time significantly heavier and more expensive. Both films and natural wood veneer with protective varnish can be used as a covering for the window sill, but in any case, the moisture resistance of such a window sill will be slightly above average.
This means that it will withstand occasional drops, but if it remains in a humid environment for a long time, it will begin to deform.

WPC – wood-polymer composite. A fairly specific material, which consists of polymer base, pigments and wood fiber filler. WPC is most often used to produce wall and floor panels, but window sills can also be made - in this case, the products are quite attractive, durable and practically resistant to moisture or temperature changes.
As for the price, the cheapest will be products made from chipboard, slightly more expensive - window sills from MDF. WPC panels are a relatively new material for our market, so the price for them seems to me to be somewhat overpriced - but the good functional performance and durability of the material partially compensate for this disadvantage.

Type 4. Stone

When deciding which window sills are best to choose for installation under a plastic window, do not forget about those made from natural or artificial stone. And if products carved from stone slabs belong exclusively to the premium segment, then among models made from artificial material you can find quite affordable ones:

The most popular are parts made of acrylic composite. The basis of the panel is an acrylic binder, into which a finely dispersed mineral filler (marble, granite, quartz), as well as pigments, hardeners and other components are added.
The result is a monolith that is practically not inferior to natural stone in hardness, but superior to it in viscosity - hence a lower risk of chipping.

An alternative to acrylic window sills are products made from so-called quartz stone. Polyester resin is used as a binder, and the base is a filler - ground quartz (from 90 to 95% by weight).
Colored products are produced by adding various mineral pigments - ocher, red lead, iron compounds, etc. Quartz stone is heavier and denser than acrylic, but is also more susceptible to chipping.

In any case, the products are strong, durable and wear-resistant; they are not afraid of moisture, high temperatures, or mechanical stress (within reasonable limits). The disadvantages I would include are the complexity of installation (you need strong brackets) and the high cost: the price of one linear meter ranges from 3.5 to 7 - 8 thousand rubles.

Type 5. Concrete

Considering options for window sills for installation together with metal-plastic windows, I would not forget about concrete products. They come in two varieties:

Old concrete window sills that were installed during the construction of the building. In old houses you can find fairly well-preserved slabs that look attractive and will last for many more decades. They can be left after performing cosmetic repairs (polishing + treatment with a special impregnation for concrete).
New slabs of cast concrete, often with decorative inclusions or the addition of pigments. Externally, such products are similar to panels made of artificial stone, but they do not use as a binder. polymer materials, and Portland cement.

In any case, it seems to me that a concrete window sill is by no means The best decision for residential premises. But for public buildings This option can be called one of the priorities: the parts are reliable, durable, and most importantly, vandal-resistant.

Accessories for window sill boards

In addition to the window sill board itself, you also need to purchase additional components to finish the window. Their choice is small, but almost all of them are useful:

Detail	Purpose
End cap	Installed on the guillemot of a window sill board, covering either the cavities inside the product or the end wooden base. Most often it is made of plastic, but it can also be laminated with an adhesive base.
Connector	Installed between two window sill boards to join them along their length. There are longitudinal and corner connectors - the first are used for simple joining, and the second - for forming complex contours, for example, when glazing bay windows.
Molding	A thin corner or shaped strip that bridges the gap between the window sill board and bottom plastic window frame. The use of moldings is justified not only from an aesthetic, but also from a practical point of view: even a small part can effectively close the gap and block the flow of cold air.
Lattice	Probably the most useful, but at the same time the most difficult accessory to install. If the width of the window sill board is such that the part completely covers the heating radiator, then for access warm air It is advisable to embed special grilles into the window sill for the glazing. Otherwise, the inner glass will not be heated effectively enough, resulting in large quantity condensate

How to install?

It is best to entrust the installation of heavy stone and concrete window sills to specialists - such parts are quite expensive, so it makes sense to spread the risks. But you can easily handle plastic, wood and composite products with your own hands, and in this section I will tell you how to organize the installation process.

Most often, the window sill is mounted on the inside of the structure, i.e. where the opening flap is located. Sometimes it is allowed to install window sills on both sides - for example, when decorating a balcony window. On the outside of the structure, instead of a window sill board, a drainage strip is installed.

The part is installed strictly horizontally. The slope of the window sill in the transverse plane should be from 3 to 5 degrees towards the room for condensate drainage.
The optimal distance from the bottom plane of the window sill to the heating radiator is 150 mm or more. Reducing this gap is extremely undesirable: even installing grilles in the window sill is not able to fully compensate for the lack of free space above the radiator.

The edges of the window sill are most often inserted into the window slopes. To do this, a cutting is made in the plane of the slope, which is then masked during the finishing process.

The front edge of the window sill can either be flush with the wall or extend beyond its plane. The maximum extension beyond the plane of the wall is 100 – 120 mm.

If you are making a window sill-tabletop or planning to arrange an extensive flower garden, then you can do more removal. In this case, it is highly desirable to install reinforcing brackets made of steel angles, or additional supports that remove part of the load from the mounting point of the window sill board.

Plastic products

Plastic window sills are extremely easy to install. The instructions assume working according to the following algorithm:

First, install the window in the opening and clean the base - the part of the wall on which the window sill will rest.

We cut the window sill board to size, taking into account the size of the areas extending into the plane of the slopes.
If the slopes are preserved during the installation of PVC windows, we cut grooves in them for the ends of the window sill boards.

We attach Z-shaped brackets to the support profile of the PVC window with self-tapping screws. The optimal fastening pitch is about 30 cm.
We insert the window sill into the grooves in the slopes and snap its edge onto the brackets. In this case, the plane should go beyond the bottom of the frame.
We level the window sill board along the plane, taking into account the desired slope, driving wooden wedges into the gap between its lower edge and the base.

We fill the cavity under the window sill with foam. We carry out the blowing in several stages, making sure to moisturize the cavity and the foam itself: this promotes controlled expansion of the material and will not allow the foam to bend the product (applies primarily to budget plastic models).
The joint between the frame and the board is either sealed with sealant or covered with molding.

Until the foam is completely polymerized, we leave the window sill under pressure, after which we install end caps on the edges.

From my own experience, I strongly advise against using glass jars filled with water as oppression. Water in glass perfectly serves as a lens, focusing the sun's rays on the plastic surface. What will happen to cheap PVC as a result of such an impact, should we tell?

Wood and composite products

Products made of wood, chipboard/MDF, composite and similar materials can be installed in the same way as plastic ones. However, there is another installation option:

First, we level the base on which the window sill board will rest, and install wooden/plastic wedges on it in increments of up to 30-40 cm. We will use these wedges to adjust the position of the product.

Then we form a “pillow”: we place either a solution or a layer of polyurethane foam in the spaces between the wedges. The layer of binder should be approximately 5 mm above the level of the wedges - we will therefore remove the excess.

If a cement-sand mortar is used, I would advise additionally treating the wood with a moisture-proofing compound to avoid swelling. But you shouldn’t lay down the film, as is sometimes advised, as the strength of the connection will drop significantly.

We take a window sill board, adjusted to size, and install it in the opening, placing it under the lower edge of the frame and resting against the stand profile. We place the bottom plane of the board on a “cushion” of mortar or foam and press it, resting it on the wedges.
From the outside of the window, through the stand profile, we tighten several screws that will prevent any movement of the window sill.

We place a level on top, and, focusing on it, use wedges to align the window sill board on a plane.
We fill all the gaps with polyurethane foam, after which we put a slight bend - to avoid deformation of the wood.

If the edges of the board are hidden under the finishing of the slopes, they can be fixed at the ends of the window opening using steel corners with anchors.

Conclusion

To decorate PVC windows you can choose different types plastic window sills, as well as products made from natural wood and wood-based materials, natural and synthetic stone, concrete, etc. Each of these varieties has its own characteristics, but they are mounted - and you will see this by watching the video in this article - according to fairly similar schemes.

Be that as it may, this task is not the most difficult, especially since I can always help you good advice, providing advice either here in the comments or on the project forum.

Which window sills to choose for PVC windows is a question that faces clients of window companies when ordering new windows. As a rule, the supplier is ready to provide several options for slopes and window sills, which differ in design, materials and price. The choice will always be based on a compromise between cost and quality, so when deciding which type of window sill is best, keep your overall budget in mind.

Choosing a window sill for a plastic window begins with materials. For the most part, suppliers offer all of the following types for plastic windows:

window sill made of plastic (PVC);
made of solid wood;
from natural stone;
made of acrylic.

Plastic models for PVC windows are most often chosen - they go well with the plastic texture of the window itself. If there is a colored film on the frame with an imitation of any texture, it is also applied to the plastic window sill.

Popularity plastic types due not only to the wide choice of design, but also to other advantages:

simplicity and low cost of production;
ease of installation;
lack of high care requirements;
perfectly smooth surface without blemishes;
color fastness to UV radiation (does not fade or turn yellow);
durability;
no need for painting.

To do right choice, you need to know not only about the advantages, but also about the disadvantages. Among the disadvantages of plastic structures are low thermal stability (you cannot place hot objects on the surface, otherwise it will melt) and low maintainability (if dents, chips and cracks appear, nothing can be done). Knowing in advance what weaknesses this species has, you can be extremely careful and preserve it in its original form for many years.

You also need to know how to choose plastic models. What types of plastic structures exist? Mainly the difference lies in quality. Cameras should not be too thin, it is encouraged minimum distance between the walls - it is the structure of the chambers that is responsible for the strength of the entire structure. Press down on the display piece (if you have one) to make sure it doesn't crack or sag.

Choosing a plastic window sill is recommended for those who value practicality and do not like to clean a lot or regularly repaint. It is also suitable for lovers of bright colors and unusual textures - there is the possibility of stylizing it as stone and wood.

Wooden window sills

Wooden models are in second place after plastic ones in popularity. The choice of a wooden window sill must be made according to several criteria - wood, size, thickness, color. Oak boards are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Pine and alder are cheaper, but too soft, but beech is quite suitable for such purposes. This type of wood is strong enough to resist mechanical damage, looks good, can be tinted, and is inexpensive.

What are the advantages of wooden models:

pleasant tactile sensations, pleasure from contact with living material;
durability;
strength - they have a solid structure, can withstand heavy weight, can be restored if scratches, chips, or color imperfections appear;
elegance - wooden ceilings look good in any interior;
wide choice of colors - wood can be painted.

Let's complicate the choice a little - we'll tell you what disadvantages the material has. The first is low moisture resistance. It increases with the help of hydrophobic mixtures, but if not treated sufficiently, the tree will absorb moisture from the air. The second is care. Wooden surfaces require certain products for regular maintenance, and the coating needs to be updated from time to time. Third - average resistance to mechanical damage (if you choose soft varieties wood, you may encounter dents and scratches). And last but not least, the price is high - these types of window sills for plastic windows are quite expensive.

When choosing wood, pay attention to the class of wood (B and C are not suitable due to the large number of knots), give preference to hardwood, pay attention to flaws and chips. If you have the desire and ability to finish the surface yourself, order the installation of an untreated straight window sill without bevels or edges.

Stone window sills

The main advantage that stone window sills have is strength and durability. They are practically not subject to wear, they do not form dents from careless handling, and they do not need to be regularly coated with varnishes and paints. Consumers choose stone because of the following advantages:

high resistance to temperatures and moisture;
stylish and solid appearance;
wide selection of colors and textures.

The disadvantages include heavy weight, susceptibility to chipping and low maintainability - if something breaks off, it will be difficult to return the surface to its former appearance. Such models are also expensive at all stages - production, delivery, installation. They are suitable for those who value natural materials and place emphasis on design.

In addition to natural stone, there is also artificial stone (for example, acrylic). It is lighter, cheaper and easily repaired if damaged. The material comes in a wide variety of textures, shapes and colors. The difference can only be understood upon close examination.

Window sill in the form of a tabletop

It can be made of any material described above. His idea is to combine the window sill surface with a table to save space in the room or create additional work space in the kitchen. In this case, the material is selected depending on how the surface will be used in the future. Natural or artificial stone will be useful in the kitchen; wood or plastic will look good in the room. If a sink is to be installed in a countertop near a window, it must be thick enough, durable and resistant to moisture.

Designs and textures

The consumer has a choice between matte and glossy textures. The gloss looks impressive, but dirt, dust and stains are very visible on it. The matte surface gets dirty less and is easy to clean, but loses in aesthetic characteristics.

To avoid condensation on the windows, it is important to choose the correct length/width of the board and its location relative to the radiator - if it protrudes above the radiator, condensation will appear on the windows. Design the window sill so that it does not cover the radiator, or install a ventilation grill in it for the unhindered movement of warm air.

We hope this material helped you understand which window sill to choose for plastic windows. After comparing all the pros and cons, you can decide optimal solution for your interior.

A reliable and high-quality window sill is both an excellent interior decoration and a convenient shelf for indoor flowers, as well as an important element of the window unit. This is an important element, since it, together with the frame and sashes, ensures the long service life of the plastic window.

Many owners of houses and apartments think about which window sill to choose right before the end. repair work. In such cases, as a rule, they agree with the proposed standard options of window companies or prefer to do “like everyone else.”

True, haste in the question of how to choose the right window sill can lead to a quick breakdown of this part. And repairs are carried out only if the window unit is replaced. So which window sills to choose and how to install them should be decided in advance. This guarantees the durability and reliability of the entire window unit.

How to choose window sills: key requirements and characteristics

The first thing you should understand is that the window sill is the most important element window system, and only then a convenient stand for flowers, an interior item.

In fact, a properly installed high-quality window sill is a reliable barrier that prevents cold air from entering the room from the street and prevents heat from leaking out. By making the right choice of window sills, you increase the energy efficiency of your home. And this saves the family budget on heating.

The protrusion of the window sill beyond the wall into the room is of great importance. Thanks to its presence, the flows of hot air emanating from the radiator of the heating system do not rise strictly upward, but are directed into the room. However, it should be remembered that a window sill that is too wide will prevent the creation of warm air gap near the window and adjacent sections of the wall. And this, in turn, will lead to cooling of the structure and the formation of condensation on the glass surface and slopes. That's why the window sill should protrude no more than 5-6 cm beyond the wall line. When calculating geometric parameters, it is not the rough level that is taken into account, but the wall with the planned or existing finishing(plaster, tiles, drywall, etc.) You must also pay attention to the location and width of the radiator: the window sill can cover it no more than half. Wider window sill boards must be ordered with a grille along the edge, which will facilitate air convection in the window opening.

Important Notes:

When making calculations, it is necessary to take as the zero level a wall with existing or planned cladding (tiles, plasterboard, plaster, etc.);
The window sill can cover the radiator no more than half its width. Otherwise, air convection in the window opening will be difficult;

When choosing window sills, the length of the products should be calculated with a small margin. As a rule, the window sill extends beyond the edges of the slopes by 5-8 centimeters on each side. It is also possible various variations release length. The thickness of the window sills varies from 2 to 4 centimeters.

Main operational characteristics of window sills:

High strength indicators of products. Often, window sills are used as an additional shelf for flowers and house plants. The total weight of such decorations is sometimes significant. So, when choosing a large window sill width on a loggia, you should also select its optimal thickness - within 3-4 cm;
Resistance to mechanical and chemical influences. If heavy objects fall onto the surface of the product or during use detergents You must be sure that the window sill will not crack and the coating will not peel off;
Moisture resistance. If you plan to use the product in rooms with high humidity, such as a bathhouse, kitchen, swimming pools, then you should choose a plastic window sill.

Window sills made of various materials: advantages and features

If you were wondering how to choose the right window sill for a window, then you undoubtedly paid attention to several varieties of such products. We are talking here about the materials used to make window sills.

The most popular are plastic, wooden and stone window sills. Let's consider their advantages and features separately...

Inexpensive and practical PVC window sills are:

Simplicity and efficiency of installation of products;
Unpretentiousness in operation;
Excellent moisture resistance and chemical resistance.

Plastic window sills are made from panels 5-6 meters long, which are essentially a multi-dimensional PVC profile. The rigidity of the products is increased due to vertical ribs.

When choosing PVC window sills, you need to find out whether the surface is treated with a special polyvinyl chloride film, which protects the product from mechanical damage. If a melamine coating is used instead of PVC film, then the wear resistance of the window sills is an order of magnitude higher.

Natural and aesthetic wooden window sills are:

Excellent strength characteristics of products. For example, when choosing the material for a wide wooden window sill, preference is usually given to solid oak, pine or beech. These rocks are characterized by increased strength;
Environmental friendliness. A property due to which wooden window sills are still in demand among buyers. 100% natural and harmless to humans and the environment;
If the surface is properly treated with special impregnations and fire retardants, wooden window sills are not afraid of moisture, temperature changes, ultraviolet rays. It is recommended to update the protective layer every 3-5 years.

However, no matter how hard manufacturers try to protect such products from moisture and sudden temperature changes, there were and remain special requirements for the operation of wooden window sills. So, you should try not to place hot dishes or spill water on wooden surfaces.

Sudden changes in temperature and high humidity can cause cracks to form on the surface of the wood..

Utilitarian substitutes - stone and composite window sills

The choice of window sills made of stone is due to their long service life. Stone window sills are divided into products made from natural and artificial stone. Natural stone (marble, granite) is very expensive, so stone chips with polymer fillers are increasingly being used;
Naturalness and good hygienic qualities;
Moisture and fire resistance.

Composite window sills- these are products made using wood chip materials (MDF and chipboard), the front surface of which is treated with a laminated coating. Such window sills are more wear-resistant on the outside, but their core is afraid of moisture.

Installation of window sills: control zones

Which window sill to choose: wooden, plastic, stone or composite - definitely accept correct solution very important in this matter. The properties of the material affect the installation features of the product. But in construction there are also general rules, compliance with which guarantees the durability of window units.

Eg, First you should install the window sill, and only then finish the slopes and walls.

Or the base to which it is planned to attach the window sill must be cleaned of dirt and degreased.

If necessary, PVC window sills are adjusted to fit the window opening on site. Stone, wood and composite materials are cut in the factory to specified sizes. For transportation and storage, the panel is protected from the formation of mechanical chips/cracks using corrugated cardboard or polyethylene foam.

The window sill is inserted into the gap between window block and the wall, keeping an eye on the horizontal level. These conditions apply to the long and wide sides of the product. Sloping towards the window is not allowed. A slight bevel towards the room at an angle of 1-2 degrees is possible.

Plastic window sills, like stone, wooden or composite ones, are mounted on cement mortar with holding brackets (you can also choose anchor brackets and mounting foam instead of brackets). It is not recommended to install window sills on an adhesive basis or only using polyurethane foam. These materials have poor thermal insulation properties.

Installation using brackets and cement mortar justified only if the length of the window sill exceeds 2 meters. In this case, the staples are installed at a distance of 50-80 cm from each other. Until the solution dries completely, the window sill is pressed with some kind of weight.

Installation of window sills using polyurethane foam and anchor plates, fasteners are placed at the corners of the opening at a distance of 10-15 cm and then 70-80 cm from each other. The voids are filled with polyurethane foam. While the foam hardens, the window sill is also loaded for a day.

Important:

Using any installation method, make sure that the window sill fits snugly against the wall. The formation of cracks is not allowed. Such defects can lead to freezing of the wall and the appearance of condensation.
Also, be sure to treat the joints of the window sill and the wall with silicone sealant or vapor barrier film.
And only after all this work can be finished with facing material.

Another common mistake after haste when choosing window sills is hiring for production installation work different performers. You need to understand that the installation of a window block and a window sill are stages of a single process and only a comprehensive team of installers can guarantee a high result.

Do you need to replace old window sills during renovation?

Many homeowners, when replacing window units, wonder whether the old concrete window sills should be dismantled. Of course, removing such a window sill is a difficult and expensive task. Therefore, it is completely acceptable to leave the concrete base. However, such a slab needs to be lined from the outside (PVC linings can be used).

Is it worth insulating the assembly seam from the outside?

With any method of installing a window sill, it is necessary to mandatory protect installation seam outside. Especially if you used polyurethane foam, which is afraid of moisture. It should be insulated using sealant or vapor barrier tape.

Do not place very heavy objects on the stove or subject it to strong mechanical stress. Even if at the “which window sill to choose” stage you chose a durable product made of natural stone, you still should not throw very heavy objects onto the slab;
Do not expose the surface of the window sill to cutting or piercing objects;
Do not place heating devices or hot dishes on the windowsill;
When caring for the surface, do not use aggressive chemicals;
Curtains, curtains and blinds should not touch the edges of the window sill, so as not to impede the heating of the window opening.

“Second life” of concrete window sills

Concrete window sills used to be an integral attribute in apartment buildings. However, with the advent of PVC windows and window sills, they began to be replaced with more aesthetically pleasing and inexpensive ones. Currently, such window sills are made from decorative concrete, which is not inferior in aesthetics to products made from PVC and wood.

The undoubted advantages of concrete window sills are strength, resistance to temperature changes (from -50 to +50 degrees), and wear resistance.

Options for using window sills

Typically, the space near the window sills is not used very efficiently. Although the choice of solutions is very wide. So, if the width of the window sill in the loggia or kitchen allows (more than 40 cm), then the stove can be used as an additional tabletop or bar counter. In other rooms, use the window sill as a shelf for jewelry, a stand for CDs, and books.

Whatever window sill you choose, you will still encounter both pros and cons. Is that some will be more, others less. Technologies do not stand still. Specialists who develop various types of window sills and are responsible for all elements of the window system also keep up with the times.

Which window sill to choose - sometimes it’s easier to answer this question by playing the game “rock, paper, scissors” with your inner self. The fact is that current window sills of all types are quite durable, moisture resistant, and are not afraid of sunlight and detergents. But there are clearly specific differences. So, a window sill is definitely needed. And, above all, to preserve heat (prevent the leakage of warm air from the room), as well as to protect against drafts and the entry of cold air from the street.
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Thanks to the window sill, the thickness of the warm air layer near the window increases, which is important. Many people find it convenient to install flower pots. From a technical point of view, we immediately get convenience, sound insulation and durability. For those who have long dreamed of wider window sills, there is also the opportunity to transform such a window element into a cabinet, tabletop, book shelf or children's corner!

The choice of window sills is quite large, you just need to let your imagination run wild. Well, if there are two types of window sills - monomaterial (these include wood, marble, granite, artificial stone) and composite (polyvinyl chloride, chipboard, MDF), you can safely choose exactly what you need. In order to know how to choose a window sill, you need to understand as best as possible the materials from which they are composed. After all, not all products can be processed in the same way and consist of the same elements. This means that their inherent qualities are different.

So, what types of window sills are there? Let's start with natural wood. Window sills made from this environmentally friendly pure material are appreciated always and everywhere. Such window sills can be made of wood various breeds. For example, you can choose beech, ash, oak, mahogany, chestnut or, if you prefer, pine. Considering the wood processing, such a window sill is not too afraid of moisture and preserves the material, which is environmentally friendly for the health of your loved ones.

For those who prefer the cheapest option in terms of price, it is better to choose pine. For those who are chasing the most expensive purchase, it is better to choose cherry. Beech, ash, and oak are no less in demand. Don’t worry, because all such window sills usually last a long time and cost much less than new materials. At the same time, they go well with different interior items.

But keep in mind, in order to avoid problems in the future, you should find out how this material was transported, how it was dried, what year the forest was cut down, and what materials it was processed with. Keep in mind that oak tolerates a heating system installed nearby better than others. Most quality material Cherry, ash and mahogany are considered. True, such window sills must be coated with varnish or gel.

It is important for you that the material can withstand high temperature and did not lose its basic qualities? Then you can choose chipboard and MDF - window sills made from chipboard and medium-density fibreboard. These products are made from waterproof materials. In addition, they do not require special care. By the way, many people order such window sills for themselves, choosing a tone “like stone” or “like natural wood.”

And for special “gourmets” you can choose various options color scheme. Such a purchase will have less impact on your wallet than window sills made of natural material. As practice shows, such products can be washed safely. True, you need to start cleaning very carefully, otherwise you risk disturbing protective covering, and your product will swell and become deformed. Experts also advise that when installing window sill boards, treat the edges of the product with silicone sealant (to prevent delamination).

What should those who prefer “standard windows” do? The fact is that most of our citizens prefer to install PVC profiles. And they have their own good reasons for this: such window sills are not afraid sunlight, temperature changes (are not afraid of fluctuations from minus 30 degrees to plus 60), retain moisture well, are fire-resistant and durable. At the same time, the prices for such material are low, plus the colors allow you to choose exactly what you like.

Well, don’t forget that these products are durable (manufacturers provide up to 10 years of warranty), fire-resistant and have a durable construction, which is important if you plan to stand on them yourself or place plants in large flower pots on the windowsill. This window sill is also friendly with ultraviolet radiation. It has protection in the form of a layer of glossy or varnish coating applied over the material.

Anyone who needs to experiment with sizes can safely stop at just such products. After all, they can be ordered in lengths up to 6000 mm and widths up to 600 mm (thickness is usually 18-22 mm). In addition, the specifics of installation are such that the window sill can be cut to order directly at your home. Another advantage of such window sills is that they are easy to install (in just an hour or two when using). They are easy to clean (just keep in mind that this should not be done with abrasive products).

Natural and artificial stone are also not far behind. And quite often these materials are used both in private houses and ordinary apartments. So, marble, onyx, and also granite are especially in demand among us. This is quite an expensive pleasure, but the product will last a long time, and the appearance will not only not disappoint, but will pleasantly surprise everyone.

Marble can come in different shades. But onyx allows light to pass through. This quality of stone can be used as room lighting. Just don’t rush to take the first thing you see. When ordering, pay attention to the color of your stone - sometimes a stone of the same type has a different color, which means the window sills in the same room may turn out different. And you will agree that this will not be very pleasant and aesthetically pleasing.

Experts advise to be careful with possible damage to the stone - veins on the stone can “hint” at a problem (the more veins, the greater the chance of cracks appearing).

When ordering granite, for example, there is one more nuance. This stone tends to accumulate radiation, which means it can harm your household. Therefore, make sure what safety class you purchased the material (it should only be 1st). But even if you have taken into account all the details, be careful. Do not spill colored or acidic liquids on a marble window sill. So, coffee, tea or wine will leave clearly visible stains. Believe me, it will be quite difficult to get them out.

And if you don’t want to replace the window sill with a new one, try to check the presence of liquids on it. But that's not all. When working with stone, there is a danger of scratches and cracks. But this is to be expected from any stone. Well, if things didn’t work out for you with a natural stone, take an artificial one. This is also a fairly durable material (and it is created from a mineral filler and polymer resin). With the help of dyes you can always get different shades and patterns (for example, it is now common among buyers).

If you still have doubts, let us add that this product is heat-resistant and durable. We assure you that it is not afraid of cracks and stains (and does not stain from spilled liquid!), and does not darken yet. The price of products made from artificial stone is much lower than those made from natural stone. You can safely wash such window sills with soapy solutions and not worry about it!

How not to lose your window sill and choose what you need? And after you buy it, how not to spoil the product? Some advice from knowledgeable people won't interfere.

Often the customer is more worried about the amount of money spent than about the availability of certificates and documents. However, when purchasing window sills, it is a good idea to make sure that the products comply with existing GOST standards and also have a state-standard quality certificate (they are issued, remember this, indicating sanitary and epidemiological standards).
When deciding which window sills are best to choose, pay attention to the material’s susceptibility to moisture and the appearance of condensation, the influence of sunlight and the appearance of yellowness (many window sills are covered with special protective materials, protecting them from UV radiation), the treatment of surfaces with chemical materials, and the possibility of the development of microbes and fungi (they appear in rooms with high humidity).
It is better to clean window sills using detergents that do not contain chlorine. Marble is more fragile than granite. It is better not to place heavy objects or pour drinks on marble window sills. Glass window sills are now also becoming fashionable, but you need to consult with a specialist in advance who will tell you what thickness of glass you need to choose. This will do you good!
Don't be lazy to learn about new products. Nowadays, options are offered such as window sills consisting of marble, polyester resin and quartz sand or granite. Although such products will look like marble, they will cost less. So, which window sill to choose will depend only on you. And which better window sill- only you can say this after reading the article. Or are you still thinking?