Replacing window sills isn’t hard but leave it to the pros
Over time, the elements will catch up to your home’s window sills. Before you know it, they can leak, break, or rot, and you’ll want to replace them quickly before more damage is done. While replacing a window sill is something you can do yourself—if you have the experience—hiring a window repair company with licensed contractors on staff will guarantee it’s installed correctly and stays water and air-tight. Learn more about who can tackle the job of replacing window sills.
Because window sills are flat with multiple joints where molding and sash tracks end, they are subject to decay from long-term weather extremes and moisture. Sills can crack, rot, or break. If left untreated, this damage could become so bad that you’ll have to replace the entire window frame in addition to the sill. The cost to replace a window frame is $380 on average.
To tackle this project, you’ll want to enlist the help of a window repair company. Window repair companies can handle every aspect of window frame replacement, including just the sills. Aside from having the knowledge and experience needed for the job, these professionals have the necessary equipment to create, place, and seal window sills properly to prevent moisture and air from coming in. While hiring a local window repair company will cost more in labor, it guarantees the job is done correctly and gives you peace of mind.
There are several types of window frames, including wood, aluminum, and fiberglass, so you’ll want to make sure the sill matches the material. And if you have vinyl or wood, you’ll also need window capping over the sill. If you have enough DIY experience with replacing window frames, replacing sills is not difficult to do.
Window sill repair costs can be anywhere from $150 to $700. The price will depend on the cost of labor, materials, and the size of the window sills. While window sills are typically at the lower end of that range if you tackle the job yourself, the margin for error is greater, particularly if you’re a novice.
Window sills must sit at the right angle to keep moisture from coming in. Not using enough sealant or caulking or incorrectly positioning a sill can lead to damage from the elements and yet another replacement. If you’re replacing a sill on a second or third floor, doing this work on a ladder can be dangerous. So, the extra cost to hire a pro is probably worth it.
An experienced handyperson can also replace window sills. If you go this route, you’ll want to find out if they have experience fixing or replacing all window components. A handyperson can typically fix windows that are a standard size. However, if your windows are not standard, you may want to hire a window repair company to do the job.
Although considering the price difference between a window repair company and a handyperson is an important factor, you’ll want to prioritize who has the most experience with this type of project.
A window repair professional will first examine the frame’s construction. This includes making note of the material used to make the sill. If it’s wood, a pro will also need to know the sill’s capping or cladding material, which is a protective barrier made from vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass.
A pro will uncover the window sill and the rest of the frame to identify the damaged areas and remove whatever needs to be replaced before remaking a new sill to fit the frame. Before installation, they’ll fix any areas around the sill that need repair and seal the area. The newly installed sill should last for several years with no issues.
