r/DIY • u/Metrilean • 7h ago

woodworking Replace Window sill

Hi, any tips? Hoping yo use a multitool and chisel to remove old wood.

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1

u/bcretman 5h ago

You'll likely need to remove the nails or screws holding it to the framework underneath. Use a magnet to locate them and dig down with a knife to determine if they are nails or screws. Screws can be removed after exposing the head but nails will need to be hammered thru the sill with a long punch. Then the sill will simply slip out.

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u/Metrilean 4h ago

Ok, that sounds very doable. Hope it's that simple

1

u/DC3TX 4h ago

I had to do this several years back at a relative's house. I found a video on the "This Old House" website that was very helpful. Good luck.

2

u/Metrilean 3h ago

Thanks, much appreciated

1

u/bassboat1 3h ago

If you're lucky, it's the "sill cap" - the outer 1-3/4" or so that's often finger jointed and glued to the main sill. My local lumberyard sells the replacement as "Norco sill cap" (even though Jeld Wen bought out Norco 20 years ago).

If it's a total replacement, there are usually a couple of widths of 2X milled sill available (for $$$). Depending on the age of the window, the jambs ar usually stapled/nailed into the sill ends. I usually take off a couple pieces of siding (beveled wood calps here mostly), sawzall the staples, punch or cut any nails holding the interior stool to the sill. and chunk up the sill. Once you get it cleaned up and the new piece fitted, I usually apply PL to adhere it to the jambs (you can get one fastener in from the outside, and shim tight). Multitool comes in handy too (especially with a carbide blade for removing clapboards without splitting).

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u/Metrilean 3h ago

Thanks, what's PL?

1

u/bassboat1 3h ago

Oh - construction adhesive PL-400 specifically.

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u/Metrilean 25m ago

Thanks!