Window sill cover: new life of the old foundation (21 photos)
Content
Almost always, a window sill is installed under the window. This part of the design performs aesthetic functions and takes on the load. It is not surprising that its original presentable appearance is lost over time, but this does not mean that the old window sill needs to be changed. There is a simpler and easier way to fix things.
Gloss fades too
In addition to its intended purpose, the window sill is used by households for many other purposes:
- as a desk or kitchen table;
- bench;
- additional shelf;
- greenhouse.
White decorative surface attracts children as an object for creativity.
There are frequent cases of close proximity of the window sill with a central heating battery, as a result of which the plastic can become deformed or even catch fire. He does not tolerate too aggressive home chemicals, turns yellow if the window faces the sunny side. All this turns a beautiful piece of furniture into a pity and irritation.
There are two ways to solve the problem: full replacement and upgrade.
Replacement or restoration?
Radical actions, namely the dismantling of the old window sill and the installation of a new one, are inappropriate in many situations. Especially if the old has lost only its external attractiveness, but at its core is still strong. This applies, first of all, to stone, wooden, concrete bases. Although plastic options are no exception. In these cases, updating the coverage is sufficient.
Installation of overlays on window sills eliminates many problems at once:
- the process does not require a large investment of time;
- excluded chores with the disposal of garbage remaining after dismantling;
- saving money.
The construction market offers a specially designed repair pad on the windowsill. Samples of different colors and sizes are produced, so picking up a new coating to match the wallpaper or any other work is not difficult.
Window sill trim: what is it?
Plastic overlays for window sills are sheets with an edge profile of different standard sizes. During installation, they are cut to the dimensions of a particular window. The installation process involves fixing the lining on top of the old base, without dismantling the structure.
The linings have a sufficient margin of safety and rigidity, therefore, they serve as good protection for the base of the windowsill. However, they cannot replace it: they are too thin, therefore they are not used as an independent element, only as decorative ones.
The set is complemented by an end plate on the windowsill. It is made of similar material, which helps to hide the flaws of the base.
Decorative repair pad is available in two versions: PVC or fiberboard. It can be used if the thickness of the window sill does not exceed 6 cm.
Advantages of coating
Plastic covers for window sills have a whole list of advantages that make their installation profitable:
- Universality. Mounting plates is possible on any windowsill: old or new; wooden, plastic, stone, brick, concrete.
- Variety of assortment. You can easily choose a sample that matches the color of your home environment.It can be monophonic or imitating wood, stone, other materials.
- Quick and easy installation. No need to remove the old window sill - just glue the pad to it. You can do it yourself.
- Interchangeability. Lost its presentation or annoying pad, if desired, can easily be changed to another.
- Aesthetics. The decorative overlay is made of the same material as the window frame, so together they look holistically.
- Price. The material is inexpensive, the next purchase is not able to undermine the family budget.
The installation of overlays on the window sills returns him an attractive gloss, radically changing for the better the general appearance of the window as part of the interior.
What to consider when choosing?
The market is full of different offers of domestic and foreign manufacturers. In such an abundance of plastic overlays on the windowsill, it is no wonder confused, therefore, when planning the updating of the windowsill, you need to choose the overlay consciously. Several main criteria are taken into account.
Color
Plastic covers for window sills are available in a variety of colors, including plain or colorful design. Popular imitation of natural materials:
- wood;
- marble;
- stone.
The choice of any option for plastic covers on the windowsill, except for white, requires some effort, because you need to analyze the compatibility with the interior. Not everyone is ready for this, so the neutral white lining remains the most common and in demand. In this they coincide with the plastic frame and do not affect the overall color scheme of the room.
Dimensions
The standard repair pad for the windowsill is three meters long and one and a half wide. However, you can purchase a product with other parameters that are closer to what you need, so before placing an order on the Web or in a store, you need to measure your windowsill as accurately as possible. It is advisable to add a couple of centimeters to the obtained values for the allowance necessary for correction during installation.
The length is measured over the entire surface of the window sill plus areas that capture the wall. Together with the main one, an end plate on the windowsill is immediately purchased, which decorates both sides. Its dimensions are also carefully measured and taken into account when buying.
Price
The final option is able to determine the financial factor. Foreign plastic covers for window sills, no doubt, are beautiful and of high quality, but domestic manufacturers have learned to work no worse. Their products are not inferior either in aesthetics or in consumer properties, but they are cheaper at times. Lovers of novelty should also prefer it, even those very beautifully designed old windowsill quickly get bored. Spreading significant amounts each time in this regard is simply unreasonable.
However, it is not worth saving too much, after all, the product is not purchased for one day or a year.
It is desirable that the decorative overlay is resistant to external aggressive influences such as moisture, ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, fungus, and home cleaning chemicals.
Materials required for work
Installation of overlays on window sills can be carried out by oneself, without going to a specialist, since special construction skills are not needed. The tool is also common, available in stock for each "arm" host:
- roulette;
- saw with small teeth;
- jigsaw;
- mounting glue;
- putty or its analogue;
- silicone.
You may need special formulations to bring the surface of the old window sill into proper shape (degreasing, wiping).
Installation in stages
Installing a repair pad on the windowsill is simple, without surprises, but, as in any business, care and accuracy are required.
Foundation preparation
Provides for the processing of an existing window sill. Whatever material it is made of, is thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Otherwise, the surfaces run the risk of not sticking together.
After that, the plastic base is considered finished. On a concrete window sill, small defects should be repaired with plaster putty. The old wooden window sill is cleaned of a layer of paint, and cracks, other indentations are covered with putty for wood. When it dries, it is sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. Next, the basis of any window sill is treated with an antiseptic.
Cut
The repair pad for the windowsill according to the available dimensions of the opening is being revealed. It is necessary to reproduce the contours of the windowsill as accurately as possible. An assembly knife or jigsaw is used.
The complexity can be represented by the configuration of the sections along the slopes of the window. They are cut using paper patterns.
Do not try to increase the windowsill due to too wide lining. If it goes significantly beyond the edge of the base, any unintentional pressing will easily damage it.
Lining fixing
The fixing of the plastic covers on the windowsill is made on a base basis and is performed as follows:
- the pad is thoroughly cleaned from the inside of dust and debris;
- mounting adhesive is generously applied to the base, that is, the windowsill: with a solid line around the perimeter and optionally along the rest of the surface;
- the decorative overlay is pressed to the windowsill, after which heavy objects (books, dishes with water) are placed on it, it is advisable to put it thicker so that the surfaces stick together evenly and reliably; be sure to set the load in the corners;
- after the glue dries, the load is removed.
So that the protective film of the lining does not interfere at the final stage of installation, it is lifted from the edges around the entire perimeter.
End installation
After mounting the lining on the remaining open ends, install side or end caps. The end plate for the windowsill is made of the same material as the main plate, bought with it and cut to the desired dimensions.
Final processing
Next, the joints between the slopes and the window frame are treated with sealant. Silicone is evenly applied to the seams. The layer should be thin in order to only mask the processing sites, and neatly evened out. Carelessness when working with sealant can disfigure the finish. When everything dries well, the protective film from the plastic covers on the windowsill is removed completely.
For the same purpose, elastic profiles or corners can be used.
It is especially necessary to fix the edges and ends, since the strength of the entire structure depends on this.
Plastic decorative linings - the best way to radically update the old well-deserved window sill. Restored in this way under the gentle regime, it will last more than one year. And the owners will save time, money and nerves, at the same time creating a completely new look for such an important element of the interior.
