Child Item

How to fix window sill damage?

legopoint

We recently moved to new place and I noticed that one of the window had uneven surface at bottom of the frame.

Looks like it was poor attempt to fix the damage.

It is bit soft and when I pressed, crack appeared.

Please see below

Is it easy to fix if I remove damaged section? What materials I need?

It is about 50 cm long

Thanks

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Repairing

Doors and Windows

Accepted answers

All comments

JacobZ

Hi @legopoint,

Is it possible to get some photos of the whole window, as well as some dimensions of the sill?

The first thing you'd need to do is determine the cause of the damage and then rectify it. There is very little point repairing the damage, if the cause of the damage is still present. Softened timber indicates rot, which means there is a leak somewhere around the window. If you have a look around the outside of the window, can you see any cracks, gaps or damage which could be letting water in?

Depending on what you find, it could be a simple case of applying some silicone to the gaps, or it could mean a larger repair is necessary. If you have a look and snap some photos, we could certainly have a look and assess what could be the cause.

In saying this, leaks around windows can sometimes stem from a long way away as water can find its way in and track along the framing. If there is nothing obvious, then you may need to speak with a leak detection specialist for their assistance determining the source of the leak.

Once the leak has been fixed, options for fixing the sill are relative to the specific style of window and the extent of the damage. It might be possible to cut out and replace the sill, but this would depend on the type of window. If the damage is not too bad, you may be able to use a wood hardener and a filler such as builder's bog.

Ultimately, we will need to do further investigation to determine the best way forward. If you can upload a few more photos showing both the inside and outside of the window, and investigate the extent of the damage, we could certainly look at things further.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob

legopoint

Thanks @jacobz

Window size is 180x120, double glazed.

Thankfully wood is fine. There was board on top.

Please see pictures

There is plastic as you can see in last pic which seems like part of or attached to window.

Do I need professional or DIY is ok?

EricL

Hello @legopoint

Thank you for sharing those extra pictures of the wall next to your window. It appears to be water damage as Jacob has mentioned. It will be necessary to track where the water is coming from before you make any repairs. Patching it now will only result in the damage returning. I suggest engaging the services of a leak detection specialist. They will be able to track down where the water is coming in from and suggest solutions to plug it up.

Once the water leak has been addressed, I suggest patching the damaged section with a cut piece of Gyprock CSR 530 x 530 x 10mm Mini Plaster Repair Panel. You can then use plaster filler to repair the joints. Please note that it is important that all of the area must be totally dry before you begin your repair work.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

legopoint

Thanks @EricL

I can't find any leak. I guess I should ask previous owner if they are willing to provide more info.

My guess is that it was liquid spill and water got absorbed in plaster and instead of proper repair, it was painted over.

I think I should be able to do it by myself depending upon if get more info from prev owner about what caused it.

MitchellMc

Hi @legopoint,

For plasterboard to be that deteriorated, it would be a long-term leak situation rather than a water spill. I would suggest that water is entering through the exterior of the window and seeping under it, reaching the plasterboard. It would probably be best to have a professional locate the leak and repair it prior to replacing the plasterboard, which will give you the most long-term results.

Mitchell

legopoint

Thanks @MitchellMc

I'll contact a professional

Child Item