Choosing the best window sill for plastic windows (prices)

The window sill is an important element of the interior. It completes the window opening, serves as a shelf and even a seat. Let's look at the best window sills for plastic windows and the rules for choosing them.

Often the window sill bears the main decorative load. Especially if the room is small or there are lush flowers, books, vases, photographs on the window sill.

Purpose of window sills

To choose a good window sill, you need to take into account its properties and technical characteristics. This interior element performs several useful functions at once:

• Protective. A properly installed window sill provides additional protection against the penetration of cold and moisture into the room.
• Functional. In small rooms (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom) this element can serve as a table or work surface. In the office, there are often books and folders with documents on the window sill. And in living rooms it is sometimes used as a bench.
• Binder. The product can complement the table space and serve as a transitional element between pieces of furniture.
• Decorative. With the right choice of color and material, the window sill becomes the decoration of the room.

How to choose a color?

The easiest way to decide on the color of the window sill is to look at the window. Since the frame will be the closest piece, it is logical to make both parts the same color. Example: a white plastic window with a snow-white PVC window sill.

At the same time, color is more important than material - that is, a MDF or acrylic board would be suitable for white PVC windows - why not? Moreover, the last two have much wider possibilities for decorating and adjusting the shape.

Another option is a combination with slopes. That is, the window can be white, and the slopes around the perimeter and the horizontal slab can be gray, beige, black. The appearance of such an assembled structure resembles a portal and actively attracts attention - an excellent way to decorate a window without using curtains.

Don’t forget about the radiator: if you are going to cover it with a grille, make a solid composition with a window sill - it will look harmonious. The best option for finishing in this case is wood.

The photo shows a plywood window sill

On the other hand, you don’t have to match it with something: you can focus on it. For example, a wooden covering combined with a white window. Or white paired with black.

The location of the window also has its influence on the choice of colors: in a kitchen or bedroom, for example, a window sill can serve as a table and it is logical to make it match the rest of the furniture in the room.

Plastic

When replacing wooden windows with PVC frames with double-glazed windows, owners often choose a plastic window sill. When you weigh all the pros and cons, this seems like a very smart choice.

Experts advise choosing models of plastic window sills with a price of 250 rubles per item. m with a sheet thickness of 150 mm. Their production technology eliminates the addition of additives harmful to humans.

Parameters affecting the price:

• The cost of the pigment included in the product. Titanium oxide is used to produce expensive models. This pigment maintains the whiteness of the window sill for 10 years. Cheaper models easily absorb dust, acquiring a yellowish tint; colored ones fade over time, creating the effect of unkemptness.
• Coverage quality. Brands Moller and Danke use compounds that prevent mechanical damage (scratches, abrasion) and deformation when exposed to high temperatures.

Danke

Moeller

Standard PVC canvas for making window sills has the following dimensions:

1. Length – 4050–6000 mm.
2. Width – 100–600 mm in increments of 50 mm. A product with dimensions of 600–1000 mm in increments of 100 mm is considered wide.
3. Thickness – 18–22 mm. As this parameter increases, strength and resistance to mechanical loads increase.

Canvas of this length are purchased by construction companies and firms. For specific projects, installers independently cut window sills of the required sizes. It is possible to produce PVC sheets according to individual orders for old-style houses or country cottages.

Benefits of overlays

If restoration of window sills is necessary, plastic covers can be used. You do not need to carry out complex manipulations; When redecorating, it doesn’t matter what condition your window sill is in; thanks to the overlays, you can turn it into a new and stylish piece of furniture, the attractive appearance of which will last for a long time.

The overlay can be useful if you want to change the design of the window sill or it has damage that needs restoration. Thanks to such products, it has become possible to restore plastic window sills without dismantling them.

Composite (MDF, chipboard)

Well-compressed particle boards form the basis of chipboard window sills. As a rule, they are covered with a thick laminating film. It imparts resistance to chemical agents, temperature and mechanical influences. Any colors and textures, insets, inserts can be used.

Fiberboards, firmly bonded with safer and more environmentally friendly compounds (lignin, paraffin), form the basis of MDF window sills. They are 2 times more resistant to mechanical loads than chipboard products. In addition, MDF boards are moisture resistant and can be installed in the bathroom.

The surface is laminated or covered with a thin veneer of natural wood, which makes them look like wood.

Window sills from the German brand Verzalit have excellent characteristics (long service life, moisture resistance, strength, resistance to household chemicals). They are made from wood shavings compressed under high pressure with polymer resins.

The advantage of overlays

Restoring plastic window sills using plastic overlays has many advantages. The main advantages of this method:

• Overlays can be installed on any type of window sill, regardless of its shape and the material from which it is made. You can equally successfully decorate both a wooden or plastic window sill and a concrete one. A prerequisite is the width of the product, which should not be more than 6 cm, otherwise it will not be possible to install the overlay.
• Most often, the linings are made of rigid PVC. This material has a number of advantages, thanks to which the service life of the window sill is significantly extended, which is no longer afraid of moisture, temperature changes, exposure to various cleaning agents, and aggressive substances. The material does not fade when exposed to sunlight, maintaining its color saturation even after ten years.
• PVC is strong enough to withstand the load from objects placed on the windowsill. You can not only place pots on it, but also use the window sill as a shelf or sit on it.
• Repair of plastic window sills can be carried out without the involvement of specialists, since fixing the material to the base is quite simple, the main thing is to do everything carefully and according to the instructions. However, if you doubt that you can do the job properly without practice, it is better to contact professionals who can adequately restore your window sill and give a guarantee for their services.
• Decorative elements are easily selected in the desired color scheme, since manufacturers offer a large number of colors and shades; you can choose a material that imitates stone, wood, or marble.
• Using this method of restoration allows you to save money, since it is much cheaper than purchasing and replacing a window sill.
• It is easy to calculate the cost of repairs in advance. Many companies that sell and install overlays will be able to calculate your costs based on the area of ​​the products to be restored.

Home renovations are not always associated with garbage, dust and high expenses; you can always find a way to update the interior using modern, easy-to-install materials, which include decorative window sill covers.

Wooden

Beautiful window sills made from solid dried wood indicate the good taste of the owner. They are made from:

• pine, larch (price – 2500–2800 rub./m²);
• oak, ash, beech (price - from 4500 rub./m² with a blade thickness of 40 mm);
• elite species (black, mahogany).

The solid array can be replaced with separate beams, tightly glued together.

But such products require regular maintenance. Before making window sills, the array is impregnated with an antiseptic to prevent destruction. The texture and color of natural wood are preserved thanks to a layer of oil (mastic, varnish). And this surface layer needs to be updated (once every 1–1.5 years).

On sale you can find wooden window sills with the following dimensions:

1. The length of the canvas is from 15 cm, width – up to 1 m.
2. The length of the canvas is from 70 cm, width – up to 3 m.

The gloss also fades

In addition to its direct purpose, the window sill is used by households for many other purposes:

• as a desk or kitchen table;
• bench;
• additional shelf;
• greenhouse.

The white decorative surface attracts children as an object for creativity.

There are often cases of a window sill being close to a central heating radiator, as a result of which the plastic can become deformed or even catch fire. It does not tolerate too aggressive household chemicals and turns yellow if the window faces the sunny side. All this turns a beautiful piece of furniture into something that causes pity and irritation.

There are two ways to solve the problem: complete replacement and update.

Made from artificial stone

Very durable, resistant to all types of influences (mechanical, chemical, biological), have absolute moisture resistance and fire resistance. They are based on mineral fillers and polymer resins.

Dyes create a rich range of colors; the product can be given any shape, which opens up scope for design solutions. Any device (fan, vice) can be securely fastened/installed on such a hard surface. And any scratches that appear can be easily removed by sanding.

It also has its drawbacks. Only specialists can install the products. To securely fasten such models, brackets that can withstand heavy loads are required. And the high price (3,500–8,000 rubles/sq. m) does not allow the products to be classified as the budget segment of products.

There are 2 options for window sills made of artificial stone:

• Made from acrylic composite. A fine filler of marble, granite or quartz chips is compacted and bonded with an acrylic mixture. During manufacturing, hardeners, pigments and other substances are added to the bulk. Additives increase the hardness and viscosity of the material. New properties reduce the likelihood of chipping.

• Made from quartz stone. Quartz chips, making up 90–95% of the product’s mass, are bonded with polyester resins. The technological process involves the addition of mineral coloring pigments (iron compounds, red lead, ocher). This window sill is heavier and denser, but the risk of chipping increases.

Why is the use of overlays beneficial?

If a plastic window sill is damaged, the protective film on its surface is also damaged, which is why it is not possible to paint over the product. If you cover up a crack or glue a broken piece, the window sill will look unattractive, and you cannot replace the film at home.

In such cases, the window sill is usually replaced completely. This is quite a troublesome task, it requires a professional approach, financial costs, a lot of time is also spent, and besides, after removing and replacing the window sill, there is a lot of dust and debris left around. You can solve the problem without resorting to radical methods by using a plastic laminated window sill, which can be created using overlays that are sold in stores at affordable prices. Another advantage is the ability to change the appearance of the window sill without replacing it when you want to update the interior.

Not satisfied with the lamination or trim on the window sill? You can change the window sill yourself. Read more in our article “Replacing a window sill is an easy job.” Instructions for installing a plug on a window sill can be found here

Read how to handle plastic windows in our article “Care and operation of plastic windows”

Made from natural stone

Granite, marble or onyx are used for natural stone window sills. Such slabs are well polished, have a beautiful texture and intricate pattern. But due to difficulties in production (possible internal voids in the stone), they are not cheap (up to 4,000 rubles / linear meter with a sheet thickness of 20–30 mm).

Window sills made of natural stone are not resistant to surface damage: they are easily scratched. And deep scratches that stand out on the stone are extremely difficult to remove. To transport and install the stove you will need 2-4 people.

In conclusion

If the described options are not enough, then you can always show your imagination and line the window sill with the remains of ceramic tiles (useful in the kitchen and bathroom), mosaics soft pillows on it to create a cozy place to relax.

The article was written for the site.

Tags:Windows

Which window sills are better: glossy or matte?

When choosing between a glossy or matte plastic finish, you need to remember the main features of these surfaces. The regularity of cleaning and the overall appearance will depend on them.

• Texture. Shiny glossy surfaces reflect light well, creating the illusion of intense light flow and increasing the illumination of the apartment.

• Resistance to aggressive influences. Matte surfaces turn yellow from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight; chemical agents from detergents destroy the slab over time.
• Aesthetics. Any dirt or mechanical damage (scratches) is clearly visible on the glossy finish. The rough matte surface goes without cleaning for a long time.

• Care: just wipe the glossy window sill with a damp soft cloth. For matte surfaces you cannot do without detergents.
• Compatibility with slopes. If the slopes are made of glossy plastic sandwich panels, the same glossy window sill will look good with them.

Glossy marbled

Glossy wood effect

Bright glossy

What is required to fix the pad?

Repair pads for PVC window sills are fixed to the surface of the product as follows:

• The back side of the pad is cleaned, removing dust and debris.
• After this, glue is applied in a zigzag pattern to the underside of the lining.
• The trim is pressed against the window sill, pressed down, and traces of excess glue are wiped off with a wet rag.
• The end caps are secured using transparent silicone.

Repair of plastic window sills ends with sealing the joint between the window sill and the window frame. If this is not done, moisture will get into the cavity, dirt may accumulate, and mold will form over time.

You can close the joint by filling it with sealant or using corners and a special rubberized profile.

Window sill and condensation on windows: where is the connection?

Dense wooden window sills accumulate moisture and, even if all installation rules are followed, can provoke the formation of condensation. But the stone ones will play the role of a kind of heater: they will warm up themselves and contribute to the uniform heating of the window opening.

Condensation can form on windows if the sill is installed too wide. There are two ways to avoid the effect of “crying” windows:

• The window sill should not cover more than half the width of the radiator located under the window. Warm air currents will be able to rise up to the glass without obstacles.

• If the width of the window slab is large, the solution will be grilles embedded in it, which will direct warm air currents to the double-glazed window.

But still, which window sill is better?

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