The purpose of the window sill is not only to protect the premise from getting cold air inside but it also serves as a decorative and practical element. This is a comfortable area to place plants and books on.
It can also serve as an entertaining part since attracts adults, children, and even pets to watch outside surrounding. Seems like these reasons are enough for us to take more time to choose the best fitting sill type.
We, Apex Window Werks, decided to devote this article to window sills to tell you more about the most popular types and materials for you to choose the best one to satisfy your needs.
Why Do We Replace Window Sills?
With respect to technological progress, we are proud to witness a huge variety of materials, that are used to produce sills. Customers can find the options to get the aesthetic view, constructions at affordable prices manufactured from desired material.
These are, basically, the main reasons to consider when choosing a window sill. So, let us take a closer look at the most popular materials:
Plastic Sills
Plastic sills are currently one of the most widely used since they are good-looking, resistant to heat, and sunshine, they will serve for a long time and do not rot.
They are available at different colors, configurations and do not weigh much. Having special equipment, they are comparably easy to be installed.
In addition to a good price, they can imitate any material you wish – from wood to stone. This impression is made by a special film, which covers the upper surface.
Among the disadvantages are:
- Might turn yellow over time,
- “Absorb” dirt;
- Deform under the influence of temperatures.
However, if looked after correctly, these problems might not be faced for a long time.
Wooden Sills
Wooden sills are always in fashion and look noble. This was a material to use centuries ago and it does not lose its positions nowadays.
Wood gives us a sense of comfort and its structure is always pleasant to our eyes. With respect to modern technologies, wooden sills are being processed by special material to avoid their rotting and deformation during further exploitation.
This is the main reason why the price of wooden window sills is always higher than for plastic. However, if you adore natural material, wooden sills are your best choice.
Among the disadvantages are:
- price,
- sensitive to humidity and temperature changes;
- subjected to microorganisms and insects’ appearance;
- spilling water and placing hot dishes should be omitted.
Producers try to improve the properties of wood by prolonging their lifetime. For this purpose, wood is always well dried and then covered by special paints and varnishes.
However, despite all efforts put by the modern industry, the wood remains quite demanding in care.
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Window Sills Made of Artificial or Natural Stone
A common thing now is to produce “copies” of natural stones, which keeps almost all abilities as the real stone but become lighter and much cheaper, comparing to it.
Artificial stone has many advantages: very strong, resistant to moisture and sunshine, is not afraid of fire, and very easy in everyday care, while the biggest disadvantage is heavyweight and possible radioactivity.
Natural stone can be different in structure within one piece, has internal defects and its surface is cold.
There is also a wide range of acrylic sills, which are mostly used at commercial properties. They are easy in usage, hard to scratch, and can withstand an overload. They do not lose their appearance with years. Usually available in different colors and shapes.
We have now reviewed the three most popular types of window sills. With respect to your budget and purposes, you may now choose the one that best suits your needs.
However, no matter what material it is made of, every construction should satisfy the described requirements below.
Every Type Should Meet Following Requirements
- Nice looking decorative element: due to technologically recently advanced materials sills become a very interesting decorative element.
It serves as an additional space to keep flowers, books, and other accessories on. It combines slopes and window glass into unique construction.
Amazingly, but sills can also serve as a surface for cooking or dining in small kitchens.
- Protects the premise from getting cold inside. If installed according to all rules, sills protect our homes from cold and keep warm air inside.
- The width should be exactly right for a correct distribution of heat, – heater should not be covered more than on half from its top.
Each sill should possess strength ability to be able to keep even a person on, persistent to mechanical pressure, sunshine, washing liquids, and be moisture resistant.
Conclusion
To summarize, Apex Window Werks’ company serves for the benefit and comfort of our customers. Make your choice on material, and we will gladly replace or install a new window sill for you.
Moreover, we are here to estimate your needs and make your choice taking process easier and smarter.
Give us a call today and let the process of sill replacement start. We follow all the newest tendencies of the industry, therefore are able to give worthy suggestions.
So, let us work together for the comfort and safety of your home!