Do I need to repair some rot in the sill when getting replacement

17 years ago

Hi,

I have been getting some quotes on vinyl replacement windows and have a question.

Right now we have windows plus storm windows. There is some rot on the sills between the storm and the regular windows. After the storms are removed and the vinyl windows installed, any newly exposed wood will be capped in aluminum. The exterior trim and sill are already capped.

Is it necessary to replace the entire sill in this situation? Any rot will be under the new vinyl window and never see the light of day again. The new window would not be in contact with any of the rot.

I had one contractor say that it did not matter, that it would be covered up. I also had one that said that he would have to replace the entire sill and would cost an extra $150 per sill.

I don't know much about this kind of stuff but it doesn't seem like it should matter too much. The new window would be resting on good wood only. The sill doesn't seem like it's a structural element anyway. Any rot would be hidden forever.

What do you guys think? Thanks,

Jason

Featured Answer

Michael

17 years ago

A reputable contractor/window installer will not cover rotted wood.

Michael

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Comments (6)

fusion866
17 years ago
If its going to be covered by trim then there's no reason to get carried away. $150 is a fair price to completely replace the sill, but you really arent going to gain anything by doing so. I'm kinda on the fence with this question because whenever I'm dealing with rotten sills I just quicky chop of the rotted stuff and throw a cheap peice of wood in there, but I also dont charge extra for it. For me its just nice to know there's someting solid behind the aluminum trim but it really isnt necessary, especially for $150 each IMO.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
17 years ago
+1 on Fusion's comments. I only charge 75 to replace a sill a sill completely. I wouldn't bother if the root is minor...just repair it and cap over.
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17 years ago
Just to clarify my comments...I am not capping over wood that is not structurally sound. If there is there is a small section of wood that is rotted and the entire sill is not compromised, I will cut out the section and stitch in a good piece. This is acceptable and cheaper for the customer when the sill is going to be capped anyway. If they opt for a a complete replacement or it is necessary due to the amount of rot, that is 75.
bryandwp
15 years ago
In California coil wrapping a rotted out sill will cause some big problems. Termites go crazy when this is done. Homeowners have no clue that they will have major problems down the road. They think they will never have to deal with the windows ever again. Salesman sometimes really just want to sell you windows and get paid. Caulking gets dirty and termites and other bugs live in the capping. Would not recommend coil wrapping or capping of any kind if the wood rotted. Fix the problem first then cap or coil wrap the sill.
izzie
15 years ago
Will the wood continue to rot under the aluminum? Probably. I would not fell confident covering it up. I had full tear out replacement done last Sept., but mine were really rotted. On two windows we had to replace the 2 x 4 the window rests on. I also tore out the drywall underneath and had to replace one on each window. Didn't close up or put back insulation for about 3 months treating in w/bleach and borax to make sure every ossible mold spore was dead.....Take a screw driver and dig at it to see just how far the rot goes. Be there when they are doing the work so you can see if anything anything underneath. If it is just a small amount of rot dig it out treat w/bleach and let dry, wood hardener and some wood patch. My mom had some replacements like your and sil was too small and they replaced it, no extra charge, it really doesn't take an experienced window person hardly any time at all...$150 does sound like it is a bit much considering you are getting all new windows, I would negotiate that price at least.

Do I need to repair some rot in the sill when getting replacement

Michael

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fusion866

Windows on Washington Ltd

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