Window Sashes Vs. Sills

Sills

• The window sill is the horizontal piece at the base of a window frame on the outside of the house. The sill should be tilted down at a slight angle to direct water and snow away from the base of the window. The sill can be made of wood or stone. Over time, exposure to the elements might require repair or replacement of rotten wooden sills or chipped stone sills.

Sill Repair

• Periodically check the sills on your windows, especially before the winter. Repair or replace worn or rotten window sills before the cold, harsh weather of winter sets in, if you live in a snowy climate. The weight of snow and freezing and thawing of water on a sill can increase the amount of damage. Ideally, you should replace both the sill and sash together because the sash must be removed for sill replacement.

Sashes

• The sash is the portion of the widow that holds the glass. Damage to the window sash can allow air and water to leak into the house. If you need to replace the sash on your windows, it will be easier to install pre-hung sash kits for sliding windows rather than installing each section individually in your window frame.

Types of Sashes

• There are two main types of sashes, depending on how the window operates. Fixed sashes do not allow the window to open, but movable sashes can be slid or swung open to allow for air. Movable sashes include sliding windows, such as single, double or triple hung windows. These have one, two or three sections, respectfully, that slide up or sideways to open the window. Another type of moveable window is the casement. These swing the entire sash to open or close the window.