How to Repair a Sill Plate in a Basement

The sill plate is a beam of wood that goes between the stone foundation of a home and the framing. This wood is typically untreated and can rot over time, especially if you live in an area that has a lot of rainfall or humidity. It is important to repair a sill plate before it rots through. In most cases, the plate can be repaired and will not need to be replaced, which is a very tricky job that requires a specialist.

Chisel
Hair dryer
Epoxy wood sealer
Paintbrush
Wood filler

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape off any rotten wood with the end of a chisel. You may need to remove some of the wood by hand. Clear out the rotten area completely.
- 2
  Dry out the rest of the wood sill with a hair dryer. Sealing in wet wood will re-create the same problem. Run a hair dryer over the wood until it is dry to the touch.
- 3
  Coat the wood with an epoxy sealant. This will help prevent any future rot from occurring. Use a paintbrush to apply the sealant. Let it cure for at least 24 hours.
- 4
  Fill in the missing areas of the wood with wood filler. Do not use a powdered wood putty or regular wood filler for this application. You need a liquid filler that will penetrate into the area and create a strong seal. Squeeze the filler out of the applicator, and fill in the area. Let it set for 24 hours. Examine the wood again. If you need more filler, apply a second coat, and let it cure.

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