New windows and sills please

I've got a 1930's era house with some original windows and some replacement. However None of the sills have been replaced. Question is: What is the most efficient way for Me to go about replacing these windows and sills. I don't have a lot of time and I sure don't have a lot of money. I will have to do this work myself. Any tips or directions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Bigbfarm

 

When you say "sill", are you referring to the sloped sill that is underneath the window (the part seen from the exterior of the home) or the flat piece of interior trim at the bottom of each window (actually called a stool)?

I'm assuming that you have some rotton sills, but I just wanted to make sure. If you have a digital camera, you could snap a picture of one as an example and upload it to yahoo or photobucket, copy the web address, then post the link here.

There are lots of variables when it comes to replacing sills, so a picture would certainly help us be more specific with our suggestions.

 

Yes I am refering to the sloped sill visible from outside. I replaced one already by cutting out rotten one and fabricated a new one. That worked quite well but was a bit of labor. I would like to replace entire window and sill perhaps as one assembly. ie remove entire window and sill. I guess I am looking for manufacturers or web sites as I would like a easy installation. I wonder how new home window construction is done?

 

New construction windows generally do not have sills anymore, in the traditional sense. They are more like a box with an attached nailing fin. The bottom of the window slopes, but it is usually very thin in front. If people want to keep the "look" of the traditional sill and trim, it is usually applied to the exterior of the window, to covers up the nailing flanges of the new window.

A few companies make windows that have sills. Anderson's 200 and 400 Series Double hungs all have more of a traditional sill look to them, and have nailing fins too.

But replacing a sill, and replacing an entire window are 2 completely different things. When you replace the entire window you get into replacing all the interior and exterior trim, possibly some siding, and also interior trim, possibly with drywall refinishing. You can get custom sizes that reduce the amount of work, but it's still a lot of work.

If you are planning on getting a custom sized "replacement window", that is the easiest route. Replace the rotton sills first, using a reciprocating saw. First cut the finish nails under the stool, then cut a 6" chunk out of the entire middle of the sill. Once you remove that section, you can usually easily pull the side sections out. Use the reciprocating saw to cut off any nails that remain in the side jambs of the windows. Fabricate a new sill on a table saw, and slip it back into place, using expanding foam or fiberglass underneath it. Once the new sill is in, you can install the replacement window.