Window sill problem
#1
07-23-07, 10:49 PM
Window sill problem
I live in northern Illinois and I have an 8 year old home with Outlook brand wood frame/sash windows. I have painted & caulked these windows every year or two since new. No sign of insects. Sometimes the problem is in the middle, other times at the ends.
On the north side I have had a lot of wood rot on the sill & lower trim of some windows. The problem is most pronounced on a double window that sits on a masonry sill. There seems to be no obvious water infiltration point and the masonry sill appears to provide adequate runoff. The caulking is good. But every year the paint starts lifting and I find a new section of wet/rotting wood.
I have been removing the wet/damage sections and filling with plastic wood filler (bondo). Over time I have rebuilt a good portion of the sill/trim. Then I prime, paint & caulk.
These windows get very little (if any) sunlight and poor circulation. I have looked for leaks and can find none.
Can this problem be due to lack of sun and simply never drying properly? Any ideas/suggestions as to why this keeps happening of how to better prevent it? Anyone seen anything like this?
On the north side I have had a lot of wood rot on the sill & lower trim of some windows. The problem is most pronounced on a double window that sits on a masonry sill. There seems to be no obvious water infiltration point and the masonry sill appears to provide adequate runoff. The caulking is good. But every year the paint starts lifting and I find a new section of wet/rotting wood.
I have been removing the wet/damage sections and filling with plastic wood filler (bondo). Over time I have rebuilt a good portion of the sill/trim. Then I prime, paint & caulk.
These windows get very little (if any) sunlight and poor circulation. I have looked for leaks and can find none.
Can this problem be due to lack of sun and simply never drying properly? Any ideas/suggestions as to why this keeps happening of how to better prevent it? Anyone seen anything like this?
#2
07-24-07, 03:41 AM
Most window manufacturers use clear preservatives in their wood products, this one apparently did not. Proper priming/paint and caulking joints should keep the wood from rotting, but obviously has not. Was there a warranty with the windows?? better manufacturers usually offer 10 yrs on components other than glass. You could strip the sills, treat them with a preservative, then repaint.
#3
07-24-07, 11:20 PM
Thanks Bill, for the response. Maybe I will look into the warranty issue. At this point I have probably replaced 25% of the sill "trim" with plastic filler. I had applied some sealer in the past, but it probably never penetrated far enough to alleviate the problem.
I just got finished with another round of repairs and started thinking I was missing something, but cannot find any sign of a direct leak. I think you are correct these windows are not sealed and in this particular location that is a problem.
My only other option is to replace the sill wood completely.
I just got finished with another round of repairs and started thinking I was missing something, but cannot find any sign of a direct leak. I think you are correct these windows are not sealed and in this particular location that is a problem.
My only other option is to replace the sill wood completely.
#4
07-25-07, 03:39 AM
Is the problem in the window frame itself, or is it the trim, such as brickmold?? If it is the trim, that is a different issue. Brickmold trim is not usually supplied by the window manufacturers and is rarely treated with preservatives. it is prone to rot, even when properly maintained. The sill, however, is part of the window.
#5
07-25-07, 09:48 PM
The majority of the problem is with a roughly 1-1/2 x 1-1/2" piece that sits against the sloped sill and on top of the rock sill. The bottom of the screen sits on it. After it gets wet, I think the paint starts getting undermined and the actual sill starts to "wick" water & gets damaged too. I believe the screen adds to the problem by trapping some of the water. I believe it is actually part of the frame/sill itself.
I have repaired it (again) with plastic filler after cutting out the soft sections with a dremel. If necessary, my next move will be to totally replace the board with treated wood. Or to cover it with aluminum. I have been taking out the screens in the fall to aid in drying.
I have repaired it (again) with plastic filler after cutting out the soft sections with a dremel. If necessary, my next move will be to totally replace the board with treated wood. Or to cover it with aluminum. I have been taking out the screens in the fall to aid in drying.
#6
07-26-07, 04:59 PM
Try removing the brick mold and the sill and replacing with the newer extruded foam parts. They fit well and take paint, but don't have water issues. That way, you are done with it.
