One of my basement windows (wood) has developed some rot. It was behind a kennel that I just tore down, so I just discovered it.

Anyway, the sill has some damage as well as the bottom part of the window itself. ( I think they call it the shoe). This is on a double casement window, and the sill extends under both.

I have a replacement wooden window insert that will probably work, but I don't know what to do about the sill. (The few books and web resources that mention them tell you to trot on over to your local lumber yard and get a new sill. Good luck with that. Everything is Menards/Lowes and the like.

I've searched for contractors, but the only thing under windows is always replacement -- generally vinyl. From what I can tell, they don't come with the sill.

Any thoughts on where I can find a sill and/or a competent contractor. I'll gladly hire the job out if I can find somebody competent.


Thanks,

ford2go

 

Look in the newspaper and at least in ours they have a section for different contrators that do jobs like that. Usually the handyman section will have someone. Ask around to friends and coworkers that might know someone that knows how.
The sill I can buy at Sutherlands here, but I haven't noticed or looked at Lowe's or Home Depot. If you can find one though check to make sure that it looks like it will work on your window before cutting anything. On mine I just took the sawsall and cut it in the middle and lifted up and cut any nails that showed underneath and then just wiggled it back and forth until it came out. There might be nails back underneath on yours, but it should come out. Check your replacement to see how much if any you might need to cut on the ends and slide it back in. Primer it before you put it in though on all sides to help prevent any rot in the future.

 

If it is not totaly rotted. You can clean out the rotted part, and then make the repair with auto body filler. Thats pretty much how it is done today, unless of course it is beyond repair.

 

Thanks for the suggestions,

ford2go