Loose window sill

02-21-2010, 11:11 PM	#1
ken123 Newbie   Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7	Loose window sill I moved into a house built in 1950s a few months ago and noticed a window sill is loose. Does it mean something hidden is rotten? And how should I fix it? Please see attached photos. Thanks in advance. Attached Thumbnails

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02-22-2010, 07:20 AM	#2
Just Bill Member   Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 3,097	Loose window sill From what I can see, it only neans the sill is loose. The sill is usually nailed to the window frame thru the top of the sill. There is nothing structural about the sill trim, it is only trim. But usually caulked where it meets the window frame to reduce drafts.

02-22-2010, 07:56 AM	#3
Thurman Household Handyman   Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Albany, Ga. Posts: 2,210	Loose window sill I'm a big fan of stained vs. painted wood, especially windows. Look at the piece of trim below the "stool" (the loose piece) to determine where the finish nails were put in. Carefully remove the trim piece. There's probably a small gap there between the drywall and stool. With the room dark, use a flashlight to look into this gap and evaluate any wood which you can see for damages. IF any wood seems to have any damages, proceed as needed. I'm betting there's none. Position the stool where it should be and drive one/maybe two, small (6d finish) nail(s), at a slight angle, through the bottom of the stool into the trim on that side. Get 'em close, use a nail set, to prevent damage. When you removed the bottom trim--did any nails stay with the trim? IF SO--pull the nails through, don't drive them backwards on trim--less face damage. Replace the trim, and hopefully no one, but us, will ever know. David

02-22-2010, 09:26 AM	#4
ken123 Newbie   Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7	Loose window sill Thanks a lot Just Bill and Thurman! Both of your comments are very helpful.

02-22-2010, 02:59 PM	#5
Ron6519 Member   Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 9,519	Loose window sill All the nails in the picture have a black staining around them that could be rust(i.e. water). I would remove the side trim and look behind to see why. If there's an issue behind the side trim, remove the apron and the sill to see how far it's spread. Ron

03-17-2010, 11:00 PM	#6
ken123 Newbie   Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7	Loose window sill I haven't opened the sill yet. I'll post my results after I do

03-17-2010, 11:26 PM	#7
hayewe farm Member   Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 780	Loose window sill What you are showing is the window stool. It is just inside trim and they often have some play because of people sitting on them when the window is open and because they are only held in place by a few finish nails..

03-17-2010, 11:42 PM	#8
Tom Struble Member     Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: west milford n.j. Posts: 2,692	Loose window sill ken...just so you know sills are on the outside,stools are inside