Victorian Terrace: Repair, replace or fill around Window + Sill

[dyndns]

Hi all, I have a Victorian terrace when I look at the window sill it is badly deteriorated - thinking it needs some TLC.
- I can't work out what kind of tradie I need to engage to repair or replace it (assuming it's repairable - guessing it might be sandstone). Can anyone suggest who I might need to engage?
- Does anyone have a reliable contact for a builder in the Reading/Slough area - it's a minefield trying to find someone from any of 'those' recommendation sites.
TIA!

 

[Gothichome]

Sound like a job for a stone mason.

 

[Cubist]

A photo would be very helpful and there are some here who have direct experience with such repairs.

 

[dyndns]

Sorry not a great picture - I can't do the repair myself unfortunately.

 

[dyndns]

Is it possible to build up the sill with *something* - maybe render it?

 

[Cubist]

Are you seeing any water leaks from driven rain around that window frame or perhaps on the wall beneath the cill line?

If not, then you really don't need to do anything at all to the cill.

 

[dyndns]

Thanks @Cubist we had water ingress when the gutter overflowed, so trying to eliminate all possible entry points around frame and sill. Just guessing the sill is not doing the job it should be. It has concrete render on the outside walls (not planning on changing any time soon). If we don't need to replace the sill, guessing we just need to check all around the frame and sill for cracks and fill with something?

 

[Cubist]

Thanks @Cubist we had water ingress when the gutter overflowed, so trying to eliminate all possible entry points around frame and sill. Just guessing the sill is not doing the job it should be. It has concrete render on the outside walls (not planning on changing any time soon). If we don't need to replace the sill, guessing we just need to check all around the frame and sill for cracks and fill with something?

The trouble with window and door frames when water is found indoors after rain is that the point of exit is frequently no indicator of where the water is getting in. It can track around from the top of the frame to appear anywhere at the sides and below the frame and more often that makes sense to some in the very middle of the bottom rail. Inspect the caulking all the way around the frame looking for even the smallest crevice, crack or whole and, if you can apply a little inward pressure on the frame while you do it to emulate wind pressure - cracks can open up in windy conditions. Temporary repairs can be made using Plumbers Mate putty which never sets and retains its elasticity - its messy to use though and best installed using a small spatula. The more permanent solution is to remove the existing caulking and replace it with a suitable material. In your case pay particular attention to the joint between the old cill at all its points of contact with the masonry and the window frame proper.

 

[dyndns]

Awesome @Cubist Thanks for the practical advice - really appreciate it!