window sill replace/repair

[tamsin]

Hiya,

When the estate agents took the 'for sale' sign down from our victorian terrace they knocked 3-4" off the corner of the window sill. We need to get a quote to repair/replace this. I'm not sure who does this sort of thing, are there specialist companys or do you buy a standard sill and get a builder to install it? It was the corner and there are quite a few loose pieces so I don't think it would stick back on neatly.

Thanks,
Tamsin

 

[middi]

Hi.

You need a carpenter, look in your local directory.

I hope you tell the people that did the damage to expect a bill for it.

 

[tamsin]

I hope you tell the people that did the damage to expect a bill for it.

Definately, we've already been in to complain!

I think the sill is a concrete type mix. It's not wood. Is it still a carpenter we'd need?

Tam

 

[middi]

My apologies, I just presumed it was wood. No, you wil not need a carpenter.

When a cast type sill has been damaged , short of replacing it, it can be repaired reasonably well with the same density and composition of materials from which it was originally cast , making sure that purposely costructed key-in points for the mix aided by stainless steel screws and rawplugs, if necessary, are used. It may need more than one application of the mix to achieve a finished job.

Any good bricklayer, plasterer or handyman can do the job if they understand what they trying to achieve.

If the sill is one solid piece of shaped stone it is a real shame that this has got damaged. Whilst a similar approach can be used to repair it, I personally would insist on a replacement sill - like for like-

That should teach the clumsy so and so's to take care .
They should be insured against this type of accident anyway, insists on what you want.

 

[Penners]

Tamsin - just echoing what Middi has said; don't sell yourself short. The estate agents (or rather their insurers) should pay to have the sill refurbished to the condition it was in before the damage. So if that means replacement of the whole sill, then so be it.

I suggest you ask around among your neighbours for the name of a good local builder, and get him to quote, based on on his recommendation of what work is required to achieve a "perfect" repair. Don't let the estate agents send in a cowboy to bodge it.

 

[Gervase]

Penners is right - you must have a say in who repairs your sill. Most estate agents retain the services of a jobbing builder/handyman for emergency work (it's surprising how often it's needed, particularly when vacant homes are being viewed), and he will almost certainly cut corners (pardon the pun) to get the cheapest possible result for the estate agent. And a bit of cornflak packet gaffer-taped to your sill and filled with Tetrion is not what you want!

 

[Penners]

a bit of cornflak packet gaffer-taped to your sill and filled with Tetrion

Great diy tip - thanks Gervase! :wink: