removing window sills

19 years ago

Hi,

we have dual-pane windows that have a sill that we would like to remove. I am going to dress it up with molding instead and the window sill does not match up size wise with the molding I will be using. I have 3 windows to do. upon attempting to remove one window sill, it looked as if the window was sitting on the sill making this a lot tougher that expected. I did not try too hard to remove because I did not want to damage the window etc..... could this be the case?

what can I do to remove these sills?

thanks in advance,

~jv

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Comments (3)

jamesk
19 years ago
If you could post a photo of the windowsill in question, someone could probably tell you how it went in.

Windows with molding around them typically have molding around the top and sides, with the side pieces resting on the sill (which is called the stool), then an apron extending down from the sill. The apron is often the same molding used around the top and sides, but oriented in the same direction as the molding at the top of the window with the two ends mitered and wrapped for a neat appearance.
ron6519
19 years ago
This is a task that requires careful demo to protect the window.
Remove the apron under the sill. Find the nails in the sill and punch them all the way through the sill. Use a utility knife to score around all the places it touches the wall and window. Cut the ends off the sill where it wraps around the wall. Then put a flat pry bar under the sill and gently lift. If the sill goes under the window take a sharp chisel and cut the sill as close to the window as possible. Just go from side to side until the piece comes out. You will need to add an extension where the sill was to complete the frame for the new molding.
Ron
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mightyanvil
19 years ago
A window "sill" is located under and is part of a window frame. It is exposed to the outside. A window "stool" is a horizontal trim piece that is added to the interior of a window against the bottom part of the sash. A window "skirt" is a trim piece added below the stool to support it and cover the gap between the window and the wall finish (similar to casing trim at the other 3 sides of the window).

If you use these terms and tell us what kind of window it is and how you want modify it, we might be able to better help you. A photo would make it easier too.