How To Make Your Own Window Sill – Part 3

by kevin on February 22, 2012

CUTTING

Now that we have rough measurements, we can prepare for cutting. I have traced the window sill profile that I purchased from Somerville Lumber. I personally prefer cedar but you can choose any type of wood you prefer other than a pressure treated wood. You need to purchase 2″ x 8″ lumber in the length you need.

Unless it is absolutely necessary, I don’t like using pressure treated wood indoors because it might give off fumes containing VOC (volatile organic compounds). In edition, it is very difficult to obtain a pressure treated that is not wet. Wetness in wood means it is NOT dimensionally stable (may shrink when it dries) and you cannot paint over wet wood (paint will not adhere to the surface and will peel off).

Step 1: Check the actual lumber dimension
Step 2:

fig.7.1

fig.3.b.1

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How To Make Your Own Window Sill – Part 2

by kevin on February 20, 2012

If you came this page via search engine, you may first want to read How to Make Your Own Window Sill – Part 1

MEASURE THE SILL ANGLE

Having an accurate window sill angle measurement ensures tight fit with windows and more importantly minimizes water infiltration via wicking. Some replacement window manufacturers like Andersen has 3 sill angle choices so providing Andersen with accurate angle measurement will ensure good fit.

So what is the correct angle for a sill? In general, a window sill should have 3-12 or 3″/12″ slope or pitch for good rain drainage. 3-12 slope means that for ever 12 inches of horizontal distance (run), the vertical measurement (rise) is 3″. Looking at Table 1.1, this corresponds to 14 degrees of slope. There are three easy ways of measuring this sill angle:

  1. Inclinometer; or
  2. Torpedo level and 2 ruler sticks; or
  3. Small Framing Square and 1 ruler stick

METHOD 1 – INCLINOMETER

An inclinometer or clinometer is an instrument for measuring angles of slope (or tilt). It is also known as a tilt meter, tilt indicator, slope alert, slope gauge, gradient meter, gradiometer, level gauge, level meter, declinometer, and pitch & roll indicator. Clinometers measure both inclines (positive slopes, as seen by an observer looking upwards) and declines (negative slopes, as seen by an observer looking downward).

In our case, using an inclinometer is the simplest and fastest way of measuring the angle of a window sill. You can buy one (fig.6.1 click here to read inclinometer reviews and recommendations), use a paper template (fig.6.2 - click to download the PDF template) or a cardboard angle finder (fig.6.3). The last two are provided free by Andersen Windows (To obtain the one in fig.6.3, I believe you have to visit one of their retail locations but call ahead to confirm that they have one in stock for free).

Please note that both mechanical or electronic inclinometers are far more accurate and can also be used in other settings (like when setting a blade angle on a table saw, etc.) whereas the paper angle finder is less accurate.

fig.6.1

fig.6.2

fig.6.3

METHOD 2 – TORPEDO LEVEL AND 2 RULER STICKS

Another method is to use a torpedo level and 2 small ruler sticks to measure the angle.

However, unlike the inclinometor, you *MAY* have to remove any exterior storm windows and storm window frames to get the necessary clearance to get the accurate measurement. Please note that if your window sill has 2 surface levels, the vertical ruler must rest on the uppermost level.

To calculate the appropriate angle, simply place 1 ruler horizontally (use a level) and read off the height from the second ruler.  You can then calculate the angle by looking at the table below.

Rise Run Sill Angle
1/8″ 2″ 4 degrees
1/4″ 2″ 7 degrees
3/8″ 2″ 11 degrees
1/2″ 2″ 14 degrees

 

METHOD 3 – FRAMING SQUARE

Another alternative method is to instead use a small framing square against the outside blindstop. This way you don’t have to fuddle around with a level and 2 ruler sticks. However, you are assuming that your blind stop is truly plumb (vertical).

Once you obtain the measurement, please use the table above to calculate the sill angle.

How To Make Your Own Sill – Part 3

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Reviews – Inclinometer

February 20, 2012

As mentioned in the article, How To Make Your Own Window Sill, you do NOT need to buy one to measure angles. The article mentioned several “manual” methods to accomplishing the same goal. However, having a small inclinometer comes in handy when the space is tight. In addition, if you purchase one with a magnets, [...]

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How To Make Your Own Window Sill

February 19, 2012

Maybe you could not find any window sills at Home Depot, Lowes, True Value or any other hardware / lumber stores. Or maybe you just want a challenge. Whatever the case maybe, if you are up for it, I can share my window sill template I created from my replacement part. ASSESSMENT There seems to [...]

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Understanding Thickness of Plastic Sheeting

February 19, 2012

Plastic sheeting is made of polyethylene (a.k.a. plastic “poly” sheet) and is very handy to have several types around your workshop. Plastic sheeting comes in a wide range of thickness, rated with the term MIL. 1 MIL is a measurement unit that equals 0.001 inch which is about the width of an average human hair. [...]

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References

February 18, 2012

Best of Building Science – tons of video tutorials about best practices in home buildings http://www.bestofbuildingscience.com/   Old House Web http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/double-hung-window-construction.shtml   Extreme How-Tos http://extremehowto.com/window-trim-basics/   MEASURING HOW TALL SOMETHING IS http://www.exploratorium.edu/math_explorer/howHigh_makeInclino.html   CALCULATING A PITCH (ROOF, SILL, ETC) Be Sociable, Share! Tweet

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Windows For Home 101 – Window Types and Window Anatomy

February 18, 2012

WINDOW TYPES There are three basic choices when replacing a window: new construction, sash replacement-kit, or wood and/or vinyl replacement windows. If I have the opportunity to do a total remodel, I would choose a new construction window every single time.  I have never really tried sash replacement kits because I think it does not [...]

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Reviews – Circular Saw Blade Depth and Angle Adjustments

February 18, 2012

I have owned this Black and Decker circular saw for over 15 years now and it just keeps on working like it was brand new.  Other than replacement blades and some electrical tape (accidentally cut into the cord when the blade was not completely stopped), it can still rip through any lumber I throw at [...]

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References – Bolts, Washers and Nuts

February 18, 2012

A bolt is a threaded fastener with a head, designed to be used in conjunction with washer(s) and a nut. Bolts come in many different types and sizes, depending on the situation.  Generally speaking, I like working with either 1/2″, 5/8″ or 3/4″ hexagon headed bolts when working with support / framing (i.e. decks, joist-sistering, [...]

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Product Reviews – Structural Connectors

February 17, 2012

There seems to be two major companies making various structural connectors, such as deck ties, hurricane straps, etc. OVERVIEW – SIMPSON STRONG TIE Simpson Strong Ties products are universally available at both Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, and other big box home improvement  stores as well as online stores. For more than 50 years, Simpson Strong-Tie [...]

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