How to Replace a Rotted Windowsill | This Old House

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares some tricks-of-the-trade for installing a new, long-lasting windowsill. (See below for tools and a shopping list.)

Tools for How to Replace a Window Sill:

Shopping list for How to Replace a Window Sill:

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How to Replace a Rotted Windowsill | This Old House

[MrKelly-lllx]

The screws to help the prying was on point!🔨

[dsfhije]

Tom Silva is one of the greatest preservationists of the 21st century.. I have learned so much from this old house and I owe alot of credit to him and the show. They are a big part of why my small contractor business does so well.

[trevorhawkins]

Me and my dad replaced four of these windowsills on our second floor in one weekend. Contractor told us entire windows and surrounding structure needed replaced. Saved me over 5 thousand dollars.

[bcask]

Tommy Silva is the MAN. I have been in the trade for 35 years and I still learn things from him.

[tomasvanschaik]

I have a project to replace the window sills on a tired old church. Of all the YouTube vids I have seen “and many were very good” this one has been the best.

[outdoorguy]

He took three measurements and then walked over and started making cuts. Didn't even write anything down or draw a diagram. When I take a measurement, I walk over to the piece of wood and I already forgot what the hell the measurement was.

[erictold]

This video saved me. I replaced two sills today. I used pre-made PVC sills from big box stores. Removing the sills were tricky but with this video, I could remove them in minutes.

[chevytruckjerry]

Tom Silva is the OG. I wish I could say sawr like him

[SelectBlinds]

A video that shows you four tips in about 15 seconds...pure GOLD! This is excellent!

[keithrayeski]

Another great video. AND, what I enjoyed the most, was the home owner right there not just watching, but DOING so HE can learn how to take care of his own home himself! Two thumbs up to Tom for being not just a doer, but a teacher!!!

[speedracer]

Been watching TOH over 30 years, never gets old!

[peterpowers]

Tom is such a boss that he didn't even need to test fit it before he layed the bead of caulk because he knew there was no way that it wouldn't fit.

[jethronh]

i need to do this soon. i have 1870 old house with a back window sill thats rotting. This video will be a perfect guide. Thanks.

[Coronet__]

Tom is a master carpenter...so impressive with all the little tips he gives but his array of tools surpasses what I have by twenty-fold at least.

[Novagunner]

Great replacement Video, one critique i would suggest priming all raw with a oil primer, before laying your sealant.

Where i live Water rot is due to the capillary water action that will exist in all wood causing expansion and contraction of the wood (as im sure you know) Using a good oil primer to seal the capillaries(and the surface) will insure the piece NEVER rots.

[marksuper]

I was able to replace a window sill following this video- thanks so much for making it simple and easy to follow!

[SkillBuilder]

What a perfect video, well shot, well explained and easy to follow. Thank you.

[andrewsanderson]

Niki T - in England, it's called a "drip groove"; a groove made underneath a sill to make water drip from it, rather than continue back towards the house.

[robertsheppard]

Always has the right tool and the proper piece of wood always helps.Color me jealous. Great job.

[stonelark]

These videos are incredibly useful for homeowners who like to do their own handyman work. Thanks!