Have you taken a close look at your home’s window sills lately? If they’re made of old rotting wood, it’s time for an upgrade, honey. Those outdated things are costing you big time on your energy bills!
But don’t just replace them with the same old wooden sills. Go solid surface instead for maximum savings!
What are solid surface window sills?
Before getting started, for the newcomers out there here’s a basic definition of solid surface window sills.
A solid surface window sill is made from engineered materials like quartz, Corian, or other acrylic-based composites. Unlike wood sills, they are non-porous, highly durable, and resist deterioration from moisture. The dense internal structure gives solid surface sills superior insulating properties compared to other materials.
6 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Be Installing These Sills
Here’s the tea on why solid surface window sills like quartz and Corian are about to become your home’s new BFFs.:
1. Solid Surface Is Like Energy Efficiency Kryptonite!
These materials have an extremely low thermal conductivity, typically around 1.3-1.4 W/mK. For reference, wood has a thermal conductivity of 0.12-0.18 W/mK. This means solid surface resists conductive heat transfer far better than wood or other common building materials. By installing solid surface sills, you can significantly reduce heat flow near windows, keeping your expensive heated or cooled indoor air from escaping outside. It’s energy energy-efficient kryptonite!
2. Solid Surface Is Moisture’s Worst Enemy
Wood sills readily absorb ambient moisture, which causes swelling, warping, and structural changes over time. The accumulated moisture deteriorates the wood, opening up cracks and gaps that compromise the critical air seal around your windows. But moisture is no match for a solid surface! The non-porous structure resists moisture absorption, remaining dimensionally stable over decades of use. You’ll never have to worry about irritating gaps letting air through. Take that, moisture!
3. Durable Solid Surface Is In It For The Long Haul
Say bye-bye to constant maintenance and repairs! Solid surface window sills laugh in the face of weathering, UV radiation, and wear. The durable material maintains its like-new condition and energy efficiency performance for decades to come. Wooden sills require refinishing and caulking every few years as they deteriorate, but solid surface sills will keep working their magic with minimal upkeep.
4. Solid Surface Keeps Allergens From Crashing Your Party
Since a solid surface is non-porous, dust mites, mold, and mildew have nowhere to grow. You won’t have to worry about these allergens building up in hidden crevices over time. The solid surface also never emits VOCs or other vapors that reduce indoor air quality. Your HVAC system will run more efficiently with clean air filters devoid of trapped allergens and debris. Ahhh, your lungs and energy bills will thank you!
5. Solid Surface Sills Are Masters Of Noise Reduction
The dense, non-porous structure of solid surface material blocks outdoor noise far better than more porous materials like wood. By installing solid surface window sills, you can significantly reduce sound transmission from outside traffic, nearby establishments, or rowdy neighbors. Your home will be a peaceful, quiet sanctuary, perfect for uninterrupted sleep, work, or jam sessions.
6. You Can Customize Solid Surface Sills To Perfection
One of the best features of a solid surface is its moldability during fabrication. With an experienced installer, the material can be cut and molded to fit even the most awkwardly shaped windows. You also have total creative freedom with integrated profiles, edges, trims, and colors. This allows you to flawlessly match the windowsills with your home’s unique style and architecture for perfect aesthetics and energy efficiency.
Tips to Keep in Mind While Installing Solid Surface Window Sills
Got your mind set on some solid surface window sills now? Hold your horses! There’s a bunch of key stuff to think about first:
Make sure that the window frame is primed for upgrade success
Any rot or broken parts let energy escape, so take care of that ish before installing new solid surface sills!
Discuss how surrounding materials will transition seamlessly
Your siding, stucco, etc. needs to blend with the solid surface beautifully. Leave the details to the pros!
Flashing is clutch for an airtight seal
At all the seams and transitions, proper flashing prevents air leakage. Don’t let sloppy flashing rain on your upgrade parade!
Choose a style that aligns with your energy and aesthetic needs
Save energy AND get those exterior #designgoals popping! It can be done.
Some Bonus Tips to Sill the Deal
Okay, you’re ready for this solid surface glow-up! Here are some extra tips to really maximize that energy bill savings:
- Prioritize the leakiest, most inefficient windows first
- Optimize glass coverage area for free solar heat gain
- Add rigid foam insulation under sills for an extra layer of R-value
- Aggressively caulk and weatherstrip all joints to cut air infiltration
- Consider secondary glazing like interior storm windows
- Get an energy audit to determine the highest-priority upgrades
Go for It, You Won’t Regret
With their sleek aesthetics and superior efficiency, solid surface window sills are ready to charm both you and your energy bills. Their low maintenance durability will keep your sills looking freshly installed for decades, while their insulating properties work round the clock to prevent costly air leaks. Ditch the drafts, dust, and mold magnets of wood sills once and for all!
With the right strategic installation, a solid surface will catapult your home into energy savings stardom. Give your outdated windows a functional yet fabulous solid surface makeover. You and your wallet will be glad you did!
