At the bottom of the window

Sill as an element of interior design emphasizes the border between the comfort of the room and the chaos of the outside world. And every boundary requires good design and careful maintenance. Sill is proud sound! Window sill (the sill in the vernacular) - important detail of housing in general and the windowing system in particular. As a child - a platform from which to start comprehension of the world lying outside the home. Later, the place for the home garden and ogorodika, which grows everything from agave to lemons. In general, the window sill like and not vital for us, but it disappear and we lost a lot. As a technical element of the window sill of the system prevents the penetration of cold into the room from outside and vice versa, the heat leakage from the inside. He makes the bend convection currents of warm air rising up, and increases the thickness of the warm air layer near the window and adjacent wall area. The slope sill drains water condensation, if it is formed on the glass. This constructive element greatly facilitates the process of maintenance windows (while washing windows, opening and closing the transoms and vents, hanging curtains, etc.). Finally, on the sill can be installed appliances, pots, trinkets and other pleasant and useful stuff. In general, it is a notable element of the interior of any home, from a small cottage and ending with a mansion. Sill hides the difference between the thickness of the wall and a window box, organize a transition from the interior of the premises to the outside world. Not without reason for this seemingly humble parts are always so careful architects and designers. Traditionally, the sills are made of wood, subjected to pre-impregnated and protected by various paints. In addition, all the more common model of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) profile, laminated MDF-panels, natural stone and composite materials. Typically, window sills go on sale in the form of long-treated cloths standard width and thickness. Along the length of cut to order. Products made of wood for the highest quality window sills used an array of fine wood, oak, beech, ash, cherry, maple, chestnut, mahogany. There are wood products easier - pine, Siberian larch. The choice is wide, and, naturally, than the more exotic stuff, the more expensive the final product. Entering the production process the wood to be dried, polished, surface treated with mastic from natural plant oils and waxes. Wax layer gives the product waterproof. The most common window sills, from pine, oak and beech. Experts believe that the products of ash is not needlessly expensive oak by 30%, as this wood is less boxes and, therefore, it retains its shape better. Very praise of cherry windowsills. Sills from an array of the road. For the sake of cheaper products, some manufacturers are made multi-product, and glued (poshirine) in brackets. For greater rigidity of the layers are positioned so that the fibers of wood placed cross. Bonding is carried out at high temperature and pressure. Then the workpiece is applied protective coating (antiseptic, mastics, varnishes or paints) to protect the material from moisture and ultraviolet radiation. If the sill is made without disturbing the technology, its wood has a moisture content of 7-9%, the surface will not crack, and long retains its beauty. Unfortunately, the wooden sills rather whimsical in nursing. They can not be strongly dampened with water, cleaning abrasives, solvents. Dust dry erase or slightly damp cloth. Every 3-5 years, preferably applied to the surface of the sill extra layer of varnish, paint or wax (there are special "proprietary" funds). Depending on tree species, low window sills grow in the following order: pine, beech, oak, ash, chestnut, cherry. For domestic production width of about 400mm and 40mm thick, they are in the range of $ 100-400 (1m2). German products are 20-40% more expensive. For those who really want to have wooden window sills, but strapped for cash, vendors offer a compromise: they make the lining of the solid plate HDF (10mm thick) and glued to her veneer of wood (2mm). Equipping the existing sill plate, you can not tell it from real wood. The cost of 1m2 of such a "dummy" from oak veneer of the order of $ 150. PVC window sills These designs have the same properties as PVC window profiles. Products do not rot, do not decompose, are resistant to sunlight and is absolutely waterproof. Thanks to the multi-chamber construction, they are strong enough, tough, have good insulating properties, trudnovosplamenimy and durable. Outwardly, the plastic model do not differ from other types of window sills. Slitsevoy hand on the smooth surface of the decorative pattern is applied. Most often monochrome painting, wood or stone. From mechanical damage, UV and moisture protected image layer or the glossy varnish. As well as window profiles, PVC window sills are divided into chambers. Profiles for window sills are available in length ot4050 do6000mm, width 110-600mm, thickness 18-22mm. Manufacturers also offer a variety of plugs for the end surfaces and connecting profiles. Plastic Products unpretentious care. Their surface has no pores, allowing bacteria to accumulate and it is not cleaning does not cause much trouble. You can use any detergent, but abrasive. Plastic window sills on the market are rather limited number of firms. Among them were Belgian VENTA (PVC laminate), DECEUNINCK, PLASTIVAN, WIMAR; German REHAU (sdekorativnoy film based on high quality melamine resin), MOLLER (to increase the strength of PVC is added to the pulp), BLANKO PLAST (covered with laminate on both sides); Polish KRONOSPAN, VOX, as well as Russian SKIF, "RBBK", "REAS Plast», MONTBLANC (Russia-UK). The price level is illustrated by the size of the window sill 1000x200x20mm, white. The Russian unit will cost about $ 6,5-8. Imports-$ 9,5-12. The most expensive is the production companies and VENTA PHLEIDERER INDUSTRIE ($ 20). Sills on the basis of particle board and MDF are made from water-resistant wood particle materials of domestic or imported, and are covered by a thick laminate. Obtained strong and rigid, they can stand while washing windows, put a hot pot, move pots will not scratch the surface. Such sills durable, impervious to light exposure (misrepresented including UV), consistent in size and do not swell (if not violated the protective coating). Not need special care. Have an attractive appearance. Colors and patterns finishes can be very different, some good mimic natural wood, granite and marble. These products are cheaper made from natural materials. And manufacturers often provide services for cutting the desired length of material and laminating the cut at the factory. Window sills can be cleaned using a soft (but not abrasive) detergent. Vprotsesse installation, to prevent separation board with an excess of moisture, it is recommended to close the edge silicone sealant sill adjacent to the window and walls. Blanks for window sills are available in the form of profile boards of length 2750, 3000, 3450, 3720, 4100, 6000 mm, width 200-600mm and a thickness of 16, 17, 18, 22, 32mm. Some of them are on the front edge may be thickened (the practice call it "beak") up to 10mm. Products made of MDF (chipboard material of average density) delivered to the Russian market the company WESTAG & GETALITAG, WERZALIT, HDM (Germany), WILSONART (USA), ABET (Italy), etc. The cost per 1 m sill width of 300mm and a thickness of 18mm ("beak "28mm) range from $ 18 (HDM) to $ 38 (WESTAG & GETALITAG). His Majesty stone These models look very expensive, exquisitely. Unique pattern, the natural beauty of stone attached to the interior features of true luxury. Stone (marble, granite, onyx, labradorite, etc.) produced and delivered for production in the form of large boulders, slabs. Our market is represented by a stone from Russia, Turkey, Italy, Greece, Portugal and India. Made window sills are already in place in Russia. One and the same breed can have a different color. Therefore, manufacturers are advised to first determine the color, and then to go to the store and select a block (slab), which will be manufactured windowsills. Then they will receive the same. Another secret: the smaller the rock vein, the lower the probability of occurrence of cracks in it. Something has to sacrifice, beauty or practicality. Granite is the most solid stone, window sills from it especially tough. But we should remember that this stone has the ability to accumulate a radiation, and thus can be dangerous to health. Choosing the material is bound to ask the seller a certificate of radiation-hygienic safety (only suitable material is a first class security). Avot marble practically does not accumulate in the radiation itself. Assortment of marbles is very diverse: from white to deep, dark mother of pearl. Indian marble and granite are the most original and rich color (3-4 colors in one stone). Fabulously handsome onyx. He looks like a marble, but it has one amazing feature - to transmit light. Organizing highlighting the sill of onyx, you can get quite extraordinary effect. It is worth such a model, however, many-about $ 420 (1m2). But remember: the polished surface of any stone afraid of scratches, and the marble can not spill acid and "painted" the liquid (wine, tea, coffee, Pepsi, juice, etc.). The cost of treatment depends on the shape, size and material of the sill and is $ 8-60 for marble, granite for - $ 12-70 za1p / m. If the artificial stone products made of artificial stone recently enjoyed growing popularity. Ieto not surprising, because the physical and aesthetic properties of the artificial rock is not inferior to the natural and often surpasses it. But cheaper. Produce it primarily in two ways: the technology of composite materials or ceramics. For the first time the finished product by 70-90% consists of mineral filler, which added binder (polymer resin). With help of dyes, you can create a variety of designs and colors to achieve any artificial stone. Material is chemically stable, durable and heat-resistant enough. That is not darkened, not fade, not covered with stains from spilled liquids, household, do not crack from an impact. Knedostatkam is little resistance to abrasion, from them on the surface may scratch. Sills of artificial stone can be cleaned with soft means and to remove minor scratches using polish. In the Russian market are well represented artificial marble and granite, multicolor American stones Corian (DUPONT) and Gibraltar (WILSONART). Sills of artificial marble made, in particular, QUARELLA, SATA MARGERITA (Italy); "GRANULES", "NEW TECHNOLOGY +" (Russia). Domestic material is often referred to as cast, and import-agglomerated (the difference-in size of the filler particles). Typically, products are manufactured to order, but any complex shapes. Price-from $ 150 per 1m2. Imported materials are used sparingly. For example, layers of artificial stone Gibraltar thickness of 3 or 12 mm is attached to the soaked particleboard or other base with special glue. Sills can produce at a price of $ 200-300 (1m2). Corian comes to us in the form of sheets with thickness of 6, 13 and 19mm. Hygienic and virtually permanent windowsills of his produce size 1000x300mm, it would cost about $ 200. Acting on small particles of matter at high temperatures and pressures, are receiving a very solid, strong, durable, waterproof and resistant to aggressive media materials. Texture and color can give them any. Prominent representative of such material is granite. But perhaps he is too good for window sills, since this capacity is not used all its capabilities. Sages of the very decorative sparkling stone Metron (BISAZZA) sills make it more massive. Isto square meter of such a luxury $ 300. Tips professional material properties of construction sill, especially its impact on the installation. Aom literacy latter to a large extent on the life of a window unit. When installing the sill should be considered correct installation of windows. On SNIP nominal thickness of the brick wall, 640mm. The window must be installed in the area of ??the outer third of the wall (potolschine). Window box at the point of junction with the wall should be sealed with polyurethane foam mounting type Macroflex. The problem is that the dew point (at the junction of cold and warm environments) condensation, which can soak up the window sills made of wood and laminated MDF-board. The same thing happens with leaking. If the sill is not insulated from the walls and did not provide him with good insulation, it will freeze and break. Strengthen the sills should only assembly with polyurethane foam, regardless of the material from which they are made. No adhesives, they are-bad thermal insulation! Foam is excellent glues sill with the surface of the slope, filling voids and simultaneously serves as an excellent heat insulator. Mount technology for window sills of any materials is essentially the same. Started installing sill, it is necessary to protect its surface from mechanical damage: wrapped with corrugated cardboard or sheet PE foam. To remove the protective packaging should be at the time of assembly operations. From the end window sill need to be very good fluff neutral silicone sealant with fungicide additives that prevent the formation of mold and mildew. After that window sill is put into the slot under the frame and exposed on the level of the wooden lighthouses (1% slope towards the floor). Vetom position is fixed by the windowsill. This can be done, for example, using wooden sticks (40x50mm). Their set vraspor between the upper slope and the auxiliary board, lying on the windowsill. At the ends of sticks clog wedges. Just installed stone sills: they do not swell and do not crack under the influence of varying humidity and temperature. If the sills are placed in wood or MDF-board, in places of contact with the wall (under the plaster of the slope) to isolate the strip of sheet penopropilena (polyethylene). Edge of the windowsill, falling plaster (usually 25mm on each side of the board), wrapped in PE foam and after plastering the slopes are cut with a knife flush with the wall. Voids under the sill uniformly processed foam Macroflex. Time of curing foam-24h. After that, lighthouses and spacers are removed and followed the finishing work.