A windowsill is that portion of the window, which has the primary function of channeling water away from the building. This may be a single unit or consist of multiple units and can either be built in place or store brought as there are excellent grades of prefabricated sills available in the market today that are constructed out of various materials.

Window Sill features

Though the main function of a windowsill was to drain water away from the home or building, it has been developed over the years to provide other uses and thus, designers and masons alike have adapted the windowsill to suit simple to decorative usage and thereby have added to its humble features. Windowsills can be rectangular or square, depending on the window they are placed outside; they can be angular or curved and be straightforward or have decorative caps, as the owner may decide.

Materials used for Window Sills

As the window sill ledge is horizontal and is next to the window sash, it can also be used for decorative purposes so a wide variety of materials can be used for its construction, if the need is to draw attention to the area. In all other average cases, the most popular materials used for construction of window sills are wood, PVC, slate, granite, marble or even blue limestone. Window Sills that are used for brick masonry are constructed with brick, concrete, stone or metal and the selection of the material is very important for the required effect of the sill. The last three materials have the distinct advantage over others, as they require fewer joints as compared to brick sills, thereby providing reduction in the possibilities of water penetration- a problem most window sills face.

Maintaining the aesthetic value of a Window sill

The Window Sill can be especially shaped to create a sense of beauty and artistic appeal to the building and differently shaped units that are manufactured or cut to a special shape are usually more eye-catching than the simpler versions. Most manufacturers of Window Sills are ready to meet the demand for special shapes with a choice of colors and textures; these units may be more costly. The use of a contrasting color as compared to that of the wall it is constructed on or a different texture is likely to enhance the appeal as can the presence of a kitchen garden, planters or window sill lights.