ᐅ Alternative aluminum exterior window sills

Hello, we are looking for an alternative to aluminum exterior window sills. We currently have these in our rental apartment, and I find it very unpleasant when the rain hits them.

My question is, what alternatives are there? How durable are they, and what price range can be expected? Apart from granite, I haven’t really found anything suitable.

Thank you,
Hilaria

Hello,

Hilaria schrieb:
Now my question is, what alternatives are there?

If it is neither aluminum nor granite, the only real option left is window sills made of concrete. The durability is good to very good, and the cost is about €120.00 per linear meter (3.28 feet), available from a local concrete plant.

Kind regards

Hi,

if you don’t want granite window sills, you should look into the latest aluminum window sills. Apparently, they now offer significantly better sound insulation, so you won’t hear raindrops as loudly.

Hello, one more question: during the selection of windows, we were told that a disadvantage of stone exterior window sills is that they do not have a finishing edge against the masonry, which can lead to cracks over time and allow water to penetrate the wall.

Is this really a risk to be concerned about? My parents’ house also has granite exterior window sills, but I currently cannot say whether there are any cracks there...

Thank you,
Hilaria

Hello,

Hilaria schrieb:
During the window selection, we were told as a "disadvantage" of stone exterior window sills that they do not have a finishing edge against the masonry, and over time cracks form there, allowing water to penetrate the masonry.

I’m impressed by this information; are granite window sills really that expensive from this supplier?

On the left and right sides within the reveals, about 1.0 cm (0.4 inches) is filled with joint mortar; are you building with or without external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) / external wall insulation (EWI)? A drip edge should be milled underneath the granite slab.

You can also have a groove milled on the left and right in front of the reveal for better rainwater drainage, as was done in the past. Not everything that was done in the past is outdated.

Best regards

Hilaria schrieb:
Hello, one more question: during the selection of window components, we were told that a "disadvantage" of stone exterior window sills is that they do not have a finishing edge against the masonry, which over time can lead to cracks forming and water seeping into the masonry.
Is this really a risk to be concerned about? My parents’ house also has granite exterior window sills, but I can’t say right now if there are any cracks...

Thank you,
Hilaria

Hello!

For window sills, you can basically use any material that the stonemason offers. Granite is recommended due to its reasonable price combined with durability, whereas sandstone, for example, only stays attractive for a short time—iron inclusions in the stone are also always interesting.

Of course, stone is not bent or formed at the edges, but there are differences in how it’s installed together with brick or masonry cladding. Our sills were recessed about 5 cm (2 inches) into the wall—if this is omitted, you have to consider how the insulation will be protected from moisture.

Since granite comes in many colors—don’t you like the look?

Regards,
TomTom1