Sloped Sill vs. Pocket Sill vs. Stepped Sill

Here at Adams Home Windows, we frequently get asked about the different types of available window sills.  When multiple companies are competing for a job, it's not unusual for one of them to proclaim their window superior because of the design of the sill.  Sketchy salesmen are very quick to inform confused homeowners of the gloom and doom of buying any window but theirs.  Usually this includes statements like: "Slope sills are cheap and not rigid enough", "Pocket sills will leak and the weep holes clog up", "Step sills are new and unproven".

Please keep in mind that reputable window manufacturers have been selling and warrantying each type of window sill for a long time.  If it were true that any of these types of sills were unreliable, these companies would surely have re-designed their product by now.

However, lets take a look at each ~
Slope Sills shed use a thin piece of vinyl to lock the sash into when it closes.  Other than this... it's exactly what the name implies, "sloped".  If the screen is up and rain is allowed to splash directly onto the sash, the water will run down to the sill and run off.  Simple stuff.  This works.

Pocket Sills use a cup design that the sash closes into.  If the screen is up and rain is allowed to splash directly onto the sash, the water will run down into the pocket and drain out of the "weep holes".  This works.  However, it's a good idea to keep the screen on the window... you don't want dirt and leaves clogging up the drainage.  The benefit of a Pocket Style frame is that it's bulkier and more rigid.  Some customers might prefer a stronger frame for larger windows.



Step Sill is a hybrid of both Slope and Pocket sills.  The sash closes into a pocket and uses an outside slope design to direct water off of the sill.  This works.  There aren't as many "honey combs" inside this frame as there is inside of Pocket style frames so the window itself won't be as rigid and sturdy, but there should be no reason for worry.  Again, if the screen is down only a small amount of water will need to be drained by the sash.

        

Window Replacement DIY

From removing the window seals and the glass to installing the window.  This can be a dangerous job without the tools and experience of a professional. 

Unfortunately, it would be very difficult to write an actual DIY about how windows are installed.  Is the exterior product Brick?  Wood?  Stucco?  Is the interior product Sheetrock?  paneling?  wood?  What type of window are you installing?  Vinyl, Wood, Aluminum or Fiberglass?  Every factor changes the process.

However, there are some general rules that apply to every project.  First: Glass is dangerous!!!  When you're removing glass, try to stay above it.  Falling glass can obviously hurt you... it can kill you.  BE CAREFUL.  Second: Measuring correctly makes every job easier.  Replacement windows are almost always custom sized and ordered.  So, take your time and make sure that you're ordering a window that will fit.  Have a plan. 

Obviously, hiring a professional would be a good idea.

        

Burglar-proof Windows

"Burglar-Proof"?  Well, I suppose they are as burglar-proof as anything can be. 

I think that it's safe to say that aside from simply walking through the front door, breaking a window is probably the most common way to break into a house.  But, what if the glass broke but didn't break through.  How many times would a burglar loudly beat on a window before getting frustrated and moving on? 

Burglar-proof windows use a heavy polyurethane laminate sandwiched between two pieces of glass to form a window that is not only extremely efficient, it's also extremely difficult to break through.  Now, if a burglar is smart enough to stop whacking on it and pry the window open, it could still be possible to break the lock.  But the questions are:  How much noise is this burglar going to be comfortable with making?  How long is the burglar going to be willing to "problem solve" this frustrating window?  What are the chances that you'll be inside and not hear the racket that the burglar is making? 

Of course, a homeowner can always install "burglar bars" on their windows.  But, what happens in case of a fire?  Being locked behind bars, imprisoned in your own house is probably not a great idea.  Besides, burglar bars don't exactly add to the look of a home.