External woodwork repairs

Supernova

Hi,

I have 5 wooden ledges around my 1st floor NW London conversion flat which are partially rotten. They are not attached through to the window sills inside, 3 of them require ladder access.

I put the job up on Rated People for an initial price of £250 but got no response. I have now had a quote of £700.

Does the answer lie somewhere in between perhaps?

Thanks!

smifffy1989

Perhaps, the age old get three quotes and see how you feel when you meet the tradesmen is key here.

Supernova

Just had someone suggest that some of the wood is cut and replaced and then the whole sill covered with white plastic to protect it forevermore. He will give a quote later.

Does that seem reasonable?

Thanks

Supernova

Isn't going to paint any of the new or old wood but glue and silicon a plastic cover on top and hanging over for £220...

I read you're not supposed to put plastic over wood sills...?

leveller2911

Supernova wrote: »

I read you're not supposed to put plastic over wood sills...?

Correct. Its a bodge up because the timber will continue to rot underneath the plastic. There will be condensation between the plastic and the wood, moisture and warmth are the best thing for growing wet rot spores.

Don't do it, if you must repair then cut the entire sill front off ,seal/prime the bare timber and fit a new sill front.

Supernova

leveller2911 wrote: »

Don't do it...

OK cheers, I shall inform my Albanian friend working next door tomorrow and see what he says... :-)

Keep trying to get quotes but no-one seems remotely interested :-(

leveller2911

Supernova wrote: »

OK cheers, I shall inform my Albanian friend working next door tomorrow and see what he says... :-)

Keep trying to get quotes but no-one seems remotely interested :-(

Its one of those jobs that qualified carpenters try to avoid at all cost.

Take it from someone who has been making windows and doors for 30 years, repairing sills should be seen as a short term stop gap and not a long term solution.

Good luck............

Supernova

leveller2911 wrote: »

Its one of those jobs that qualified carpenters try to avoid at all cost.

Take it from someone who has been making windows and doors for 30 years, repairing sills should be seen as a short term stop gap and not a long term solution.

Good luck............

Ah, OK thanks for the insight. Presumably complete replacement of the exterior part is the answer?

Any rough ideas on the costs I'm looking at for my 5 sills of various sizes (3 small, 1 large straight and 1 bay)?

Thank you