Alternative aluminum exterior window sills

Hello, we are looking for an alternative to aluminum exterior window sills. Currently, we have these in our rental apartment and I find it extremely disturbing when the rain pounds on them.

Now my question is, what alternatives are there? How durable are they and what price range do they fall into? Apart from granite, I haven’t really found anything usable.

Thanks, Hilaria

Hello,

Now my question is, what alternatives are there?

If it should be neither aluminum nor granite, actually only window sills made of concrete remain. The durability is good to very good, the costs amount to approx. €120.00 per linear meter; available from a concrete plant near you.

Kind regards

Hi,

if you don’t want granite window sills, you should inquire about current aluminum window sills. Apparently, there are now also ones with significantly better "sound insulation," so you don’t perceive the pattering as strongly anymore.

Hello, one more question, during the sampling of the windows we were told that a "disadvantage" of stone exterior window sills is that they do not have a finishing edge to the masonry and over time cracks form and water penetrates into the masonry there. Is this really a danger to be considered? My parental home also has granite exterior window sills, but I cannot currently say whether there are cracks there ...

Thank you, Hilaria

Hello,

at the sample selection of the windows, we were told as a "disadvantage" of stone exterior window sills that they do not receive a finishing edge to the masonry and that over time cracks form and water penetrates into the masonry there.

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

On the left and right in the reveal, about 1.0 cm is closed with joint mortar; are you building with or without ETICS? A "drip edge" should be milled below the granite slab.

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

Kind regards

Hello, one more question, during the sampling of the windows we were told that a "disadvantage" of stone exterior window sills is that they do not have a finishing edge to the masonry and over time cracks form there and water penetrates into the masonry. Is this really a danger to be considered? My parents' house also has granite exterior window sills, but I currently cannot say if there are cracks there ...

Thanks, Hilaria

Hello!

Basically, you can use anything the stonemason provides for window sills. Granite is simply recommended due to its moderate price combined with its durability, whereas sandstone, for example, only remains pretty for a short time - also always interesting are iron inclusions in the stone.

Of course, stone is not folded over the edge, but there are differences regarding processing combined with facing masonry. Our sills were recessed about 5 cm – if this is omitted, you have to consider how to protect the insulation from moisture.

Since granite comes in countless colors – don’t you like it?

Best regards, Tomtom.