Are you looking for a way to keep pesky water out of your basement or crawl space? A sill plate is one of the best ways to do just that! Installing it can be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with carpentry and home repair, but this blog post will show you how easy it can be.
Whether you’re talking about decorative brick molding at the bottom of your front door or a wooden sill plate at the top of an interior window, blocking off water from going underneath them can be tricky.
But with some preparation and the right materials and tools, it’s possible to seal up any area around the frame without detracting from its ornamental appeal!
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to block water from going under a sill plate so you can preserve its aesthetic without worrying about damage. Keep reading!
Why is a Sill Plate so Important?
A sill plate is a horizontal piece of wood that sits at the bottom of an interior window or door frame. It’s positioned on top of the foundation and helps prevent water from seeping in underneath it, which can lead to mold, rot, and other structural damage.
Additionally, if not properly waterproofed, it can also cause air infiltration. This can cause your energy bills to skyrocket as heated or cooled air escapes, and hot/cold air enters through the gaps.
So, it is important to properly seal the sill plate and use materials that won’t be affected by water or the elements.
What Will You Need?
- Tape measure
- Pencil or marker
- Caulk gun and caulk
- Exterior grade sill sealer
- Galvanized nails, screws, or staples
- Hammer or drill/screwdriver
- Foam backer rod
- Painter’s tape
- Putty knife or razor blade
Once you have all the necessary materials and tools, it’s time to get started!
10 Easy Steps on How to Block Water From Going Under a Sill Plate
Step 1. Measure the Width and Length:
Using a tape measure, determine the width and length of the sill plate. Don’t forget to account for any gaps between the wall and the frame. As you measure, make sure to jot down the numbers so that you have a reference for later.
Step 2. Cut and Install Backer Rod:
Cut a piece of backer rod slightly larger than the measurements you took in Step 1. Place it along the bottom of the sill plate and use either nails, screws, or staples to secure it into place. If you’re using a foam backer rod, be sure to use a putty knife or razor blade to cut it.
Step 3. Apply Caulk:
Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas around your window frame that you don’t want caulk to get on, then apply a thick bead of caulk around the bottom of the sill plate where it meets with the foundation wall. Be careful not to get any caulk on the window frame itself. You can also use a damp cloth to clean up any excess caulk.
Step 4. Attach Exterior Grade Sill Sealer:
Attach an exterior-grade sill sealer to the sill plate’s bottom with galvanized nails, screws, or staples. Ensure it is properly sealed along the edges so no water can seep through. It’s also important to use materials that won’t be affected by water or the elements.
Step 5. Check Your Work:
Once you’ve finished attaching your exterior grade sill sealer, double check your work to make sure that everything is properly secured and sealed. If necessary, add additional caulking or sealant around any gaps or cracks. Try to keep the sealant as close to the frame as possible without compromising any of its ornamental appeals.
Step 6. Let It Cure:
Let the sealant cure completely before painting or staining your window frame. This will help ensure a better finish and prevent any water from getting in through cracks or gaps in the sealant. Use a fan to speed up the curing process if necessary.
Step 7. Apply Paint or Stain:
Once the sealant has cured, you can go ahead and apply paint or stain to your window frame.
Use a high quality paint or stain for best results, and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and drying times. Keep in mind that this may need to be done multiple times if you want a professional looking finish.
Step 8. Check the Sealant Again:
Once the paint or stain has dried, check the sealant again to make sure that no water can get in through any cracks or gaps. If necessary, add additional caulking or sealant around any areas where it appears to be weak. Get in between the window frame and the sill plate to make sure that no water can get in.
Step 9. Let It Dry:
Let the sealant and paint or stain dry completely before closing up the window or reinstalling it in your home. This will help ensure a better finish and prevent any water from getting through cracks or gaps in the sealant. Additionally, it will give you time to inspect your work and make sure that everything looks good.
Step 10. Enjoy Your New Window:
Now that you’ve sealed off your window, you can enjoy all of its benefits without worrying about water seeping under your sill plate! Keep up with regular maintenance on your windows, such as cleaning, caulking, painting/staining, and using weatherstripping to keep them looking like new for years to come.
Remember, a little bit of prevention will go a long way in keeping your windows looking and functioning how they should!
By following these steps, you’ll be able to block water from going under your sill plate so that it stays dry and free of damage. With a little time and effort, you can ensure that your windows last for years to come.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to apply a generous amount of non-permeable sealant that will keep water out.
- Install flashing around the sill plate – this sheet of material will divert water away from the sill plate.
- Caulk all gaps and cracks between your wall and the sill plate to ensure a watertight seal.
- Make sure to use weather-resistant materials such as metal or plastic when constructing any kind of flashing.
- Inspect your work regularly to check for any water seepage and make repairs as needed.
Following these guidelines will help ensure you have a strong, watertight sill plate that will keep your basement dry and free from water damage. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to preventing water damage in your home.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Wood as a Flashing Material: Wood can rot if exposed to moisture and won’t be effective in blocking water.
- Do Not Use Regular Caulk: Caulks that are not specifically designed for exterior use may break down when exposed to the elements.
- Try Not to Apply Too Little Sealant: Make sure you have a good sealant coverage around the sill plate to ensure it is airtight.
- Don’t Forget Any Gaps or Cracks: Any area that isn’t sealed will allow water to get in, so double-check your work thoroughly before moving on.
- Avoid Leaving Any Parts Open: Make sure all flashing pieces fit together snugly, and cover all openings with weatherproof material such as metal or plastic sheets.
By following these tips and avoiding the above mistakes, you can ensure that your sill plate is well-protected from water damage. Taking the time to seal and protect your sill plate properly will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs due to water damage.
What Kind of Sealant to Use on Sill Plate?
The best sealant to use for the sill plate is a non-permeable, weatherproof caulk. This type of sealant will form an impenetrable barrier between the sill plate and any moisture or water that may try to enter your home. Make sure you check the product label before purchasing to ensure it is designed for exterior use.
Additionally, make sure you apply a generous amount of caulk in order to create a strong seal around the sill plate.
With these tips, you can easily ensure that your sill plate is watertight and secure from potential damage due to water infiltration. Taking the time now could save you money in the future by preventing expensive repairs due to water damage!
Conclusion
By taking a few preventative steps, you can effectively block water from going under the sill plate of your home. A good place to start is by trimming any shrubbery growing near the foundation and making sure gutters are properly diverted away from your house.
You could also add a bit of drainage board between the bottom of the exterior sheathing and footing to keep water out.
Once that’s done, consider grade beams, waterproofing membranes, and sealants to help keep water away for good. Attending to these proactive steps now will help ensure you don’t have bigger problems later on down the road.
Hopefully, the article on how to block water from going under a sill plate was helpful. Thanks for reading!