Sill level: Meaning, importance, effect of absence

The sill level is one of the most important terms in building science which is known for its importance. To construct a building, if it is a residential or commercial project, proper measurement of the sill level is mandatory. Apart from the sill level, there are other such important terms which are lintel level, plinth level, etc. These levels are crucial to stabilising the whole structure of a high-rise or a normal building. In this article, you will learn all the important details regarding the sill level of construction.

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See also: What is the ideal plinth level?

What is the sill level?

Sill level is also known as the window sill level. The level or the distance between the base portion of the window and the area of the floor above the ground level (upwards) is known as the sill level. Under the window base, where the sill level is used, a mortar bed or concrete bed is laid down.

The height of the distance of the silk level is dependent on the type of room. Privacy is the most important factor to be considered while measuring the level of the sill or window sill. As the bedroom and bathroom are quite private areas, the sill level is kept at approximately 1100 mm. In the case of the living room, dining room, or other normal rooms, the sill level is kept near 600 mm to 650 mm.

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What is the major importance of the sill level?

Sill level is not a random height or area of construction. Here are all benefits of the sill level.

• The sill level provides additional support to the window frame.

• Along with the window frame, the sill level is also good for providing support to the whole window.

• A sill level helps to prevent the leakage of water or moisture inside the room.

• If there is any kind of stand in front of the window, the sill level helps to support the stand.

What will be the effect of absences of sill level?

If there is no proper sill level, it is possible that the area gets moisture every time it rains. Also, cracks may appear on the wall.

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What can be the proper height of the sill level in a residential superstructure or commercial superstructure?

For a bedroom, toilet, restroom, or washroom, the proper height of the sill level can be either 1100 mm or more than 1100 mm(3.5 feet).

For the living room, the proper height of the sill level can be between 600 mm and 650 mm(2 feet to 2.5 feet).

What is the difference between the sill level and the plinth level?

Sill level

• It is situated at the lower base part of the window and the floor level.
• It is kept at 1100 mm in case of the bedroom or toilet and 650 mm for the living room.

Plinth level

• It is situated between the natural ground and the finished floor level.
• The plinth level is situated between a height of 150 mm to 450 mm but it is dependent on a few factors like the original floor level, the height of the adjacent road, etc.

What is the difference between the sill level and the lintel level?

Sill level

• Sill level is kept for supporting the window and window frame.
• Sill level helps to spread the load of the window frame evenly.

Lintel level

• • The Lintel level is kept to carry the load of the upper portion of the door and window which is why the lintel level is kept on the door and window.
  • The Lintel level helps to distribute the triangular load.

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