Expert: Robert Lamb - 11/17/2007

Question
Hi Robert,

I'm currently renovating my house and have had new PVC double glazing installed.

However, the builders have plastered around the window and on the window frames.

How can i remove this to reveal the new white frames?

Many Thanks

Vinny

Answer
Vinny,

I am not a lawyer nor can I give legal advise, but if this happened to me, I would hold the builders liable for the damage they caused to my windows (unless perhaps they were related to me). By the way, that's why they carry insurance. Take lots of good photos before you do anything.

That being said, If you decided to go ahead and try to remove the plaster from the frames, you would have to know the composition of 'the plaster' so that you could find a solvent to remove it. Is it really plaster? Could it be a stucco? Does it contain an abrasive mortar? You would also have to make sure the solvent would not harm the window frames. You had also better contact the manufacturer of the windows and ask their expert opinion before getting started.

My guess is that you may need a mild acid based solvent to dissolve 'the plaster.' Before you apply this to the frames, you might want to get a broad putty knife and approach the edge of the plaster and flick off as much as possible so that the solvent can do its job better.

Best case scenario is that the builders replace the damaged windows for free or at least repair their mistakes for free. Worst case scenario is that you try and repair their damage and wind up causing more damage.

Let me know what happens.

Sincerely,
Robert Lamb
Window Masters
www.robscleaningservice.com