A peeling problem puts painter in a scrape
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When I went to paint my ceiling, the old paint started to
peel off onto the roller. It has happened in two rooms. In one room, the
ceiling paint just starts to hang down, and I have to try to scrape it off.
Could you please give me some information about what might be causing this and
how I can solve it?
Harriet Brown, Bay Shore
For any number of reasons, the old paint did not correctly adhere to your
ceiling. Because the new, wet ceiling paint has adhesive properties, it is
pulling the old paint from the ceiling onto your roller. The old paint might be
peeling because of moisture problems or dirt and grime. Fresh paint does not
adhere well to dirty surfaces. You might keep the old paint from attaching to
your roller by first using a water-based primer called Peel Stop by Zinsser, a
New Jersey-based manufacturer of paints and sealers. This primer seals the
peeling paint and promotes adhesion of old paint coatings. It doesn't have a
strong odor and dries in two hours. I'd advise waiting a day between coats,
however. Scrape and remove loose paint chips, and after applying Peel Stop,
fill in uneven areas with a drywall compound. Once the compound dries, you can
lightly sand for a smooth surface across the entire ceiling, then apply the top
coat.
The company that made our casement windows is out of business, and I want
to know if we can replace the weatherstripping. We are not really do-
it-yourselfers, so unless this task is truly easy, we might have problems.
Also, on two of the windows, there is a condensation buildup between the panes
of glass. We have a broken seal, or so I am told. Can we fix this? We really
like the windows. Is there another company that sells a vinyl casement window
over a metal frame?
J.A., Great Neck
Replacing weatherstripping really is a simple task, so even though you
aren't accomplished DIYers, rest easy. Most hardware stores and home centers
stock a wide assortment of weatherstripping tapes, foams and sealants. You
might not be able to match the original weatherstripping, but you should come
close in terms of thickness and width. From the photos you e-mailed me, it
appears the original weatherstripping was a plain felt material. Cut off an old
piece and bring it with you when you shop for the replacement
weatherstripping. You should find several tape-style foams that will fit
nicely. These foam rolls come with an adhesive backing and can be cut with
scissors or a utility knife. Be sure to clean the edges of the windows before
you press on the new weatherstripping. Once you've pressed it into place, make
sure the window closes properly and the weatherstripping does its job by
limiting air flow.
Some replacement weatherstripping comes with a thin metal strip that must
be cut to length with tin snips and then stapled into place. I'd avoid using
this type and go for the foam. It will work, plus it's simple to install and
relatively inexpensive. Depending on the material, you'll find rolls of
weatherstripping - usually 10 feet in length - from between $4 and $7 each.
As for the condensation forming between your panes of glass, that's
probably a job for a professional. When your double-pane windows were built,
they were pressed tightly together around a rubberlike seal. A clear nontoxic
gas, most likely argon, was inserted between the panes to improve the
insulation factor. Over time, this seal can break, allowing air to seep in. The
insulating gas seeps out, and you are left with messy-looking, foggy glass.
Since you have just two windows to replace, it might be worthwhile to have
new glass installed. Check with a glass company. Measure the glass - thickness,
width and height - and call several companies for prices, including
installation.
You asked about vinyl casement windows around a metal frame. Most vinyl
replacement windows today are made with a metal frame or some type of enhanced
or strengthened framing system. Years ago, when vinyl windows first took over
the replacement niche, the frames were noted for warping and bending. But
today's vinyl windows are often less expensive than wood and feature durable
frames and many technological advances.
Thanks for the article on Habitat for Humanity's ReStore (June 24) in
Middle Island. I want to tell about another recycling source called Freecycle.
It is a grass-roots group trying to link people who need or want to give away
useful household items. Interested readers can visit the group's main Web page,
www.free cycle.org. The only requirement is that merchandise offers be "free,
legal and appropriate for all ages."
There are groups in Nassau County and New York City.
Mike Caton,
West Babylon
Thanks for the information, Mike. I visited the Freecycle Web site, and it
features links to Freecycle groups across the country. Users must register to
both view or make postings, but registration is free.
Sounds like a winner to me.
E-mail: gary.dymski@ newsday.com.
