Window reveals.

When thinking about repairing and insulating windows, it's a good idea to remember the reveals and choose their finishing option in advance. A reveal is formed due to the different thickness of the wall and the frame; its functional duty is to cover the joints and fastening connections.

Choosing a finishing method for reveals is not too difficult. Today there are three common methods — finishing with plastic, plaster, and drywall. If you have opted to install new plastic windows instead of restoring old ones, it makes sense to finish the reveals with plastic as well. Plastic reveals are made from the same material as the windows. The finishing process is simple and fast; it is carried out either on the day of installation or a day later, when the mounting foam has dried. Such reveals create additional thermal insulation between the street and the apartment, especially since a layer of insulation is placed under the panels. Plastic reveals give window openings a businesslike and finished appearance. The cost of plastic reveals is also pleasing: 1 square meter will cost $5–7 plus installation fees.

Plastering the reveals is the most widespread choice in our country, primarily because of its low cost. Essentially, you only need to pay for the worker's labor, who will create an impeccably smooth surface and give the window opening an aesthetic look. You will have to accept that the finishing will take almost a week, as you must wait for each successive layer to dry. The appearance on the market of plasters with improved properties allows you to be creative, experiment with color and texture, and choose interesting decorative finishing options. Unfortunately, plaster reveals are not durable: temperature fluctuations, if the windows are not repaired, can lead to cracks and condensation, and the thermal insulation properties leave much to be desired.

Drywall reveals have not become widespread, the objective reason being the complexity of the installation work. Drywall reveals are usually installed before starting the room finishing, if the walls are finished with drywall as well. Drywall has excellent thermal insulation characteristics and rigidity. For installing reveals, moisture-resistant material is preferred, although ordinary drywall is also used after being coated with a water-repellent layer. The main advantage of such reveals is their tactile appeal; their low rate of heat transfer makes them feel warm to the touch. Negative opinions about them are caused by the material's poor moisture resistance. Regular painting and minor surface repairs are necessary unless a full renovation of the apartment is planned. The most unpleasant issue is the possibility of a small air pocket forming between the wall and the drywall. If liquid gets in, it will inevitably lead to stains appearing on the finished product and even to the reveal itself becoming warped.