Ideas Please to Make a Solid Glass Door Have "Window Panes"
Updated on
June 11, 2014
T.F.
asks from
Plano, TX
14
answers
I'll start by saying we messed up and our contractor did not catch this either so this is no one's fault but our own.
We are remodeling our condo that our daughter lives in about 15 minutes from us. Today, the custom fitted, special order beautiful solid glass sliding door was to be installed.
As contractors were removing the almost 20 yr old door, we got a call from HOA saying stop installation. I suppose one of the HOA "police" walked by and saw the new door in the garage and it is a known fact that we have been upgrading the condo. We were told that the door is out of HOA code because it does not have the window pane look and it is solid glass instead. Boo hoo.
So, I've heard there is such a thing as a window divider and I am looking for that. In the meantime, we purchased white electrical tape to have "fake" panes and not get fined $150/day. Do you have any idea what I am describing, how I can find a panel of some sort or please send your creative ideas!
A point of contention I have is that the unit next to daughter's faces the street and has black solar screens on the door and windows and you can't tell if that door has the panes or not yet HOA ok's the owner to have the dark screens due to afternoon sun. Our unit faces the back wooded area where the only people who see it are those who may be walking a dog.
You would think they would be glad someone is coming in and improving the property values. For the most part, I am ok with HOA's, this one drives me nuts but due to their diligence, it is one reason this property has held value and still looks great. It is a double edged sword.
The old door is out, we got approval to put the new door in but we have to either switch out the custom panels to window paned panels or figure out how to have fake panels without making the pricey door look cheap. We are strongly considering taking the hit of about $500-$800 to switch out the glass panels. We are adamant to make sure the look is updated and classy and I am not sure how white tape will look from the inside.
I'll add, there are about 125 units here in a very nice gated community area and great zip code but most of the owners/tenants are retired with no much to do put pick on the very few younger people who live there, my daughter included. If you breathe wrong you can get slapped with a $150 fine.
Of course we are keeping the condo and we will get it "in code" but I am curious if any of you have creative ideas on making fake window panes and what they look like. Fortunately, the custom fitted frame is fine and we don't lose money on that... just the glass panels. It could be worse!!
Thank you everyone! I think at this point... We are putting the bandage tape to make frames on the door to avoid HOA fees and in the meantime we will eat about $900 to send panels back and get new panels that match HOA requirements.
We do like our contractor and he has business at our home which will cover any loss for him as well. He basically has the job for 2 properties and he will be ok.
I have not so nice feelings toward HOA because they've been on our daughter's back since she moved in. They claimed she plays music too loudly ( probably so) but she is awakened by neighbors tv and coughing in the early morning hours. Then they said she drove too fast thru complex which is almost impossible because if you drive over 15 mph on speed bumps you can ruin your car. She drives a sports model as I do and you don't just blaze over speed bumps without damaging the car or alignment.
It's a great learning experience for all of us!!
At the same time... It's not so bad having 100 babysitters fir my nearly 20 yr old!! Lol just kidding ... They do email me about everything , ugh. She loves her condo, she is responsible and she does not deserve constant monitoring from retirees!!
ETA: We used first aid tape and it worked perfectly to keep us "in code" until the new panels are in. Luckily, our contractor is cutting us a deal because he is also replacing all of the windows and we will only be out about $400, AND if the panels can be used in another door and sold, we will get more credit against the window job. I understand the purpose of the HOA which keeps the property maintained very nicely but some of the retirees really need a hobby. As of now, we are in code and will have replacements in a week or so.
Featured Answers
J.B.
answers from
Boston
on
I think what you're looking for are called "muntins" and that you can get ones that you basically apply over the glass. I had a friend whose muntin used to pop off of the window so that you could just wipe down the whole large sheet of glass and not clean 9 individual panes.
Here's an article that might help - if you're working with a contractor or finish carpenter on the renovations she or he should be able to find someone who can do this if there aren't any ready-made:
I think every HOA area has that 1 neighbor who needs a hobby other than walking around trying to get other neighbors in trouble. Personally I'd use tape for the panels and tell the story about the stupid HOA police to everyone who comes to the house. I wouldn't replace it until I put the condo on the market to sell.
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V.S.
answers from
Reading
on
Oh my Gawd! $150/day because your door doesn't match the others? That sucks! I hate HOAs! I do not understand them! I have no advice other than to express condolences that you even have to deal with it!
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J.S.
answers from
Richland
on
You can't really, the grates go inside the glass. I am also assuming they are vinyl? There is nothing you can really do that isn't going to look like poop. Anything you attach has to stick but to have depth it is going to have weight.
Personally I would take the hit and get the glass replaced. Perhaps you can sell the wrong ones to someone who had a stray ball go through theirs. I know they said they are custom but most of the time there is no such thing as a custom patio door. Our basement door was supposed to be custom yet my husband picked up one at Home Depot off the floor and it just had to have a 1/4 inch shim on the top. Once you put the trim back no one could tell.
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C.O.
answers from
Washington DC
on
You can go to Lowe's or Home Depot and ask for "grids" for the sliding glass door. The contractor may also have them as well.
If not? I would take the hit and order the "right" door (I know, HOAs can be such a pain in the tuckus!!). I wouldn't use tape. In the Texas sun it will peel and might even cause more problems....
As a side note, I might pitch a fit over the dark solar screens if the door doesn't meet their standards.
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A.C.
answers from
Washington DC
on
I found this with a google search ... maybe this will work?
This is why I will probably never be able to live in a HOA or controlled community. I just rebel against conformity too much and busy bodies have always driven me insane.
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Y.M.
answers from
Iowa City
on
You could etch panes into the glass. Or you could get the spray etch (it comes in a can like spray paint) and use that. We used it on our sliding glass door using painters tape for clean edges and it looks great. We used the temporary kind and have had it on for 6 months now and haven't had to retouch it yet. I forget what brand we used but similar to this: http://www.tcpglobal.com/SprayPaintDepot/ItemDetail.aspx?...
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D.N.
answers from
Chicago
on
You may be able to buy a grid for the doors. Check with local home improvement stores to see if they have it available. Otherwise, tape may be the best way. It should not look too cheap if the tape is applied right.
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S.S.
answers from
Chicago
on
No one else suggested it but I would check restore before spending$900 you might get lucky.
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❤.M.
answers from
Los Angeles
on
I'd use the tape for the interim (immediately so you don't get in trouble)
then look online for a one piece window pane frame. I know they have
to make them because our side glass doors have them & they come off.
You could, also, try & to make your own by using thin pieces of wood frame that you can get at your local hardware store (Home Depot, Lowe's) & affix them to the window. They are thin & flat. They are trim pieces (to be used for manythings).
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S.T.
answers from
Washington DC
on
sounds like you have the situation in hand, just wanted to chime in by saying that's a really draconian HOA!
:P
khairete
S.
