Me and my friends are renting a house in a neighborhood that enforces Housing Association rules. So far the housing association has had problems with our dying grass in the front yard and leaving Christmas lights up. I've heard these are general rules. But I've never heard of any rules about putting up aluminum foil on my windows. Its getting hot as we progress into summer. Yes, I am aware this is ghetto tint. I'm sure the rules of each association are independent but I just want to know if anyone has had their association nag them about this.
2007-05-09 09:25:09 · 10 answers · asked by thaichaiguy 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Most have a general rule regarding the appearance of the property. That would be an easy mark for them.
Incidentally, I remember my father using rubber cement to put aluminum foil directly on the window glass. I was SO embarrassed, LOL. My current neighbor has done it too! It really does look like crap.
I realize you're renting and may not be able to do it, but I know you can buy aluminum mini-blinds. It is a much better option.
Also, a decent set of second-hand drapes would probably work nearly as well, not violate the rules, and, of course, look a lot better.
BTW, for those who are wondering, aluminum foil on the windows is effective in keeping a building cooler. It works the same as the reflective coating large high rises use. It is done not because an air conditioner isn't working, it's done to save energy. Air conditioning is a gigantic consumer of electricity and is nearly always the root cause of the brownouts and blackouts in California. The originals poster's desire to do this had nothing to do with a lack of concern over appearance, but rather a concern about the greater environment.
I completely understand the OP's desire to try this, but there is no way to make it look good and there is no way you'll be able to slip it past your homeowners association.
2007-05-09 09:33:44 · answer #1 · answered by Deke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a copy of the rules is the best way to know. Most of the associations I have been in had rules on window coverings.
2007-05-09 09:31:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rules are rules. The home associations are there to protect the homeowner's house value. They usually fine you after repeated infractions. Foil on the windows would be unacceptable in our neighborhood. What is wrong with your air conditioning? Is it broke? If you are unaware of your association rules, then call them and get a copy. I'm sure glad you don't live in my neighborhood. I prefer people who take pride in their home and gardens.
2007-05-09 09:33:50 · answer #3 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, a lot of associations will have a problem with it because it's not attractive. It makes your house look shabby compared to the rest of the neighborhood, blah, blah.. I hate neighborhoods like that. Anyhoo- if you're in an area like that, you should have signed a rental agreement, it should have a list of laws, I'd check that.
2007-05-09 09:30:48 · answer #4 · answered by Morganna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it 's not that this just looks ugly...it's not good for the windows either...there will be significant damage done to the window....if you want to keep cool, get a thick drape...that is what they are made for...lined drapes I know you might not have heard of them in the ghetto but they are out there...and if you can't afford them buy two layers of cheap curtain or just plain old material...curtains and windows open at night when it is cool and close the curtains when the sun is out....and your housing authority won't be upset you wrecked the window frame and seals
2007-05-09 10:38:07 · answer #5 · answered by dana L 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just a thought. You could get some plastic tint (mirror) sheets from a local hardware / plastic store. (Tap plastics in calif.) These are cheap, reflect well and look decent as well.
2007-05-09 11:46:55 · answer #6 · answered by gary167 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah well I live on a base and it is a lot tougher. I left my bulk out a couple of days early and the housing lady came by and said "Is that stuff yours?" P.S. It was sitting in front of my house. I was like "Yeah." She said "I was driving by and saw it and was like Oh my god. " I was thinking, it's really that terrible is it.
2007-05-09 09:32:58 · answer #7 · answered by ggirlgail89 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand. Wouldn't tin foil on the windows make it hotter inside?
2007-05-09 09:30:00 · answer #8 · answered by Heather A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It makes the area look tacky. They will probably complain and make you remove it. Insulated drapes are more pleasing to the eye.
2007-05-09 09:30:59 · answer #9 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Look in your CCR book.
Chances are, there's language in there that can prohibit you from doing this. This is why folks move into HOA's.
2007-05-09 12:29:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋