X.N. Building Openings: Windows, Doors, Skylights

Cutting in new windows and doors, or blocking up or changing the size of existing windows and doors in original buildings is not permitted without prior approval of the Board of Directors, except:

• when windows or doors are lost because of the construction of a heated addition, or
• in the case of raising the sill of kitchen windows in frame homes to create a 3'0" high window only, in order to accommodate countertop height.

All replacement windows must be reviewed by the Technical Services office. A GHI permit is required.

Installation of window types different from those listed as acceptable in the chart below require approval by the Board of Directors before the Technical Services office will issue a permit.

Security bars on windows are prohibited

Skylights and light tubes.

1. Maintenance of any skylight or light tube is the responsibility of the member, and is a component excluded from the Addition Maintenance Program (X.L.6.c.)
2. Any skylight/light tube product must meet or exceed the minimum criteria listed below. Members must provide product information sheet from manufacturer when submitting permit request.

    

   Minimum criteria:

   1. Curbed installation (no flush mount), flashed to meet manufacturer’s rating appropriate for type and slope of roof where the skylight/light tube is to be installed.
   2. Insulated, tempered glass.
   3. Fixed pane (e.g. Non-moveable/non-opening)
   4. Energy Star rated

    

3. Members who have skylight(s) or light tube(s) shall obtain HO-6 insurance coverage, and provide evidence of such insurance coverage prior to final inspection for new skylight/light tube installations. Members are required to continue to carry HO-6 coverage as long as the skylight/light tube is present. This requirement extends to members in units with existing skylights at the time of the replacement of the existing skylight/light tube or at the time of resale whichever comes first. 
4. Members must sign a Memorandum of Understanding to assume full responsibility for the labor and costs associated with maintenance & replacement of the skylight/light tube and any ancillary damage to the GHI maintained structure should the skylight/light tube fail. Maintenance and replacement responsibility conveys with the unit and new members are required to sign a new MOU at the time of settlement.
5. Members are responsible for all additional costs associated with the skylight/light tube when the addition roof is scheduled for replacement under the GHI Addition Maintenance Program.

1. All exterior replacement doors shall be reviewed and permitted by the Technical Services office.
2. Exterior doors for replacement use in the original building or existing additions, as well as any exterior doors for new additions, shall be of a simple, rectangular design. These doors may have recessed panels or glass panes.
3. The following doors are considered incompatible with the design of the original building and require approval by the Board of Directors before the Technical Services office will issue a permit.

    

   • Doors with rounded features, scrolling or ornate trim
   • Doors with stained, colored, opaque, beveled, edged or otherwise decorative glass

    

   These requirements also apply to storm doors.

4. Visual examples of compatible and incompatible styles may be obtained from the Technical Services office.
5. Security bars on entry doors or storm doors are prohibited.