Invisible or traditional grilles?

Side-by-side comparison

HDB's window works guidelines set grille rules by location and do not name invisible grilles, so check a specific design with HDB.

Are invisible grilles safe for an HDB flat?

No source used on this page compares the strength of the two types. For invisible grille safety, as for any grille, the answer depends on the product and how it is installed. Ask the installer what the product is tested to and how it will be fixed.

The Ministry of National Development (MND) says HDB does not provide window grilles as a standard feature in its flats, sold or rental, because not all households need them. Owners who need grilles, such as families with young children, buy them from the market and choose by design and budget.

A grille also does not replace window upkeep. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) says windows deteriorate with wear and tear from wind and rain, and gives homeowners three steps: check, clean, change. HDB's window works guidelines add that you are responsible for the upkeep of your windows, or a window could fall and injure people below.

HDB rules for grilles

When you choose a window grille, HDB rules on location come first. HDB's window works guidelines set out these points:

• Internal metal grilles of any design at windows and the balcony parapet need no permit.
• In blocks handed over before mid-2007, metal grilles must be fixed internally and cannot protrude from the building facade.
• Grilles at the service yard or balcony parapet need a permit. In flats handed over from mid-2007 onwards, they must be of HDB-approved designs, shown in the renovation factsheet given at booking or key collection, or on MyHDBPage.

HDB's examples of disallowed works include installing overhead grilles (caging up) at an interaction balcony, solid metal external grilles enclosing a planter box, and enclosing the aircon ledge, including with external grilles.

Works that need no permit must still follow HDB's guidelines, or they are unauthorised works. HDB's renovation permit page explains that it will require you to discontinue, correct or remove such works and reinstate the flat. For more, see HDB renovation permits.

Window safety comes first

BCA's checklist for windows says to use a mirror to check the screws and rivets on the upper side and underside of casement window panels. Rivets should not be broken or corroded, screws should not be loose or rusty, and friction stays should not be bent or loose. On sliding windows, check that the safety stopper and angle strip are in place and the panel slides smoothly.

If you are not confident checking your own windows, BCA advises engaging an Approved Window Contractor to inspect them. Replacing windows needs an Approved Window Contractor registered with BCA under workhead RW01 and a trained window installer.

For HDB flats, HDB's window works guidelines say all window installation or replacement must be done by a BCA Approved Window Contractor listed in HDB's directory. The window safety inspection guide has more on these checks.

Questions to ask the installer

Ask every installer the same questions:

• Is this design allowed at this location in my flat, and does it need an HDB permit?
• Will the grille be fixed internally, without protruding from the facade?
• What is the product tested to, and how will it be fixed?
• How should it be maintained, and what does upkeep involve?
• What does the price include, and who removes the debris?

Price depends on the job, so ask for a written quote. See handyman rates for general pricing and how to compare quotes to weigh quotes. For other work on doors and windows, see door and window repairs.

Which one should you choose?

There is no winner. Start with location: HDB's window works guidelines treat grilles differently at windows, the service yard and the balcony parapet, and some rules depend on whether your block was handed over before mid-2007 or from mid-2007 onwards.

Next, be clear about what you need the grille for. Then compare installers' answers on design, permits, testing, fixing and upkeep.

Price must be quoted for your flat: the directory has no grille prices. Browse handyman services to find installers.

Questions