Free in-home measure and quote - PGT, CGI and CWS impact lines compared on your actual openings, style by style
Sliding glass doors
Impact garage doorsPGTCGI
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterArchitectural Grilles & SDLs in Boynton Beach, FL
Architectural grilles and Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs) give your custom windows & doors the classic, paneled look of traditional timber windows without the energy efficiency problems or structural weaknesses associated with old-fashioned, true divided light construction. In Boynton Beach, we typically see the cost to install or repair these features range from $150 to $450 per window, depending on the complexity of the grid pattern, the material of the existing frame, and whether we are matching an existing historic profile. If you are looking to restore the character of your home or simply want to improve your curb appeal, please call us at (561) 708-6771 for a free, honest estimate.
At TruePane Windows & Doors, we have spent years working on homes across Palm Beach County. We understand that in a market like ours, aesthetics must be balanced with durability. The Florida sun and the salt air near the coast can quickly degrade inferior adhesives and materials. Dale Kessler founded our company on the principle that if the pane is not true, the job is not done. Whether you are working on a historic home in the older sections of Boynton Beach or a newer property that needs a touch of traditional character, we bring the same attention to detail to every project. For a broader look at our capabilities, you can explore our Custom Windows & Doors in Boynton Beach page.
When You Need Architectural Grilles & SDLs
Homeowners often come to us when they are trying to solve specific problems with their windows or when they want to change the visual identity of their property. We do not believe in upselling; we believe in solving the issue at hand. Here are the most common scenarios where our customers in Boynton Beach ask for our help with grilles and SDLs:
- Matching Historic Architecture: Many homes in the older neighborhoods of Boynton Beach were built with specific window patterns. If you are replacing a few windows but want to maintain the uniform look of the entire house, we can create custom SDLs that match your original glass configurations perfectly.
- Improving Curb Appeal for Resale: A simple change, such as adding a colonial grid pattern to your front-facing windows, can make a home look significantly more custom and cared for. We help homeowners make these aesthetic upgrades without the expense of full window replacements.
- Replacing Damaged Grilles: If your existing SDL bars have come loose, cracked, or started to peel due to the intense Florida heat, they can look messy and unkempt. We can remove old, failing bars and install new, high-quality replacements that are bonded to withstand the local climate.
- Energy Efficiency Upgrades: If you currently have older, true divided light windows that are leaking air, we can replace them with modern, energy-efficient units that use SDLs to mimic the old look while providing the thermal performance of a single, sealed insulated glass unit.
- HOA Compliance: If your Homeowners Association requires specific window grid patterns, we can ensure that your window configuration meets those strict guidelines while still providing the functionality you need.
- Customizing New Windows: When you purchase new windows from manufacturers like Andersen, Pella, or Marvin, you can choose custom grille patterns. We handle the precise installation and measurement to ensure those patterns align exactly with your home’s sightlines.
The Technical Difference: SDLs vs. GBG
One of the first things we explain to our customers is the difference between Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs) and Grilles Between the Glass (GBG). It is a choice that affects both the look of your home and the long-term maintenance of your windows.
Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs) involve applying the grid bars to the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass. This creates the visual depth and shadow lines of a traditional window. When we install these, we use high-grade, UV-resistant adhesives that are designed to handle the Florida heat without yellowing or failing. This is the preferred choice for historic homes or for anyone who wants an authentic, high-end appearance with custom shape windows. The bars sit on top of the glass, which gives the window a tangible, architectural quality.
Grilles Between the Glass (GBG) are exactly what they sound like: the grid is placed inside the sealed unit, between the two panes of glass. This is a popular choice for convenience. Because the grilles are sealed inside, they never need to be cleaned or repainted. However, they lack the depth and shadow lines of an SDL. From the street, a GBG window looks flatter. For many homeowners in Boynton Beach, the choice comes down to whether they prioritize the authentic look of an SDL or the low-maintenance nature of a GBG. We are happy to show you samples of both so you can see the difference for yourself before we start any work.
Our Architectural Grilles & SDLs Process
We do not treat installation as a transaction. We treat it as a craft. When you hire TruePane Windows & Doors for commercial storefront glazing or residential projects, you are getting the benefit of years of experience. We follow a strict process to ensure that your windows look right and perform right.
- Initial Consultation and Measurement: We start by visiting your home to measure every opening twice. We look at the existing trim, the depth of the frame, and the specific exposure of the window to the sun. We do not guess.
- Side-by-Side Quoting: We provide quotes on paper that show you exactly what you are buying. Whether you are looking at Andersen, Pella, or Marvin, you will see the costs broken down clearly. There are no surprises on the final bill.
- Material Selection: We discuss the materials. For the Florida climate, we often recommend aluminum or high-density composite materials for exterior SDL bars because they resist warping and moisture damage better than wood.
- Surface Preparation: This is where most other installers fail. Before we apply any adhesive, we clean the glass surface with industrial-grade solvents to remove all salt, dust, and residues. If the surface is not perfectly clean, the adhesive will fail within a year.
- Precision Installation: We apply the bars using the exact spacing required for your chosen pattern. We use our own proprietary alignment tools to ensure every intersection is square and flush. If the pane is not true, the job is not done.
- Warranty Registration: We register both manufacturer warranty layers in writing before our truck leaves your driveway. This is part of The Keystone Standard. You will have your paperwork in hand, and you will not have to fight for it later.
Architectural Grilles & SDLs Pricing in Boynton Beach
Pricing for architectural grilles and SDLs varies based on the scope of the project. We do not believe in hidden fees or variable pricing based on how much a customer is willing to pay. We offer upfront, honest pricing. Below are the typical ranges you can expect for this work in Boynton Beach.
| Service Item | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard SDL Application (per window) | $150 – $250 |
| Custom Historic Profile Match (per window) | $250 – $450 |
| Repair of Existing SDL Bars (per window) | $125 – $200 |
| Full Grid Pattern Conversion (whole house) | Quote Required |
Please note that these ranges are estimates. Factors such as the height of the windows, the need for scaffolding, and the condition of the existing glass can affect the final price. We provide free estimates for all projects. If you want to know exactly what your project will cost, call us at (561) 708-6771. We will come to your home, assess the windows, and give you a firm, written price that does not change.
FAQs - Architectural Grilles & SDLs
Can you fix an SDL bar that has fallen off my window?
Yes, we can re-adhere or replace loose SDL bars. The key is to properly clean the old adhesive residue from both the glass and the bar before re-bonding it. If you try to simply glue it back on, it will likely fall off again, so call us at (561) 708-6771 to have it done right the first time.
Is it cheaper to repair my existing grilles or replace the windows entirely?
It is almost always cheaper to repair or add SDLs to existing windows than it is to replace the entire window unit. However, if your windows are also fogged, leaking air, or difficult to operate, replacing them might be the better long-term investment. We will give you an honest assessment of whether your current windows are worth saving.
Can you match the grid pattern on my neighbor’s house?
In many cases, yes. We have extensive experience with the various architectural styles in Boynton Beach and can often replicate specific grid patterns. If you have a specific look in mind, show us a photo or point it out, and we will do our best to match the dimensions and style.
Is this a project I can do myself with a kit from the hardware store?
While you can buy DIY grille kits, we advise caution. Applying these bars requires precise alignment and specialized adhesives that can handle the extreme temperature fluctuations of Florida glass. If the bars are not applied perfectly square, or if the adhesive fails, it can leave permanent residue on your glass or even cause the bar to warp in the heat. For a job that lasts, call us for professional installation.
Safety and Professional Standards
Working with windows, especially on the second floor or with heavy impact-resistant glass, carries inherent risks. Our technicians are background-checked, uniformed, and trained to handle these materials safely. We carry all necessary insurance and bonding to protect you and your property. If you have a window that is binding, cracked, or difficult to open, do not force it. High-tension springs and heavy glass panes can cause injury if handled incorrectly. Let our team at TruePane Windows & Doors take care of the heavy lifting. We have the tools and the experience to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.
We are proud to stand behind our work with the Done Right Promise. If something is not right, we make it right. No paperwork, no arguing, and no fine print. We have been serving this community since 2008 because we show up when we say we will, we treat your home with respect, and we do the work properly the first time. Our founder, Dale Kessler, still keeps the founding rule on the whiteboard in our shop: if the pane is not true, the job is not done. That is the standard we apply to every single job, whether it is a small repair, a curtain wall systems project, or a full-home window installation.
When you call us, you will not reach a voicemail tree or a call center in another state. You will speak to a live person who understands our business and can help you schedule an appointment. We believe that communication is just as important as the installation itself. If you are ready to improve the look of your home with professional architectural grilles or SDLs, we are ready to help.
Call TruePane Windows & Doors at (561) 708-6771 for your free estimate today. We look forward to helping you with your home.
Written by Dale Kessler, Owner at TruePane Windows & Doors, serving Boynton Beach.
Six Reasons Homeowners Choose TruePane Windows & Doors
Impact systems engineered to design pressures up to +/-100, matched to your wind zone - your openings hold when the storm arrives.
Low-E insulated impact glass from our manufacturer lines commonly cuts monthly cooling bills 20-30%.
Laminated impact glass shuts out up to 40% of outside noise - traffic, neighbors, weather.
Monitoring services run $30-90 a month. Laminated impact glass resists forced entry around the clock, with no subscription.
Florida homeowners average around 25% savings on the windstorm portion of their policy after protecting every opening - some homes qualify for more.
A full impact package upgrades curb appeal, buyer confidence and appraised value in one project.