topic Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem? in Home

Any Suggestions for this Problem?

wismiss — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 01:57:50 GMT

My next door neighbor's son has complained that he cannot sleep when I leave my outside garage light on. In an effort to be a good neighbor, I am wondering how I could "black out" the two sides of the glass that face his bedroom window. Could I safely use the chalkboard contact paper on the outside? I looked at a roll's description on line but it didn't say anything about whether it is fireproof or not. If I painted the two panes with black paint, would that be safe?

Do you have any ideas to alleviate this problem?

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

Mominohio — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:04:17 GMT

Wow! How nice of you to try to be a good neighbor.

I'd think you could spray paint the glass panels in question. Many spray paints are made to be used on hot items (like engines and other things that get hot).

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

RedTop — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:05:10 GMT

I absolutely would not paint the glass with black paint. My suggestion is to put heavy duty aluminum foil over the glass. This is how I blocked the light in my bedroom windows when I started working nights and sleeping days. Your neighbor could do the same.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

on the bay — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:06:36 GMT

Wow-You are such a nice neighbor.

I was thinking would they be able to put one of those non light emitting curtains on his window or something? Seems it would be easier. Would you feel comfortable suggesting that?

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

sparklestar — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:08:46 GMT

@wismiss I have no idea what to suggest but I do want to say I think you are very kind to try to alleviate the situation. We have a neighbor that has a hig beam light that shines right in my bedroom window and it goes on and off all night. I think it's activated by motion. It makes for a very disturbing night.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

10000Nicknames — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:10:10 GMT

Unless he sleeps with his eyes open, or your garage light is a spotlight, I can't imagine how this could bother him. But, you are kind for addressing it. Don't sacrifice the safety aspect however.....I assume your garage light is for security.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

tedEbear — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:15:44 GMT

@wismiss----Exactly what kind of light is it? Just a Bulb, or a Coach-style, you know, design wise? What is the wattage? Where is this light, that it is shining directly in his window? How old is this person? Is it just a plain porch light? Check with your local hardware store about paint and ideas to cover the light. Another thing is it a motion light? May be it needs to be adjusted because it goes off and on with even a breeze. Just some thoughts to help, I hope.----------tedEbear

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

In-x-s — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:17:07 GMT

Maybe just blinds or curtains on your garage windows. I have blinds on my garage windows just to give it a finished look and prevent people from seeing in, I would think it would block the light going out as well.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

sweetee2 — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:22:54 GMT

I believe you have a reason for you leaving your night on and that is security. If you block out some panes would that eliminate some if the effectiveness? I think it is your neighbors responsibility to deal with the issue. It would be where I live.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

CatLoverDogsToo — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:30:35 GMT

It occurs to me that the easiest and most sensible solution is for the parents of the boy to purchase and install light blocking draperies in his room. These can be found at any department store and on Amazon. They are not particularly costly. I would not change the light on your garage area as I assume it is for safety.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

TeezNu — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:11:50 GMT

I have window panes on my garage door. I like being able to look/check outside if I want to, but I do not want anyone to be able to see inside my garage, so I bought some black fabric and secured it over the top of each window pane with some heavy duty packing tape. Works great, cheap, and it looks finished from the outside.

it is so nice of you to want to mitigate the situation with your neighbors, but they should also consider the fact that security around your house also indirectly benefits the security at their house, too.

Good luck with finding a solution; I'd love to have neighbors like you!

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

birkin baby — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:29:32 GMT

It seems this is a good time for this teen to learn to solve some problems for himself. A Google search would offer myriad ways to block the light. I suggest tinfoil over windows (everyone in a college dorm does this), blackout curtains,a blackout roller shade, or a sleep mask. Seriously, you are very kind to try to fix his issue,but safety matters....leave your light on.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

IamMrsG — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:48:08 GMT

It might be worth checking into the installation of a motion detector light. You'll have happy neighbors and still feel secure without wasting energy to burn a bulb all night.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

KarenQVC — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 04:04:23 GMT

@wismiss I think the other 2 side lights will still cause enuf light to bother him. I would solve the whole problem by asking him to get those cheap darkening roller shades for his window.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

Snowhite714 — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 04:12:01 GMT

@wismiss wrote:
My next door neighbor's son has complained that he cannot sleep when I leave my outside garage light on. In an effort to be a good neighbor, I am wondering how I could "black out" the two sides of the glass that face his bedroom window. Could I safely use the chalkboard contact paper on the outside? I looked at a roll's description on line but it didn't say anything about whether it is fireproof or not. If I painted the two panes with black paint, would that be safe?

Do you have any ideas to alleviate this problem?

Maybe your neighbor could buy blackout shades for his window or maybe you'd consider a motion detector light for the garage area, then the light would only be on when something activates it and then it goes off.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

Libbylady — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 04:48:50 GMT

We have the same issue with the 3 large carriage lights on each side of the garage doors of our neighbor directly across the street.

We have blackout shades on our bedroom windows and lined drapes at each side of the windows.

In the summer our trees have finally grown tall and full enough to help block the light, but in the winter we cannot make our bedroom dark enough. Our master bathroom is flooded with light all night.

I did mention this to my neighbor and they put in lower wattage bulbs (they had a total of 9 bulbs of 60 watts each). It helped but has not solved the problem.

This situation makes sleeping with open windows impossible.

I think you are very kind to try to help your neighbor.

Perhaps the motion sensor light would be the best compromise. At least try lower watt bulbs, or, depending on the style of your fixture, perhaps you could get the bulbs that only shine DOWN, not all around.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

kelsey17 — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 13:12:53 GMT

@Libbylady wrote:
We have the same issue with the 3 large carriage lights on each side of the garage doors of our neighbor directly across the street.

We have blackout shades on our bedroom windows and lined drapes at each side of the windows.

In the summer our trees have finally grown tall and full enough to help block the light, but in the winter we cannot make our bedroom dark enough. Our master bathroom is flooded with light all night.

I did mention this to my neighbor and they put in lower wattage bulbs (they had a total of 9 bulbs of 60 watts each). It helped but has not solved the problem.

This situation makes sleeping with open windows impossible.
I think you are very kind to try to help your neighbor.

Perhaps the motion sensor light would be the best compromise. At least try lower watt bulbs, or, depending on the style of your fixture, perhaps you could get the bulbs that only shine DOWN, not all around.

I so sympathize with your situation...and i do feel the poster should try to correct the problem...wonder if the

light can be adjusted in a different direction...and maybe the wattage be lowered....or as one poster said...have an

motion activated light installed there which can go off after a certain amt of time.....

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

colliegirls — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 14:59:27 GMT

Honestly, that is his problem, not yours. He needs to get different window treatments on his window, if the light disturbs him.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

henderson — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 15:12:30 GMT

I also agree with the poster who suggests your neighbor purchase black out drapes. He could also wear eyeshades to sleep with. I don't think this is your problem.

Re: Any Suggestions for this Problem?

ChynnaBlue — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 15:35:59 GMT

@CatLoverDogsToo wrote:
It occurs to me that the easiest and most sensible solution is for the parents of the boy to purchase and install light blocking draperies in his room. These can be found at any department store and on Amazon. They are not particularly costly. I would not change the light on your garage area as I assume it is for safety.

Yes to this. Your light is only one of many in the world and he's going to run into many more. He can't control everyone else's lights, but he can control his own room. If you want to be helpful AND keep control of your own lights, you might consider researching some blackout drapes for your neighbors and giving them several recommendations.