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Should I Get a Garage Door With Windows

Garage Windows: How To Choose Windows For Your Garage

Windows serve a useful purpose as well as an aesthetic one. Picture a house with no windows, doesn’t seem right, yeah? While garage windows are not a necessity, they do add uniqueness and charm to your garage.

In this article, discover what to consider before buying windows for your garage and all the options for you to choose from.

Things To Consider When Buying a Garage Window

Things To Consider When Buying a Garage Window
Things To Consider When Buying a Garage Window

If you want windows for your garage doors, there are a few questions you need to answer first:

  • Do you want clear, obscure, or tinted glasses?
  • Where do you want the windows located?
  • Should you have insulated or standard glass?
  • Do you want standard-designed glasses such as rectangular/square windows, or would you prefer more complex designs such as arched tops, divided tiles, etc?

So, if you are looking to buy or replace your old garage windows, here are some things to consider:

1. Type of Glass

The type of glass you choose not only affects how your garage looks but can also offer you privacy. If you do not want people peeking into your garage, you can choose obscure glasses that distort any view inside. Bear in mind that opaque glasses limit the amount of natural light let into a garage space. If you want more lighting, you should consider translucent glass for a naturally lit space.

You can have acrylic, tempered, laminated or plain glass for your garage windows. Any of these materials is great as long as it does not contrast with the general design of your building’s exterior. You should also consider choices that will complement your garage door.

2. Shape and Size

There are a wide variety of windows on the market, and they can be customized to fit any design you have in mind. Although you already have windows, you need to consider your frames before purchasing newer ones.

If you are getting standard garage windows, there are limited options to choose from. However, with custom-cut windows, the possibilities are endless. You can have your windows cut into whatever size or shape of your choice, even going as far as incorporating them into the garage door if you so, please.

Some of the shapes you can have include:

  • Squared
  • Circular
  • Rectangular
  • Ellipse
  • Bell top
  • Pentagon
  • Eyebrow
  • Gothic
  • Octagon
  • Trapezoids

Various window shapes and sizes can be arranged into vertical and horizontal rows, arches, or whatever configuration you desire.

3. Position

A very important consideration is how high you would like your garage windows to be. If you intend to maximize the amount of natural light streaming into your garage, you should place your windows in the higher sections of your panels.

Higher windows also help with privacy and security as passersby will not be able to see inside your garage. However, if the goal is to optimize airflow, choosing ventilated windows and positioning them at the bottom door panel can work perfectly, especially on warm days.

Garage windows are usually placed in the third or fourth section of your building. They should be positioned to give good ventilation and light. Additionally, you should be able to see what is going on outside your garage.

Should I Get a Garage Door With Windows?

Should I Get a Garage Door With Windows
Should I Get a Garage Door With Windows

If you’ve never had a garage door fitted with windows, you might be skeptical of making the change. You might have observed several houses in your neighborhood with garage door windows and even admired the elegant touch they add.

The good news is, you may not even need to purchase a new garage door to get windows installed. Most times, adding windows to an existing garage door is a safe, inexpensive, and practical way to solve your problem.

The addition of windows to garage doors not only enhances the appearance of your home drastically but has the potential to increase the value of your home. An increase in the value of your home is an undeniable bonus if you plan to rent or sell your home shortly.

Here are some of the pros and cons of getting a garage door with windows:

1. Enjoy the Benefits of Daylight

Windows on your garage door can be especially convenient as you do not need to turn on the light switch each time you need to search for a tool. With the natural light streaming in from your windows, you do not need to raise your garage door each time to let the daylight in as the windows perform that function for you.

Therefore, garage windows can help you save money on the wear and tear your garage door would otherwise suffer while giving you free natural light in your workspace.

Garage door windows are a practical way to make life a lot more convenient for you as a homeowner.

2. Superior Aesthetics

When you add windows to your garage door, it automatically becomes more than an extension that houses a car and more like a part of your home. When the windows in your garage match the windows in your home, it can enhance the curb appeal of your property, making it stand out to both potential buyers and neighbors.

3. Does it Fit the Bill?

One thing you should consider is that a garage door with windows will cost more than one without. This is due to the workmanship costs associated with crafting a door with window inserts. Even though the price difference isn’t outrageous, it might deter you if you’re on a budget.

4. Is it a Security Threat?

A lot of people who have reservations about garage door windows believe they are a security threat. However, when you consider it, even if a burglar manages to break the glass, chances are high they won’t be able to fit in. Even if they can peek into your garage through the windows, the garage door can also be an avenue for them to spy into your garage.

Even though glass windows are not secure as a door, it is probably less security risk than you think.

5. How do I handle my privacy?

If you are a private person and are not thrilled by the idea of people peering into your garage, you can still get garage door windows. You can have laminated, tinted, satin-etched, or frosted windows, to name a few. You can even get two-way mirror glass windows to see outside while preventing people from looking into your garage.

6. What is the quality like?

There are different qualities of garage door windows. For instance, single-pane windows will be less energy efficient than double-pane, insulated windows. Acrylic windows are more likely to get scratched than real glass. You should also consider the frame material. Polypropylene, for instance, is a high-quality material and is less likely to fade.

7. Is there coherence?

If the primary goal is to make your garage match the rest of your home, ensuring the windows in your front door and those throughout your home match your garage windows. You can imbibe even small features such as matching trim colors to make it even more uniform.

8. What is your budget like?

You should establish a budget before picking windows for your garage. A budget will help you determine how much you can realistically spend and to what extent you can customize your garage. Ensure you ask for a quote as soon as you have a design in mind so that you have a good idea of how much your project will cost. Consult with a garage door expert if you need help designing a garage door to suit your budget.

9. Remember, glass is fragile

One downside to adding windows to your garage door is that windows are fragile and can break. If you can convince kids not to direct flying objects towards your garage and you are not worried about breakage, this should not be much of an issue.

What to consider when installing windows in your garage

Except you are a garage door expert yourself, it is highly unlikely that you will understand the intricate workings of a garage door. The spring system of your garage door can be impacted as a result of a window installation.

Garage door springs are very delicate in design and structure, meaning that even a tiny adjustment in weight can have adverse effects. In certain cases, an adjustment in the spring system may be required when adding windows to your garage door. This adjustment is due to the potentially dangerous disproportion caused by the addition of windows to your door.

The installation of windows in your garage is generally a complex procedure. Therefore, you should always opt for a professional garage door expert to complete the process. Avoid endangering lives and safety by cutting corners or attempting to DIY the installation of garage windows.

Conclusion

Garage windows are good, and they can be a good way to beautify your home. So, we hope the tips in this article will guide you in making the right decision. Do well to follow the tips mentioned in this article. Ask the right questions. Look for the right features. And your choice will be the best!

Nonetheless, there is no point in having beautiful garage door windows if your garage doors are not solid. TBC Garage Doors offers installation and repair services for garages.

If you reside in Toronto or the GTA and search for the best, most knowledgeable garage door experts in Toronto, check out TBC Garage Doors.

We are a reputable company that provides professional garage door installation, replacement, and repair. We also offer emergency services, and our specialized team is available whenever you need help.

Some of our services include new garage door installation, garage door spring installation/repair, garage door sensor repair/set up, garage door opener belt installation/repair. Garage door framing, among many others. We also handle different doors, from sectional garage doors to roll-up and side-hinged garage doors and over/tilt-up canopy garage doors.

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Do Garage Door Windows Break

Garage Door Windows: Should I Install Windows in My Garage Door?

When it comes to garage doors, homeowners are becoming even more creative. Garage door windows are becoming more popular due to their aesthetic qualities. If you are wondering whether or not to install windows in your garage door, this article is for you.

Why Are There Windows on Garage Doors?

People get windows on garage doors for various reasons. One great thing about having windows on garage doors is that it lets natural light in a while your garage doors remain closed. Many homeowners want as much natural light in their garage as they do in their homes.

A well-lit garage has several benefits. You no longer have to rely on a light switch during the daytime, and you can bid that flickering light bulb goodbye. With windows on your garage doors, you can carry out your daily tasks without worrying about your vision.

However, the most significant benefit of natural light is energy savings. With windows in your garage doors, you won’t have to turn on your garage lights as often. This will also eliminate the chances of you forgetting to turn off the lights, saving you a substantial amount of money as time goes on.

Also, if you get a properly insulated door and small enough windows, your thermal resistance should remain nominal.

Garage door windows are also a great aesthetic touch. They can elevate the appearance of your garage, giving it a more sophisticated look. Depending on the size of your windows, people can appreciate the beauty of your garage from outside without having to enter your home.

Do Garage Doors With Windows Cost More?

The short answer is yes. Glass panels are more expensive than the standard garage door panels. Also, the fancier the Glass, the more it will cost. Etched Glass usually costs more than plain Glass, and reinforced Glass is more expensive than standard Glass. However, the differences in pricing are not as much as you would expect. The aesthetic boost from the upgrades is well worth the price. Bear in mind that garage doors have a direct impact on the market value of your home. This means that an aesthetically pleasing garage door can boost the value of your home to the degree that covers the cost of the glass panels.

The workmanship costs from crafting a garage door with glass inserts will make a garage door with windows cost more. If you are on a tight budget, the price of installation might deter you a bit.

Do Garage Door Windows Break?

Do Garage Door Windows Break

The short answer is yes. Garage door windows are breakable. If you have a family with active or clumsy children, your garage door windows can be vulnerable. Children often play in the driveway, putting your garage door at even greater risk. If you decide to install windows in your garage door, your children might need to find another playground where they cannot break any glasses.

Even though uncommon for garage doors, in certain instances, a sealed garage door with double pane windows, also known as thermopane windows, can break with small fractures appearing in the corners.

What Causes a Thermopane Window to Break?

What Causes a Thermopane Window to Break
What Causes a Thermopane Window to Break

A thermopane window often breaks from thermal shock caused by stress generated by temperature variations between two areas between a pane of glass. This variation can be caused by a window exposed to direct sunlight and a shaded section. Under the effects of the sun, your garage windows heat up even more with higher energy absorption.

If a portion of the window remains cold, it stops the hot section from expanding freely. This action generates compressive and tensile stress respectively in the hot and cold parts of the double-pane window. Because Glass is less resistant to traction than compression, the tensile stress generated will probably be higher than the tensile strength of the Glass, causing breakage.

This type of break is often observed at the edge of the window, at the coldest part of the frame and is marked by a perpendicular fracture at the edges of both sides of the Glass.

Some of the cases of this break include:

Thermal inertia of the frame

The frame temperature can take longer to adapt to external conditions if the thermal inertia of the frame is higher. The frame colour can also be responsible for some of the effects on the phenomenon.

Climate conditions

The difference in temperature within a double-pane unit most times depends strongly on the intensity of the solar radiation that reaches. This intensity can be based on the time of the day, the unit’s orientation, the season and the maximum difference in temperature between night and day. Double pane units which face the north have little risk of thermal breakage due to their limited exposure to the sun.

External environment

The external environment of your house, such as tree shadows, may provide extended or partial shade for your garage door windows. The interior environment inside a garage can also significantly increase the difference in temperature between cold and hot areas of the unit.

Characteristics of the double-pane unit

A glass that has reflective film affixed will absorb more heat than clear glass, making it susceptible to thermal breakage. Glass with a higher absorption factor will heat up more under the effect of sunlight.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Garage Door Windows?

Pros

There are several pros and cons of getting windows in your garage doors. Some of these pros include:

  • Garage door windows brighten up your garage by allowing extra light into the area. A garage with several windows might not require lights to be turned on during the DAY.
  • Garage door windows can also allow the entry of heat into the garage from the sun. This can be positive during the wintertime.
  • Windows on your garage doors can create an extra dimension to your garage by breaking up the solid panels.
  • Garage doors give you more options when deciding on garage door designs.
  • Most windows are stain-resistant and a lot easier to clean than painted panels. They rarely need repairs and require zero maintenance.
  • Garage door windows make the garage match other parts of the house. You can get your garage door windows customized to match the other windows in your house, thus creating a more streamlined appearance all through the home’s exterior.

After considering all the functional and aesthetic benefits of garage door windows, there are certain concerns to look out for before putting windows in your garage doors.

Cons

Some of the cons of installing a garage door with windows include:

  • Glass is fragile and can break. This means you have to be extra careful with your garage doors to ensure the Glass does not shatter. You have to avoid slamming your garage doors to the ground whenever you close them if they are fitted with Glass.
  • Garage doors with windows are susceptible to accidents or flying debris. You might want to invest in impact-resistant Glass if you choose windows on your garage doors. Glass that is vulnerable to impact will only ruin your garage door and make you incur more costs.
  • Windows attract thieves. If you live in an area with many burglars, they will find breaking into your home a whole lot easier with garage door windows. All they have to do to gain access into your home is break the Glass. As soon as you install Glass into your garage doors, you need to ensure that locks and other items are not accessible through the windows. It would be best if you also reinforced your garage door security.
  • Insurance companies may increase your insurance rates if you cannot prove that your home is secure, even with windows in the garage doors. Confirm with your insurance provider what the policy covers in the event of a break-in.

How Much Does a Garage Door With Windows Cost?

On average, a garage door can cost between $450 to $8,000 for installation. The average ranges between $500 and $2,000, with the majority of homeowners spending around $1000 to install a new sectional steel garage door. If you have a tight budget, you can buy a non-insulated steel garage door for $500 minus installation. A custom redwood garage door with glass windows and an automatic opener costs about $4,500 after installation on the high end. Including windows in your garage door usually costs $30 to $60 per installation.

Conclusion

If you reside in Toronto or the GTA and search for the best, most knowledgeable garage door experts Toronto, check out TBC Garage Doors.

We are a reputable company that provides professional garage door installation, replacement, and repair. We also offer emergency services, and our specialized team is available whenever you need help.

Some of our services include new garage door installation, garage door spring installation/repair, garage door sensor repair/set up, garage door opener belt installation/repair. Garage door framing, among many others. We also handle different doors, from sectional, roll up and side hinged garage doors to up and over/tilt-up canopy garage doors.

READ MORE