garage window

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

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?

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.