Pros and Cons of Garage Door Windows

There are so many options when it comes to your new garage door. You can pick from various materials, sizes, and designs to have something right for your home. One option you have is installing a garage door with windows. Is that something that you want to do? Here are the pros and cons of garage door windows to help you decide.

Pros of Garage Door Windows

• Curb appeal: Curb appeal is something that most homeowners will be thinking of when they’re having a new garage door fitted. After all, the garage door often faces the street, so you want it to fit in with the rest of your home. Adding those windows to the garage door will break up the door, add aesthetic appeal, and make the home look even better. This is always important to consider when you’re considering selling your home, but even if you’re not, improving curb appeal is essential.

• Natural light: Many homeowners use the garage to store their cars, but increasingly, they’re being used for all kinds of other things. A garage is a great place to put a workshop, work on crafts, place your laundry setup, and more. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you have natural light in there. While some garages will have windows in them, many won’t. That’s where garage door windows come in. These will allow light in without having to do significant building work to the garage itself. If you’re already thinking of having the garage door replaced, why not have a new door with windows added to it? When you have that natural light, you’ll also be able to stop relying on the lightbulb. That brings down your energy costs, allowing you to save. If you use your garage a lot, you’ll want to consider getting windows in the garage door.

• Customization: One of the best things about garage door windows is that they’re so easy to customize to just what you want. For example, you can have a single or double row of windows, change the shape and size of the panes, and more. You can also pick more simple designs or more ornate ones. You’ll have lots of glass options, too. You can go for clear glass or have it tinted, frosted, mirrored, and more. The best thing about this is that you can customize the windows to suit your home. Again, that’s great for your home’s curb appeal, as you want the garage door to blend in with the existing style.

Cons of Garage Door Windows

• Broken glass: When there are windows, there’s always the risk of broken glass. Some homeowners will worry about a stray ball hitting the glass or a rock being thrown up by a lawnmower. Of course, you should be concerned about this, just like the windows in the rest of your home. When picking out the glass for your garage door windows, you’ll be able to pick tempered glass. This will be tougher than regular glass and less likely to break. It’s usually a good choice for a garage door. Also, it’s worth remembering that damage can always happen to the garage door. If you need to repair it, replacing a window pane is often a lot easier than a garage door panel.

• Privacy: As you’re putting windows into your garage door, you’ll need to consider how private the space will be. There’s always the concern that others will be able to see into the garage. You want to use your garage without being on display to the whole street. The great thing is that most windows are placed near the top of the garage door. As such, it will be challenging to see without having to stand on something first. Even if the windows are clear, you will not likely be overlooked. You can also obscure the glass if you’re worried about privacy. Frosting or tinting it will ensure that you can let light in without having to worry about others seeing in too.

• Balance: Another concern with garage door windows is whether they’d affect the balance. Your garage door opener is designed to balance the door’s weight evenly. If something were to throw off the importance of the door, that could cause problems. The good news is that if you have the new door or the windows added by a professional, this shouldn’t be a problem. They will set up the door so the weight is evenly distributed, so you shouldn’t have any issues.

• Security: Related to the privacy issue, it’s a worry that garage door windows let potential thieves peek inside. You likely keep some valuable things there, such as bikes or gardening equipment. You don’t want to give them a reason to try and break in. However, your moves to improve privacy will also help secure your garage. Having those windows high up will ensure that no one can see in, and the tinting or frosting will obscure what’s inside too.

• Poor insulation: Adding insulation to a garage door is an excellent way of saving energy costs. If you add windows, will that impact insulation as a whole? Adding windows to your garage door is a great way to update the look of your home and let that light in. Getting the right windows will help a lot with this. The double-paned glass will ensure that the door stays insulated, so you can keep things comfortable in the garage. There are downsides to having them, and they’re easily mitigated. As such, you should consider adding them to your garage door.

Final Takeaway

These are some of the pros and cons of having garage door windows. There are downsides to having them, but they’re easily mitigated. As such, you should consider adding them to your garage door. If your garage needs maintenance or repairs, Your Garage Door Guys are ready to help! We are available in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.