Upgrading your garage door may seem simple, but there is actually much more to it than just replacing it with a better one. Aside from material, color, and mechanism, you should also consider the installation of windows. But what can you expect from it, and should your garage door really have windows?
You should consider a garage door with windows because it provides the area with the right amount of natural light. It also enhances the aesthetics of your home and offers you better customization instead of a dull solid panel. However, you should also look at the disadvantages before looking for options.
Stay tuned, because we will go through the pros and cons of windows on garage doors. By the end of this article, you can weigh in and decide for yourself if a garage door with windows is truly beneficial for you.
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Pros and Cons of Garage Doors with Windows
You may have noticed: even experts are not unanimous on whether your garage door should have windows or not. Some would strongly recommend it to their clients, while others outright reject the idea of having windows on garage doors.
The reason for that is that the installation of windows on your garage door depends on several factors, including your neighborhood, weather, and door mechanism. Every homeowner has a unique situation that requires a unique solution, making it difficult to give a definitive answer.
So instead of suggesting a path for you to take with your garage door, this article provides you with the key pros and cons that you can expect from it. Knowing these, you can more easily weigh your options and decide based on your individual situation.
Advantages of Garage Doors with Windows
Updating your home can only mean one thing: you’re looking for ways to improve its aesthetics and functionality. But did you know that the easiest way to do so is by installing windows on your garage door? It has several advantages, and below are some of the most important ones.
Natural Light Saves Energy
There are several reasons why you should have natural light in your home, so why not have it in your garage too? Having natural light in your garage means you don’t have to stumble in the dark and consume energy just to illuminate the area.
More and more homeowners are embracing natural light in their homes because of the benefits it can provide. Some would even spend thousands of dollars just to have more natural light in their homes. You don’t have to do this in your garage, as it already has access to natural light; you just need to let it in by installing windows.
By installing windows on your garage door, you only need to use light for nighttime garage searching, which rarely happens. This single advantage alone can help you save on your utility bills and ultimately pay for the installation costs.
Better Aesthetics
There’s a reason why you’re going through – or planning to go through – home improvement: it’s about improving your home and making it look better, right? And did you know that installing windows on your garage door is the easiest way to upgrade the facade of your home?
When you replace your old garage door, installing windows gives your home a completely different look. Instead of installing a massive panel block, you have the option to break up the monotonous pattern with windows.
You can even choose from different shapes and sizes to match them to the aesthetics of your newly renovated home. You might even consider combining garage windows with windows all around your house to give it a striking new look. After all, nobody wants their garage to look like an area that doesn’t belong to their home, do they?
Easier Maintenance
Windows rarely need repair and maintenance; sometimes you don’t even need to clean them because of their exceptional stain resistance. Garage doors with windows make it easier for homeowners to keep their homes clean.
Now, that doesn’t mean that installing windows on garage doors frees you from the task of cleaning them. It just helps shorten the time you need for cleaning, instead of dealing with the solid panels you see on many garage doors.
Customization
Garage doors are usually very “cookie-cutter” – they all look almost the same. Imagine how your neighborhood would look if every homeowner installed the same massive panel block in front of their houses. Aside from making your home stand out from the others, by installing windows, you can go through the creative process of individually designing your garage door.
When installing windows on your garage door, you have countless options to choose from. And this is the only part of your home where you can be creative and significantly influence the appearance of your home without compromise.
The options available to you can vary depending on glass type, design and color, shape, and size. All of this, combined with your creativity, will make you the pride of the neighborhood. Just think of the satisfaction of knowing that you are the one responsible for the customization.
Disadvantages of Garage Doors with Windows
Despite all the benefits you can achieve by installing windows on garage doors, it is not the best solution for everyone. In fact, there are also several equally valid reasons why you should not have windows on your garage door. Below are some points that you should consider before starting the renovation.
Privacy
We all know that a garage is no longer just a place where you park vehicles – homeowners have various uses for it. By installing windows on your garage door, your privacy is significantly compromised, as passersby can easily look through the glass to see what’s inside.
That’s true. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t even consider installing windows on your garage door. There are several options to solve this problem, including the type of window you will use and the height of the window you will install.
If privacy is an issue, you can install the windows slightly higher so most people can’t see through unless they really try. You can also choose a pre-finished garage door with windows that are high enough to strike a balance between the benefits of windows and your privacy.
Glass Breakage
There’s no denying that metal panels are more durable than glass windows. If your garage has windows, consider using tempered glass as it is stronger and more resistant to impact.
Furthermore, despite the risk of breaking windows, it is still much easier to replace glass panes than solid metal ones. However, if you are in a neighborhood where children play outside frequently, you might want to consider other materials that you can use for your garage window.
Garage Door Balance
There is more mechanics behind a garage door than you might think. In short, this mechanism takes into account weight distribution and lifts the door evenly. Normally, it won’t fail, especially if it is installed by a professional.
However, if you customize your garage door window without considering weight distribution, it can lead to malfunctions of the opener. That’s why it is important to always consider where and how you install the windows or have a professional install it for you.
Glass Windows Can Attract Burglars
Of all the drawbacks of installing windows on garage doors, attracting burglars is probably the biggest concern for many homeowners. There is a valid reason for that because glass easily breaks, and garage windows are usually large enough for an adult to use as an entry point.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should ignore all the benefits just because windows attract burglars. Even in areas where break-ins occur frequently, you can use grilles to reinforce your windows. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of windows on garage doors without worrying about your security.
Should You Install a Garage Door with Windows?
With all the benefits you can achieve by installing a garage door with windows, it is likely a sensible choice for most homeowners. However, there are some things you need to consider as the weather and your neighborhood will determine the type of window you should have.
Consulting with a professional will also help determine the most suitable type of window and understand the options available in your area. Additionally, professionals can help you avoid any disadvantages that we have discussed.
Conclusion
Windows on garage doors are not necessary, but they do have several benefits that you can get from them. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before even starting the renovation.
The aforementioned benefits are the main reasons why you should keep windows on your garage door. On the other hand, the disadvantages are things you should also consider to ensure that you don’t have any issues with them.