What Are My Options for Adding Windows to My Garage?

Whether you have recently purchased a home or have realized that you dislike how dark your garage is after living in your home for years, the idea of adding windows to a garage door is one that many people consider. Most Metal garages are poorly lit, and when the door is closed, the space resembles a cave. This makes working in the office difficult if you’ve converted it into an office, gym, extra room, workshop, or place to work on your cars.

An existing garage door can be retrofitted with windows! This is usually less expensive than replacing the entire door and allows more natural light into your garage, making it much more usable. It may also improve your curb appeal, allowing you to sell your home for a higher price. A window panel on your garage door will add a beautiful design element while also making your garage space more functional for your family. The best part is that you can add windows to your garage door without having to replace it entirely. With the assistance of a Quality Overhead Door professional garage door technician, you can transform your garage door with stylish and functional windows.

What should I consider when choosing my garage window style?

It is critical to consider why you want windows on garage doors for your home. Trying to improve your home’s curb appeal before selling it? Maybe you’re just giving your house a makeover. Maybe your garage’s light bulbs aren’t cutting it, and you’d like some natural light in there to help with visibility.

Everyone has different reasons for adding window inserts, but thankfully, there are many styles to suit every need.

If visual appeal is important to you, make sure that the window inserts match or complement the existing window frames in your home.

Maybe you’re converting your garage into a living space, such as a workout room or an art studio, and you want as much natural light as possible. If this is the case, a plain tinted insert may be the best option to allow the space to fill with light and make it as welcoming as possible.

Consider Security

While adding a window to your garage has advantages, it also has a disadvantage: if you’re not careful, it can make your garage less secure. Home burglars already frequently use the garage as an entry point. A window can make it easier to enter the garage. If you keep valuable items in your garage, such as power tools, sporting equipment, or firearms, a window can give thieves a sneak peek at what’s inside, giving them even more reason to target your home.

Install locks on wall windows to prevent them from being opened easily from the outside. Use blinds, curtains, or tint to block the view into your garage from the outside, especially when you’re not using it or are away from home. If you install garage door windows, consider frosted glass windows that let light in but don’t provide a clear view into the garage.

Available Garage Window Styles 

Aside from aesthetic and natural lighting, windows for garages serve an even more important purpose by allowing ventilation into a largely enclosed space. The following are the most popular garage window designs on the market:

Casement Windows

Casement windows open outwards and sideways on a vertical axis, so they should be installed in areas with low foot traffic. They are ideal windows for garages that require a significant increase in ventilation.

Awning Windows

Another popular type of garage window is an awning window. They open outward, similar to casement windows. However, rather than being hinged on the side, they open upward. Awning windows also provide excellent ventilation and lighting. Because they open upward, they are ideal for small spaces. However, depending on where they are placed, they can be just as easy to run into as casement style garage windows.

Picture Windows

Picture windows are a traditional and aesthetically pleasing choice for good lighting. For these reasons, they are an excellent choice for increasing curb appeal. However, because they do not open, this option will only work in a well-ventilated garage.

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows are one of the most common and widely used garage windows. They are widely used throughout homes, not just in the garage, because they are available in nearly every size, colour, and material and are reasonably priced. The sash of a double-hung window does not swing outward. Rather, you open them by raising or lowering the sash of the window. They can blend in with the rest of a home’s architectural style while still providing ventilation and natural lighting.

Potential Issues That Come With Adding Windows

Before you install windows on your garage door, there are a few things you should consider. The first is that these windows are typically made of brittle glass. This can be caused by the garage door being closed too tightly or by outside objects such as bad weather or children playing too close to the garage door. If you break one of these windows, you’ll have to hire a professional to repair it, which is an extra expense you probably didn’t budget for.

When burglars are deciding which house to break into, one of the first things they look for is windows. They may be able to look in if your windows are at eye level, and if you have valuable items in the garage, they may be enticed to try to break it. You’ll want to have a top-notch security system in place to ensure that you’re deterring these criminals and have evidence to help you stop them if they do try to break in.

The final piece is the possibility of a slight increase in your insurance rates. If your home is less secure as a result of the windows, your homeowners insurance may be increased to cover the risk. 

Author Bio:

Kylo Walter

With a passion for commercial buildings that stems over eight years, Kylo has become an author of choice in the industry. His goal is to explore fresh by sharing knowledge to assist people in getting comfortable buildings like garages and Metal carports.