If you got your garage door installed without windows, you might notice that it often looks dark and dreary inside without natural light. Maybe your garage door is an older model, and you want to spruce it up a bit. Regardless of your reasons, installing windows in a garage door is a great way to liven up the space, increase security, and incorporate more style into your home’s overall facade.
You should keep in mind a few things when adding windows to your garage door. For that reason, we’ve created a comprehensive guide of all the factors you should consider when installing windows on a garage door. The last thing you want to do is blindly install some new windows without accounting for some obstacles the wrong windows could present.
If you’ve already decided to install windows on your garage door, call today for garage door service in Riverside, CA from Garage Door Medics. We’ll help you select the perfect windows to match your home’s exterior and your garage door.
Consider Your Current Garage Door
Most of the time, when people want to install windows in their garage door, they want to keep the frame and model they currently have, avoiding the installation costs of an entirely new garage door. But some critical factors contribute to what type of windows would work with your door.
Figure out what brand made your door and what year and generation it is. Get every detail down to dimensions, color, thickness, and any embossments or grooves in the design.
Unfortunately, for some older designs, you may not be able to find the right window size. That said, at Garage Door Medics, we have extensive experience installing windows in some of the rarest and outdated models. Give us a call today for a free estimate, and we’ll let you know if we can operate on your old door.
Where You Want the Window Placement
Like garage doors, garage door windows come in different styles for different functions and looks. Where you place your windows depends on why you want them. Adding windows to the upper section allows you to get the most out of the daylight while preserving security, as people will not be able to see in high windows as easily.
Getting windows on the door’s third section allows you to see through them from the inside or outside. Some homeowners decide against this placement because they don’t want passersby to see their valuables inside.
If you still want privacy, we can even install two-way-mirror type glass, allowing you to see out without anyone seeing in.
Matching the Style of Your Home’s Windows
Take a look at your house from the street. Which windows stand out the most? Typically, our customers like to match their garage door windows with their front door or other windows on the front side of their homes.
At Garage Door Medics, the best garage door installer in the area, we don’t just install doors and windows – we have an eye for style as well. If you need help picking the perfect windows to complement your home’s curb appeal, don’t hesitate to call us today!
Spring System and Other Imbalances
When we install windows in a garage door, we often meet people who have not considered the physical mechanics of their door.
Adding a significant amount of windows, especially on a lighter door, can throw off your spring system. Typically, the spring system acts as a counterbalance and is responsible for allowing your door to open and close automatically.
These systems come built to withstand about a 5% variance of the door’s total weight, meaning a few heavy windows could offset this balance with ease. Doors weighing about 125 lbs. or less are at higher risk of losing balance.
Luckily, some solutions exist. If you love this new design but don’t have the budget for a new garage door panel, you can get a new spring system installed to act as a stronger counterweight.
Pay close attention to this tip, as your door opener will be unable to raise and lower the door if the balance is off.
Insulation
Did you know you can get insulated garage door windows? This option is perfect for those who keep valuables in their garage and likewise adds to your home’s overall insulation. Many of our customers tell us how much more they utilize their garage once they install insulated windows.
Insulation can turn your garage into the perfect man-cave or even act as an additional room for holiday and winter parties.
Openable Garage Door Windows
You can even get garage door windows that open! This option pairs perfectly with homeowners who like to do a little DIY work in their garages. Just pop the windows open, and you can safely paint inside your garage with the door shut.
Energy Usage
Natural light does more than create a pleasant atmosphere. Getting that much sunlight might negatively impact your energy bills, especially if the door to your garage (from inside the home) does not have proper insulation. Whether in the cold or the heat, windows will allow cold or warm air transfer from outside.
Insulating the windows or the door can go a long way to reducing this energy cost. If you have any questions about how new windows might affect your energy bills, give us a call today.
DIY Methods to Accentuate and Modify Windows
When installing windows in your garage door, you might want something with a little more pizzazz or function. While there’s nothing like a professional touch to make your windows shine, there are some great at-home options you can use to modify your windows after installation.
A popular option we hear about from our customers is window frosting. Sometimes, the windows of your dreams don’t come with frosted variants, but don’t let that stop you. You can purchase frosted window film and apply it yourself for stunning results.
To apply window film correctly, you must:
- Clean the glass using the correct cleaning solution and a cloth, thoroughly cleaning the surface of your windows.
- Combine some dishwashing fluid with water in a spray bottle and gently apply it to the surface of the pane.
- Apply your frosted window film. These usually don’t come with adhesive, so you can use trial and error to find the perfect placement.
If you don’t want to run the risk of messing it up, Garage Door Medics can help you apply frosted or decorative window films. Static window film is easy to install and leaves no residue, but it is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Adhesive film is more durable and less likely to peel off, but they are challenging to reposition once installed. We can help you choose the right film for your garage door needs.
Install Windows in Your Garage Door with the Top-Rated Garage Door Medics
Regardless of why you want windows installed in your garage door, adding them adds a new layer of depth to your home’s overall aesthetic. Windows in your garage door can also increase your home’s resale value. While there are a lot of considerations when buying new garage doors that you should keep in mind, there’s undoubtedly a window style that will best compliment your garage.
Are you ready to start sifting through our various window options? Great! Just give Garage Door Medics a call at (888) 997-2423 to talk with one of our knowledgeable representatives for a free estimate. Reach out today to learn more about how we can install windows in your garage door.
