Should you put windows in your garage door?

So, the years have finally caught up with your garage door. Bailing wire and patch-work repairs only go so far. At some point, you had to call in a professional. And they’ve presented you with the bad news; your garage door isn’t really worth the expense of additional repairs. It’s time for a new garage door.

Once you’ve decided to replace the garage door you’ll find yourself faced with another decision – what style of garage door do you want? Within this question is another question – do you want garage door windows?

In terms of the style of garage door, cost and quality generally go hand in hand. Garage door windows are a slight upgrade, too, and with a small additional cost. But, there are good reasons to install a garage door with windows, such as:

• The garage door windows will add natural lighting inside the garage
• Garage door windows are usually aesthetically pleasing
• They can give the garage a look that is coordinated with the appearance of the house

Garage doors are generally made of wood, metal of Polypropylene. They come insulated or un-insulated. They come with windows or without windows.

When adding a garage door with garage door windows, you may want to take some time to consider where you’ll install them. Yes, in the garage door but where in the garage door? If privacy is an issue, which is often the case with garages, you may want garage door windows higher in the garage door so that most people can’t see inside. You don’t want them to see your expensive tools, the air compressor or your boat, motorcycle or RV. The wrong people might get ideas.

Once you’ve decided where to install the garage door windows, you’ll want to consider the size and number of garage door windows. You’ll also want to consider the style of glass. For instance, you can install garage door windows with the following styles of glass:

• Clear
• Tinted
• Frosted
• Divided with a Grid (there are different Grid patterns to choose from)
• Stained Glass
• Sand-Blasted
• Contoured

Adding garage door windows to the garage door will usually raise the cost of the door. However, windows can add a lot to a garage door and the aesthetic appeal of the garage. Since you’ll probably live with that garage door for a while you may find that it’s worth the expense. And, with the options listed above, you’ll also find you have a lot of options, to do a lot, with your garage door.