Many homeowners eventually come to a point when they must consider if installing windows in a garage door is the right choice for their home. This question may come when it is time to replace a garage door or if it is time to update the exterior appeal. If you are a homeowner facing this decision, you will find a list of pros and cons that may help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
Pros of Installing Windows
- Aesthetic appeal – This would be the biggest pro of installing windows. Adding decorative windows can improve the overall look of your home as front door windows and garage door windows can be coordinated. So if it’s time to sell your home or just time to update the overall look, this would be a great option to look into for your home. The number of different window styles, colors, and shapes is boundless, so feel free to browse to see which kind fits your home style best.
- Natural light let in – If you spend a lot of time in your garage, this would be a great way to illuminate the room instead of artificial lighting, which can tend to strain your eyes and still not give the lighting needed due to the blacked-out room from the solid garage doors. Not to mention, this will save energy on lighting while spending lots of time in the garage. The added windows are also helpful when needing to quickly access items in the garage while the daylight is shining through, lighting up the space.
Cons of Installing Windows
- Lack of privacy – Many are concerned that installing garage door windows will encourage thieves and others with bad intent by allowing them to see inside the garage and increase the chance of a break-in. However, there are ways to combat this. For example, frosted glass, mirrored panels, shades, or curtains block views into the garage to discourage anyone from peeking in.
- Fragile doors – Glass is more brittle than metal or fiberglass, so a stray object could shatter the glass, inviting intrusion. It may be worth the extra cost to get tempered or laminated glass for added protection.
- Impact on insulation – As with any insulated space, there is the chance that adding windows can compromise insulation. Be sure to look for the most suitable window and less likely to cause poor insulation.
- Affect on lifting system– Adding windows will affect the lifting system if your garage door doesn’t currently have decorative windows. You will have to change it to adapt everything to this addition to the total weight of the door. This will add extra cost to your new garage door project you must consider.
Hopefully, this will help you to decide whether your home will get an upgraded look or if all of the extra cost simply isn’t worth it at this time. Contact professionals near you to get more answers to your personalized questions about your home.