Installing windows in your garage door can greatly improve the aesthetics of your door and can give it a fresh, new look. Windows can also make your garage a more functional and appealing space. Allowing in the natural light can be important if you are planning to convert your garage into a workshop or home office for example. Many homeowners are now choosing to make use of their garage space in ways besides the traditional uses.

If you are interested in adding windows to your garage door, you will be happy to know that your existing door can most certainly be modified. If you generally like your garage door and it is in good condition or you have recently replaced it but have since decided that you would like windows, it makes a lot more sense to have them added rather than buying and installing a new door. This will be more cost effective.

There are many different window styles that you can choose from and many aspects to consider. Firstly, you should choose a style of window that will blend in with and complement the rest of your home’s exterior. You do not want to pick something that will stick out like a sore thumb and not match the style of the garage door.

Other things that you want to consider are:

• The Frame. Pick a frame that is good quality and low maintenance so that it will last for many years. This can especially be important if you live in an area that gets extreme weather. Energy efficiency is also important to consider, particularly if you are temperature controlling the garage.

• Insulation. Thermal windows can help to conserve a lot of energy, in fact they are about 2-4 times more efficient than regular windows. Thermal windows have multiple panes of glass with an insulating gas between them which prevents heat from escaping in the winter months and heat from entering in the summer months.

• Window material. The two most common materials are glass and acrylic. Glass is more aesthetic. Glass comes in a variety of styles such as clear, tinted, frosted, embossed and tempered. Glass also has an advantage because it will not scratch. Acrylic can be a good option as well however since it is more affordable, is not easily broken and is more thermal resistant.

• Placement of windows. Windows can be installed in any of the garage door panels. To maximize the amount of natural light into the garage the best placement would be in the top panel. This location also provides the most privacy as it is high enough that people who are passing by would not be able to see inside. If you would like to be able to see outside while in your garage, you can have the windows installed below the top panel. If privacy is still a concern, you may consider glass which is frosted or tinted which will allow you visibility and light to come through but will prevent people from clearly seeing inside.

When installing windows in the garage door, it is best to have a professional do the job. The spring systems are quite sensitive and even the slightest weight change can cause them to become unbalanced. When adding windows, there is a very good chance that they will have to be adjusted to account for the additional weight. Springs should never be adjusted by someone who does not have the qualifications as it can be extremely dangerous due to the excessive amount of tension. Also, in some cases of window installation, additional reinforcement is required in order to not weaken the structure. A professional will know all of this and ensure that the work is done correctly, safely and will look pristine.

ONC Garage Door Services has many years of experience installing garage door windows. We can assist with your choice of window to provide you with a window that both looks amazing and functions optimally. Call us today for an estimate!