You may have a garage door that works well and never has any mechanical problems, but it may also not be giving off the exact aesthetic you want. You might be wondering whether you should add decorative windows to add a touch of class to your home exterior. On the other hand, you might already have windows but want to switch them out. Either way, this blog will provide helpful information. , understand that it is possible, but there are things that you should know.
First, let’s consider the style and aesthetic part of the equation
Most people care about aesthetic appeal on some level. This can especially crucial to consider if you’ve made other alterations to improve the look of your home’s exterior and the garage is all that is left to complete. As of late, decorative windows have become extremely popular and customers are rushing to add them to their own garage doors. It offers a more attractive look for the door and lets you complement the window on your front door.
We have one tip to start with: think about ways you can take the aesthetic of your front door window and how you can make your garage door windows match that style. Look at other windows in your home, as well. Do you have grids that divide the window into smaller pieces? You can get a fantastic blended look from companies like Novatech and Garaga, who have worked to offer products that bridge the gap between home and garage.
If you want some extra help with this, you can investigate Design Centre like the one from Garaga. You can even take a photo of your home, upload it, and get an idea of the wide variety of options available in decorative windows. You’ll be able to determine which ones fit the architecture of your home and enhance the visual of your home.
The Practicality of the Situation
Those who are considering adding windows to the garage door may want to incorporate natural light into the space. This makes the space useful for more than just storing the car when it isn’t being used.
How high are privacy and security on your list of priorities? This is a question to ask early in the decision‑making process. If those things are important to you, that doesn’t mean you can’t install decorative windows. You can choose to use frosted or tinted glass which allows you to look out without having the neighborhood looking in.
You also want to consider the weathertightness and insulation of the garage, especially if it’s somewhere that you do all your automobile work or craft projects. Nobody wants to do their work in an environment that is damp and cold. When it comes to garage door windows, the thermal resistance can be at best R‑3.6(assuming you utilize Argon-filled sealed double panes). The garage door can be much higher at up to R‑16 for a polyurethane‑injected model at 1 ¾ inches (45 mm).
What effect can I expect with my lifting system if I do add windows?
If you don’t already have a garage door with decorative windows, yes, it will. The cost of your project will rise a few dollars in order to adapt the door to accommodate the weight of the door. Everything from the age of the spring system and the type, torsion or extension, will have an effect on the needed alterations. For those who already have installed windows, there may be no need to make these changes. To be sure, you will want to hire a garage door technician to analyze the situation and determine if changes are required.
You may think that you don’t need to worry about it since you have a strong electric garage door opener which can handle the extra weight of the windows you install. While some garage door openers can lift up to 230 pounds (115 kilos), if you have a spring system that is older, the weight might cause an imbalance. A garage door that is balanced will feel as if it weighs only about 10 pounds (4.5 kilos),
Lastly, don’t make the mistake of saying that your electric garage door opener is so powerful that it will be able to lift the extra weight following the addition of new windows. Yes, it is true to say that a door opener can lift a weight of 230 lb. (115 kg), but if the spring system has aged a bit, this additional weight may cause it to become unbalanced. A correctly balanced door appears to weigh around only 10 lb. (4.5 kg), but an unbalanced door can burn out the opener and cause a safety hazard. You should also remember that the weight the opener can life, it can also press down. Make sure you and your family members are safe by having the door checked by a professional.
Are you wondering if you’re doing the right thing?
It’s normal to have questions and we’d be happy to help. You can contact us at 724-287-1673 whenever you like. Our team knows everything there is to know about garage door systems. We can offer guidance and help you make the best choice, no matter what your needs are. We’d also be happy to send you a quotation by email.
If you prefer, you can meet us at our showroom. We also have an online Design Centre where you can see what window designs catch your eye. If you need extra help, take a look at our image gallery for some inspiration.