Garage window replacement - (obscure or clear glass)

[OldnSlo]

It's time to redo the sad looking garage windows (3 tall ones in a row) that face the street and you walk by as you approach the front door.

Today they are plastic obscure panes. The rest of the house is being retrofitted to Pella dual pane modern windows.

Its a ranch style home, slump block. The neighborhood has similar garages, some with window retrofits, but all the retrofits have clear glass, and wonderfully clean wood blinds to keep prying eyes out.

Do you have pics of YOUR garage window retrofit with obscure glass?

Thanks in advance. Suggestions are encouraged.

 

[Regnar]

I would install Clear Glass and head down to you big box store and pick up the frosted window cling. It's just like installing tint. Hopefully you ordered double pane for the garage too so that the stiles are between the windows and makes installation that much easier. It also allows you to heat or cool later on more efficiently.

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/decor/...612-ft-frosted-privacy-window-film-48266.html

 

[Steevo]

I used clear glass on mine, because that is what I found at the builders surplus place when I was building it. Cheap vinyl roller shades keep anyone from peeking in through the windows.

 

[Zeke]

Well, in AZ he may have some trouble with a film. The labels on the windows generally say don't do that, but they are mostly talking about tint.

I don't have any pics, but some obscure glass is not so obvious. Look at what they call "glue chip." If you place blinds behind GC you can see the outlines pretty well, but not into the garage itself so much is you open them for light.

 

[OldnSlo]

@ Regnar....nice tip! I was unaware of the cling film. That just may do the trick and the next owner can easily remove it (tho I have been here 20 years).

@ Steevo, did you use the low expansion foam, or the more rigid expansive type?

 

[cowboy73]

You can also buy some glass etching cream and do it yourself. It's available at most craft stores. You could even get fancy and put a design on the glass. I would probably do the design with the window out though. Not real sure how well it would work on a vertical surface.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BE3UM4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have some cheap blinds up in the garage. I'd like to have something different but for about $7 a piece, they were hard to beat.

Maybe I could add some window tint over the winter, it'd give me something to do. I'll have to see if I can find some limo tint. I was planning on building some bars over the winter and painting them white (blinds are white) so they would sort of blend in.

 

[Regnar]

Well, in AZ he may have some trouble with a film. The labels on the windows generally say don't do that, but they are mostly talking about tint.

Mine is installed on a garage door in Florida where it sees sun for the majority of the day. The previous owner installed clear glass and I needed to keep prying eyes out and let light in. Works like a charm for years now. The also come in different patterns like stain glass, clouds, frosted patterns.

 

[toolmiser]

I asked a window person about tinting windows (thermopane), and he also said there is a worry about heat buildup between the glass and ruining the window. He suggested putting the tint on the outside. He said it wouldn't last as long, but would be easier on the windows.

 

[srmofo]

I asked a window person about tinting windows (thermopane), and he also said there is a worry about heat buildup between the glass and ruining the window. He suggested putting the tint on the outside. He said it wouldn't last as long, but would be easier on the windows.

Prying eyes could peel it off though.

Personally I have clear glass with blinds.

 

[bob15]

I took the windows out of my garage and sided over them. It's the safest way to prevent a break-in.

The one window in my barn is only 20" tall, so i put a 5/8" tool steel rod across the center of it. You can break the glass, but no one could squeeze through it and cutting tool steel with a hack saw would be tough.

 

[Rag Roc]

I added wire reinforced glass to my shop door mostly for the industrial look. It's available in clear or opaque.

 

[mikeytint]

You can install any frost or design window film or cling material on any window. It can be double or single pane without any issues they do not absorb any heat. You could have a problem with any tinted films they do absorb heat and can cause expansion problems breaking the glass. Frosted window tint is a better solution if installed properly because it shouldn't peel unless you want it to.

 

[danfromsyr]

bumpin an old thread but a topic I was looking for.

Krylon & Rustoleum have a frosted window spray coating you can apply to the inside. available at most big box stores in the spray cans isle. (bring your ID )
you can even mask for decorative patterns or words.
also it is reversible with acetone and a scraper at any later time.

http://www.google.com/search?q=fros...Ag&biw=970&bih=982&sei=kZCnUZTbMY354AO3uIHwDg

 

[theoldwizard1]

Glass block

 

[JimVonBaden]

I would install Clear Glass and head down to you big box store and pick up the frosted window cling. It's just like installing tint. Hopefully you ordered double pane for the garage too so that the stiles are between the windows and makes installation that much easier. It also allows you to heat or cool later on more efficiently.

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/decor/...612-ft-frosted-privacy-window-film-48266.html

I used that on my back door for privacy. It works well, looks good and is easily removable. I like that we can change it if we decide to use a different style later.

Jim

 

[JimVonBaden]

Well, in AZ he may have some trouble with a film. The labels on the windows generally say don't do that, but they are mostly talking about tint.

I don't have any pics, but some obscure glass is not so obvious. Look at what they call "glue chip." If you place blinds behind GC you can see the outlines pretty well, but not into the garage itself so much is you open them for light.

My rear door is in the full afternoon sun for 4-6 hours a day, no issues. Dual payne glass is the key.

Jim

 

[marinusdees]

I used fluorescent light diffusers cut to fit. I have 3 10' x 10' aluminum/glass doors. Lets in light, can't see in.