Garage Windows -- Yes or No?

[Jaguar Fan]

I have a bunch of windows in my garage -- and wish I didn't. They are just magnets for flying insects where I live, and every few weeks, the window sills and surrounding areas are just littered with fly sh*t and dead flies.

 

[tfi racing]

I planned on installing 4x2 sliders up at least 6 or 8 feet up on my 12 foot walls for security and wall space storage,but once it was up,the openings just didn't look right and would annoy me everyday as the shop is in full view from the main living area of the house.It also didn't hurt that I found brand new 4x3 windows for 1/2 price,that probably swayed my decision the most!If I was building in my old 'hood in Calgary,I definitely would have a windowless shop,there it was unwise to leave the door open for longer than absolutely necessary as some scumbag would be taking inventory for their wish list.

 

[jayoldschool]

My garage has three south facing windows. I love it! I never turn on lights unless I am out there at night. Nice to look out the window and see who's coming up the drive, too...

I do have a good alarm system, with a motion detector for the garage space, and contacts on all the openings as well.

 

[bomber]

Natural light is a wonderful thing -- the more, the better.

Depending on your location, windows could be a major concern.

However, and it's something many seem to overlook, check out industrial building, especially those built in the 40s through 60s -- natural light was a big money saver for these facilities, and, in major urban areas, windows were a security concern - lots of ways to overcome that, however:

Windows up high on the walls

Long, narrow windows (Arts&Crafts style), to make it tough for anyone larger than a 5 year old to get through

Security covers over the glass (grates, screens, et al -- these may not please the decorate in your life, though -- not many women want to have a small factory in their back yard)

Glass blocks

The bottom line is, you simply cannot stop a determined individual from breaking into your shop, if they really want to get in. You're deep into risk/benefit analysis at this point.

Just make sure to have fun!

 

[v8garage]

Hey man, the more windows the better, make you neighbors jealous! But you will have to strategically place them so your wife cant really see whats going on in the space.
p.s. the icons are not garage material

If your neighbors can see in so can the thieves. Why temp them?

 

[e-tek]

Spent so much on the house ya couldn't afford a decent car?

 

[porschedude996TT]

You could add a 4x4 and some wrought iron grid on the outside or inside to discourage the theives.

 

[FlameOut]

I'm just now building my 28x34, and I wasn't planning on windows. I was planning on a vent on the rear, opposite side of the doors. I figured most of the time in the warm weather when I'm out there, the doors, or a door will be open. In the winter, I want to keep as much heat in as I can

Now, is there a debate on floor drains? I'm still torn on that one

 

[X73]

No windows for me - I was broken into once & don't want that to happen again. Of course they came in thru the window. My garage has no windows but realized over the years it's too cave like in there, so when I added on for my workshop I put in one gable window (13' high) & two skylights. I'm planning on a third skylight but since the ceiling is all done, I doubt it will get put in but I love all the natural light coming thru those skylights. Even in the winter it makes working out there so much nicer.

 

[sam 8]

The windows in the new portion of my shop are near the top of the 12' walls.
The lower standard windows in the old portion were the first to get blinds, and I recently bought 200' of 1/2 solid square stock.
The lower windows now have bars, and the uppers will get them to, as time passes.
I want the light, don't want the peepers and won't tolerate the crooks.
I live out in the sticks, am a retired cop, and try to minimize risks when I can.

 

[jayoldschool]

Spent so much on the house ya couldn't afford a decent car?

Sorry, my 65 Impala convertible (along with a few others) are in the garage. No Fords or foreign, so I'm sure you wouldn't like them...

 

[Kona Cruisers]

what about those storm / sercurity shutters that rool up and down?

 

[IDASHO]

Without these windows...

I wouldnt have this view

 

[RoadBeater]

30X40 with no windows. I debated this for some time. Didn't want to spend money to loose heat out the window and also the wall space. Wall space is a premium for shelfs/cabinets. Windows were potential break in points. Generally when I am out there I am working, so the window would not be used for looking out of.

 

[FunfDreisig]

Without these windows...

I wouldnt have this view

Exactly!

Reading though this thread I was reminded that windows provide two views. And that some GJ members are far more concerned about the view from the outside, than the view from the inside.

Funf Dreisig

 

[thdewey]

Downstairs I have one window, two nine light doors and a row of windows in the garage door. Upstairs I have two nine over nine light windows and a nine light door.