ready to start framing with no set plans shy of entry door placement. Question is planning on putting three windows in, one on each gable end and one in front of garage size would be 48" wide 36" tall vinyl sliders. How far off the floor and is that a good size ??. I have a Thread started under Garage Gallery 30 x 40 garage build. Thanks, any Idea's or input would be great
Help with window size and placement
- Thread starter ktm010
- Start date
Gary S
Well-known member
My decisions about windows in my garage were based on a couple of simple things. First, I wanted a couple of windows large enough to handle a basic window air conditioner. Larger than that, would just be a "hole" in the wall to lose heat in the winter and add heat in the summer. Other than that consideration, I wanted the windows high enough in the walls so they would be difficult to enter from the outside. And, position them so they are out of the way of whatever plans you have for inside.
First figure out what you want and what you need. What everybody else in the world wants and needs won't likely be right for you.
First figure out what you want and what you need. What everybody else in the world wants and needs won't likely be right for you.
I know where you are coming from, I wrestled with the same thing for a few weeks and did not make a final choice until the framer was ready for it.
I took into consideration my ceiling height and heat source, and since I had a radiant floor I figured the higher up the window the less heat would get up to it. Security was also a sticky for me, I wanted light but privacy, so another vote for up high.
I ended up with what you see in my avatar and I love it, I can leave them open during the spring and since they tilt in nobody can tell they are open from the road. And since they are up high I cant hit my head on them.
<------ Outside shot
I took into consideration my ceiling height and heat source, and since I had a radiant floor I figured the higher up the window the less heat would get up to it. Security was also a sticky for me, I wanted light but privacy, so another vote for up high.
I ended up with what you see in my avatar and I love it, I can leave them open during the spring and since they tilt in nobody can tell they are open from the road. And since they are up high I cant hit my head on them.
<------ Outside shot
hockey88fan
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 25, 2011
- Messages
- 428
I'm wrestling with the same decision right now, interested to hear the replies.
NickD
Member
If you plan on having a workbench in front of the window, make sure the bottom of the window is higher than your workbench. Probably a good idea to allow a few extra inches above bench to protect yourself from breaking your window with a wrench!
Nick
Nick
bczygan
Well-known member
I've worked in shops that were a box with no outside light or views. It was an awful prison. Humans need a view of the natural world to soothe them. In addition to a short view outside, people need a long view as well. I would plan my work stations so that at least some of them had these views. Natural light is important for vitamin D to keep you from becoming psychologically depressed (The winter blahs). To combat heat loss I would devise insulated shutters for heat retention and security when not using the shop. Some windows need to be operable and located for cross ventilation. I don't want a man CAVE, but a space anyone would want to spend a lot of time in. A warm, welcoming, bright, clean, well organized space that has connections and relationships to other buildings and spaces and features on the site. I would like to look up from my work and see trees and birds and water and people in the yard. I would like to throw open doors and work halfway or completely outside on a nice day. I'd like to open windows and smell fresh cut grass or lilacs blooming. Would make the work a lot more pleasant.
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trbomax
Well-known member
Just my oppinion, but with 3 windows that big theres no point in putting locks on the doors. If a would be thief can look in and see whats there , there is more incentive to take it home,may as well make it easy for them so they dont damage the building by kicking in the door. No windows here ,and I'm not paranoid about a break in,its just that I can see no point in hardening up a building with walk thru windows!
I have 3 windows in my garage, plus another made of glass block.
I'd rather not have the windows because of security reasons. I might open them once a year and maybe flip up the blinds covering about twice that.
In a perfect world, I'd love to have windows that I could leave open but in reality I can't/won't.
I'd rather not have the windows because of security reasons. I might open them once a year and maybe flip up the blinds covering about twice that.
In a perfect world, I'd love to have windows that I could leave open but in reality I can't/won't.
ddawg16
Well-known member
Actually.....once it's pointed out...it becomes simple.....
Standard door is 80" high....most guys frame them 81" for a little wiggle room (after doing my garage, I understand why)
Windows? Top is the same height...80" (81" rough).
Bottom....how ever tall you want them....but consider that a work bench would typically be at least 36"....(38" is my magic number)....plus at least 6" for a back splash....so, 42" to 44" is a good #...this gives you a window that is about 36" high.....and as wide as you want it.
Standard door is 80" high....most guys frame them 81" for a little wiggle room (after doing my garage, I understand why)
Windows? Top is the same height...80" (81" rough).
Bottom....how ever tall you want them....but consider that a work bench would typically be at least 36"....(38" is my magic number)....plus at least 6" for a back splash....so, 42" to 44" is a good #...this gives you a window that is about 36" high.....and as wide as you want it.