Kevkx125
Well-known member
For all you guys that say no windows for security reasons have actually had a break in through a window?
Installing New Garage Door: Windows or None?
- Thread starter Squirrell
- Start date
Dustball
Well-known member
Not if the windows are obscured. I recently had new doors put in with obscured windows and you can't see into the garage one bit but they still let plenty of light through.Would you agree it's easier to break through a steel overhead door via a window in it to pull the emergency opener release than to break through a steel door that doesn't have a window?
lakeroadster
Well-known member
Being obscured doesn't make the window any more difficult to break, right? Every door with an opener has the emergency release cord... that's my concern... ease to get to that cord.
And removing the cord is a code violation.
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rshadd
Well-known member
I went with a solid door... although it was mostly for looks. I saw the lack of windows as one less maintenance item and I already have skylights for natural light. If I'm in the garage chances are the door is open anyway. If it's cold out the insulated panel help keeps in the heat.
nadogail
Well-known member
My windows are polycarbonate ( AKA Lexan ) virtually unbreakable and high in the door.
The garage is alarmed when we leave the house.
The garage is alarmed when we leave the house.
77thor
Well-known member
I live in a very safe neighborhood and I love a lot of light, so I went with windows in the door.
After 5-6 years, I don't regret it one bit.
After 5-6 years, I don't regret it one bit.
77Mini
Well-known member
I like having the windows in my doors. I did worry about people looking in but the extra light and being able to see out is really nice.
mopar440_6
Well-known member
I voted yes, because even though my shop isn't finished, I opted for no windows (because it was an extra $300) and I'm already regretting it. But my building has no other natural light, is down a hill directly behind my house and out of sight and has motion activated security lighting on all sides. Someone would either have to drive past my house or severely trespass through the junkyard behind me to even get a peek inside. Neither of which would end well for them.
But if I were to add the windows I would put them in one of the higher sections of the door and possibly frost the windows.
But if I were to add the windows I would put them in one of the higher sections of the door and possibly frost the windows.
Dustball
Well-known member
When you say you "use them", are you saying you're able to open the windows in your garage door?
77Mini
Well-known member
I voted for windows but its not breaking in through the window that worried me. Its seeing whats in the garage through the window then having a reason to kick in the door etc.
MattVette89
Well-known member
Would you agree it's easier to break through a steel overhead door via a window in it to pull the emergency opener release than to break through a steel door that doesn't have a window?
No reason to break anything. You push the door back 1/4" and slip a coathanger through the gap in the door and frame. Go watch it on youtube.
MattVette89
Well-known member
Put a film over the windows. Allows light in, but you can't see in.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Artscape...lass-Decorative-Window-Film-01-0122/100616371
Dustball
Well-known member
I took a picture of what you can see when trying to look into the garage. There's a 8 foot tall pallet rack three feet behind the garage door window in the middle yet there's no way you'd be able to tell by looking in the window.
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justanengineer
Well-known member
I'm curious why you'd think having windows 7' up in a garage door is even relatively common. Most garage doors are 7' tall, most windows are ~5' off the ground in a middle panel, even put in the top panel of a 7' door the window's are still easily peeked in. JMO but its a security risk not because someone's going to break in through them, its a security risk bc folks can easily see through them from the driveway. If someone has to walk around to the side of the garage to peek in an actual window, its pretty obvious to myself, neighbors, and anyone passing by that theyre up to no good. Aside from that, I dont want even well-meaning folks to know what I own bc I dont want them accidentally tipping off a thief, and yes folks do commonly peek in those windows. Several of my neighbors have $100k+ cars and those with windows have kids peeking in them all the time, "Hey man, did you hear that Mr XYZ has a Ferrari? Lets go see...."
BruceMc
Well-known member
I put in windows not just for light, but so that I can see out. The windows are easy enough to block or obscure when I'm not there. Same reason I have roller shades on the fixed windows in the walls. As far as pulling the cord - you can pull it all day long and the door won't budge until you release the side latches. And that requires stepping on the inside toe plate first to relieve the tension.
bobss396
Active member
I have high windows on my insulated garage door, impossible to reach in through without decimating the door. Now I've read this, I will be adding something so people can't see in. Even at 6' tall you need to stand on something to see in, which could be done pretty easily.
bart1
Well-known member
I have a 2 car garage door and my house is neither very big nor very fancy and my window is at about 7'. I think they are a poly material as well.
Very old pic (don't have either of the cars any more, maybe I traded one of them for a lawn mower), but here is the only thing I saw quickly that had a size reference.
Too little information.
While security may be a concern, the first thing to figure out is whether you'll actually get a worthwhile amount of light from them. If your door faces north and is overhung by the roof eaves putting windows in the door will be pretty worthless. If the door will be shaded by trees the same thing applies. To make this decision, the exposure of the door needs to be specified.
While security may be a concern, the first thing to figure out is whether you'll actually get a worthwhile amount of light from them. If your door faces north and is overhung by the roof eaves putting windows in the door will be pretty worthless. If the door will be shaded by trees the same thing applies. To make this decision, the exposure of the door needs to be specified.
bmes1982
Active member
I like windows in the garage doors. I allows light in during the spring and fall when the weather isn't nice enough to have the doors open. It's also nice to be able to run in the garage during the day to get something and not have to turn on the lights.