Installing New Garage Door: Windows or None?

[Squirrell]

I am installing a new door and when the installer came over to measure, he put it in my mind that with windows people can see in and there's a security risk and I'm wondering if it's worth it to have the windows or just to put a solid door in?

I live in Northern California so heat and cold aren't concerns. I have a flip up door now that has a half to 3/4 inch gap on each side.

 

[PittsS1]

I vote yes, BUT, make them frosted. I applied the film myself after install- still lets a lot of natural light in but are totally obscured from the outside.

 

[jon72vega]

Have the windows put in the top section.
That way you get natural light in, but you have to be tall and stand on your tip-toes to see inside.

 

[493mike]

You might also consider heat loss/gain differences.
Mike

 

[CNGsaves]

Too little information . . .
. . . .
. . . . . . . is garage is in . . . . East St Louis ??
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Chicago ??
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . across street from Vatican ??
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rural Alaska ?? . . . . . .

Update GJ Profile with LOCATION.

 

[benchracer]

Go windows, but frosted like Pitts said. Insulated windows add too much extra weight to the door. If you're worried about the insulation factor, you can cover them with foam board during cold weather. I'm in Chicago and don't have a heat loss issue with non-insulated glass. The extra light you get in the garage is worth it too.

 

[xwrench3]

Personally, I want as much free light inside my garage as I can get. if you do not want people to see in, you can either have the glass sandblasted, or buy a spray on "frost" coating (like spray paint) that will let in the light, while not let people see whats inside. or you can buy (easiest) a roll of "Contact" brand shelf liner that has lots of tiny prism like structures in it. it is meant for privacy for use in bathroom windows etc. where you want the light, but not let people see in. that is what i have used for the last 20 years. and i use it on every window in the garage. i also double it up on at least one pane in every direction, sticky side to sticky side for about 2/3rds of the height, that makes a convenient "flap"that i can lift up, so i can see out when i want. if you do not want people to know your in the garage after dark, you can always duct tape cardboard over the windows. sometimes, privacy trumps everything.

 

[Squirrell]

I vote yes, BUT, make them frosted. I applied the film myself after install- still lets a lot of natural light in but are totally obscured from the outside.

What brand of film did you use that works?

 

[lakeroadster]

Break the window, pull the overhead door opener release chord, you're in.....

I voted no.

 

[eastbaysubaru]

The film I got was from Home Depot IIRC. Unfortunately I don't recall the brand name. I put it on a window next to our front door about 7 years ago and it's held up just fine and serves the intended purpose.

I voted "yes" as I will definitely be adding them when we replace our garage doors (hopefully in the next year or two).

-Brian

 

[APEowner]

I like windows. Yes, they're a security risk but so are all the other windows in the garage.

 

[Jawn]

Entirely personal preference. I chose no windows based on external appearance and ability to keep prying eyes out.

 

[MattVette89]

What brand of film did you use that works?

The film I got was from Home Depot IIRC. Unfortunately I don't recall the brand name. I put it on a window next to our front door about 7 years ago and it's held up just fine and serves the intended purpose.

I voted "yes" as I will definitely be adding them when we replace our garage doors (hopefully in the next year or two).

-Brian

Same here. I put some frosted film on some windows that let in too much light in the house. Almost 10 years now and still holding up fine. Also got it at HD.

 

[pacemade]

Put the windows in, you can use that one way tinting and install an alarm system. Thieves will find a way in anyways, homeowner insurance will cut a check for all items lost.

 

[PittsS1]

What brand of film did you use that works?

I used the Gila frosted film from Home Depot. I didn't have real high hopes, but really wanted to get the privacy ASAP so I gave it a go. Followed the directions exactly, took my time, and the install looked awesome with no bubbles. Going on 5 years now and still looks like right after I installed it, so I'm totally satisfied with it.

 

[PittsS1]

Break the window, pull the overhead door opener release chord, you're in.....

I voted no.

Many ways around that. I have a jackshaft opener- no cord within reach to pull. Lots of other methods to secure it (zip ties around latch, etc.)

 

[Joe Reed]

I went with no windows. My door faces west....toward the hot afternoon summer sun. I upgraded to an insulated door with no window for maximum insulation.

 

[Gidge]

I voted "no" but that is the security consciousness gremlin in my head --Nothing like natural light to brighten up a dark area -- and it can't hurt for curb-appeal either.

 

[smedly]

Funny. Just today I said out loud to myself how nice it was to finally have windows in the garage door. Natural light in the wintertime is awesome. Moved to the new place about 6 months ago after 14 years in a windowless garage.

No amount of LED or fluorescent lights make up for a bit of sunlight.

I'm not concerned about security in my area or prying eyes. I have the doors open almost all summer. I live in a typical nicer suburban area in MN. ( I guess that describes it)

 

[kaffine]

Half the time I am working in the garage it is dark outside so windows aren't going to help with light. With the security risk of glass I would go with a solid door.

Then again I really hate windows anyways. I wouldn't mind not having any windows on the house. If I really want a view I can hang flat screen up and have a view of a nice beach or mountains.

 

[fnieto]

12' high doors facing west with window panel at 8' so no peeping tom to worry about. Love them!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Both my garage and the house garage have 9x8 doors.

My garage doors have no windows, better security/ less heat loss. It also makes it harder to tell if anybody is inside, radio is never shut off either.

The house garage doors have windows in the top section. Since they are 8' tall,you have to be a stilt to look in or have something to stand on. I believe the windows look better on the house garage.

 

[Yamaguy]

Maybe I'm paranoid, but if I want light in the garage I'll turn it on.

Although I feel the same way in the house as well, but I do like Windows for the fresh air they bring in when open.

 

[glazier1]

I would install 1/8" clear or obscure polycarbonate to solve the security problem. It's more expensive than glass or acrylic, but is better in this application.

 

[James-W]

I have no windows in my garage door and I only have one window in the building. The only reason I have the window is so that I can put in an air-conditioner when it starts getting hot in the Summer and take it back out in the Fall. When I am working out there in the daytime and it is nice weather, I leave the overhead door open. When it gets too hot out I close the door and crank up the air-conditioner.

 

[Squirrell]

I went with etched windows. Thanks everyone.

 

[trim]

Go with the windows in the top section. Thieves don't carry ladders with them. There are easier targets out there. I love the extra light and it looks better on the outside.

 

[dwysywd]

Just so you know, the panel that holds the windows weighs 2x a std panel weight. Fwiw, I skipped the Windows in favor of the weight savings. I have (2) 10x8 doors. I have 3 huge windows, so I didn't need the natural light in the garage. And I live in the sticks, so prying eyes isn't a problem. If you're on my property, you intending to be there. I have cameras and security footage. I know it, via alert, if some is there when I'm not.

All that being said, the additional weight isn't a big issue, if you buy good openers. It's just worth noting. I bought good openers. So it's moot. But my 2 cents[emoji111]


Sent from my bag phone...

 

[NotV8]

I go for no window for the door but I have windows for natural light and you'll need a 10' ladder to look inside or outside…

 

[Yamaguy]

NotV8, I do like that design. I've never had a building with high ceilings to be able to put the windows up nice and high. Plus, once the zombie apocalypse hits and there is no more power, I'll be working in my shop by candle light while you will have sunlight...

 

[DpSyChO]

I went with windows in the garage doors and got some "drop ceiling light panels" from lowes and cut to fit into the inside of the window frames. I cut them about 1/8-1/4" taller than the frame which makes them "bow" out and have constant tension which is what holds them in even when opening the door. I leave them in all the time for security reasons but it takes me about 3 seconds to pop one of them out if I want direct light. A picture is worth a thousand words, if weather allows I'll take one tomorrow.

 

[Tron]

I would not go with windows for security's sake.

 

[jstroede]

Just so you know, the panel that holds the windows weighs 2x a std panel weight. Fwiw, I skipped the Windows in favor of the weight savings. I have (2) 10x8 doors. I have 3 huge windows, so I didn't need the natural light in the garage. And I live in the sticks, so prying eyes isn't a problem. If you're on my property, you intending to be there. I have cameras and security footage. I know it, via alert, if some is there when I'm not.

All that being said, the additional weight isn't a big issue, if you guy good openers. It's just worth noting. I bought good openers. So it's moot. But my 2 cents[emoji111]


Sent from my bag phone...

I don't know where you got your information but isn't true. Windows can add a little weight depending on door construction but not anywhere near double in almost all cases.

John

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[dwysywd]

I don't know where you got your information but isn't true. Windows can add a little weight depending on door construction but not anywhere near double in almost all cases.

John

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Sheesh. Ok mr. Passive aggressive, [emoji33]I got my information from 2 garage door companies, my buddy who installs and the information from the pamphlet on my door the guy at HD and Menards both gave me. They all said the same thing, windows will add 20% weight to the door.

I said it was my 2 cents worth and like I said, the only reason windows would matter was if you were going to buy a cheap opener! Yes I know that they have counter springs, but it makes the whole system work harder... And I should have mentioned this before, is panel sag when the door is opened. The wider the door, the more glass, the great the panel will sag over the years. Just physics my guru friend, just physics.

And yes, windows weigh about 5lbs each, adds 20+ pounds to the door panel...effectively DOUBLING, the weight of the PANEL. [emoji38] And the door panel is reduced by about only 5 lbs from material removal. So, a standard 10x8 door weighs 90 lbs, add 20 lbs for standard windows, subtract the 5lbs material removed and net weight for the PANEL goes from 18 to 33 lbs, an 83.33% increase and you've increased the weight of the door by 16.67%...[emoji51][emoji38] I'm sure they were figuring a round up of 17% up to 20%

Now I'm no garage door expert, didn't claim to be, but felt my information at least helped. But then again, I'm not a "garage door guru" and clearly you are per your information page. So, have at it. I defer all comments to you. [emoji79]. I will henceforth refrain from further interjection.

Lmao, PSA...

Happy new year

 

[highland_hunter]

If I had to do it over again I would go with no windows. Security risk too great as far as I am concerned.

 

[justanengineer]

No, I prefer windows on the back and sides of a garage but not the front. Even innocent folks will peek in the front, if I see them on the side or back theyre guaranteed up to no good. I also dont want to deal with window leaks, temperature loss, or other common issues, I've got enough to maintain without looking for more.

In case you havent heard this is also 2016 not 1996, garage door windows are "out" this year.

 

[MattVette89]

I'm curious why everyone thinks a 12" wide window 7 feet up is such a security risk? Go on YouTube and watch videos on how to break into a garage. You might be surprised.

 

[glazier1]

1/8" glass weight = 3 lbs per sqft. (Not including glass stops)

 

[glazier1]

Sorry, i wasn't clear on the glass weight. Insulated glass consisting of 2 lites of 1/8" glass = 3 lbs per sqft. 1/8" monolithic glass = 1.5 lbs per sqft.

 

[lakeroadster]

I'm curious why everyone thinks a 12" wide window 7 feet up is such a security risk?

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?