Need viewing port for garage door

[Chevy-SS]

Recently built a new garage addition with 10' x 8' doors. They have windows, but they are too high up, so I can't see when someone comes in the driveway.

I need some sort of viewing porthole or small windows. Any suggestions?? The doors are aluminum, insulated, 2" thick.

 

[thewatusi]

Discreetly pleaced security camera with a small monitor at your workbench or wherever.

Adding a window to the garage door will most likely look terrible.

 

[HoosierMark]

what about a mirror like they use for blind corners? Or hang a cheap mirror up from rafters but above where the door tracks. Angle it so you can see thru the window. You probably also could change the level of the windows if you wanted by changing the order of the panels and just cover them with one way mirrored foil.

 

[farphle]

Peephole?

 

[sublime68charger]

can you swap the panel and make the one with windows lower in the door?

on this door the windows was in the top panel just had to unbolt the hanger brackets and swamp them with the other's set and now the panel with windows is at Eye level.

can you post a pic of your garage door?

 

[rburke65]

Yes a peephole like in a front door? That would work!

 

[Chevy-SS]

can you swap the panel and make the one with windows lower in the door?

on this door the windows was in the top panel just had to unbolt the hanger brackets and swamp them with the other's set and now the panel with windows is at Eye level.

can you post a pic of your garage door?
.................

My doors are exactly like yours, color and window style are same. I was actually thinking of swapping panels like you did. Thanks for posting the pic. It looks good that way. That might be best solution.

I am on vacation, so no access to my server space to post pic......

 

[A29]

I put a peep hole in mine. Works good enough.

 

[Chevy-SS]

I am debating about the peephole. That may work too, but only if I heard someone pull into driveway. I don't always hear the cars pulling in..... Thanks for some good ideas.

 

[sublime68charger]

My doors are exactly like yours, color and window style are same. I was actually thinking of swapping panels like you did. Thanks for posting the pic. It looks good that way. That might be best solution.

I am on vacation, so no access to my server space to post pic......

I did the Panel swap when I put the doors in just had to swap some brackets around pretty simple and easy.

if your door is already in it still would be easy to due. will need 1 helper for lifting panel out.

good luck

 

[ryanedoyle]

I second the camera. You can pick up very inexpensive cameras now days and stream video to your phone. Consider it killing two birds with one stone. Some insurance companies even give policy discounts for security systems.

 

[upndown]

Just remember if you can easily see out, others can easily see in!

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Just remember if you can easily see out, others can easily see in!

Not with Limo tint plus it keeps the sun/heat/uv rays down too.

 

[KiltLifter]

I am debating about the peephole. That may work too, but only if I heard someone pull into driveway. I don't always hear the cars pulling in..... Thanks for some good ideas.

Wireless Driveway "doorbell", $18
http://www.harborfreight.com/wireless-driveway-alert-system-93068.html

 

[rodm1]

You could put a tail pipe exhaust port in it.
http://www.hosecraftusa.com/accessory/RG_Door_Port

 

[Pumpjack86]

Wireless Driveway "doorbell", $18
http://www.harborfreight.com/wireless-driveway-alert-system-93068.html

I bought one of these and it didn't work very well. It had to be in line of sight with each other and the range wasn't very good. Even if it did work the chime sound was very annoying

 

[southalabama]

We've had good luck with the hf motion sensor alarms shown above. They can frequently be gotten for 12 bucks. My brother uses one in a retail store. As stated the alarm sound is annoying as hell.

 

[Mstrfxit12]

If you decide to go the peep hole route I have something like this in my garage. It is far better than the type you would see in a hotel. Its probably been in 10 years and had no problems. Can see the whole driveway..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Extra-Large...180-Degree-Fish-Eye-View-Taiwan-/400676959615

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

You could put a tail pipe exhaust port in it.
http://www.hosecraftusa.com/accessory/RG_Door_Port

Dang it... another project..HA!

 

[gungatim]

I know several people that use the HF motion sensor. usually for deer but works great whatever your intent.