Windows in garage: good, bad?

[reader2580]

Are windows a good idea or bad idea in a garage? My garage currently has three rectangular windows plus a octagon window. Two of the rectangular windows have plywood in them instead of glass. I need to reside the garage and I am wondering if I should keep any of the windows at all? They would need to be replaced for sure if I keep them.

My parents had a service door to the garage with a window in it. They had the house resided and doors replaced recently. They went without a window so thieves wouldn't know if they are home or not. They kept a side window in the garage as it is way high and nobody can see through it.

I'm kinda thinking that windows just allow thieves to see all the stuff stored in the garage.

 

[sixty4]

Have the windows tinted. At least you can have a way to get fresh air into garage. Plenty of ways to get windows pinned with locks. Also a wireless motion detector is easy to install.

 

[bczygan]

For a purely storage building, not necessary.

For a workshop, do you want to work in a factory cell, or a pleasant workspace?

 

[Apex Structures]

Ventilation is always a good idea in my opinion. We are custom making some window bars that screw to the inside of the window boxes so the outside looks clean. I typically include a few windows in my proposals and the debate comes up to have them or not to have them. Some say that you can't desire what you cant see, the others are not climate controlling the space, so they need the ventilation to maintain a comfortable temperature in the Summer months.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Yupp, I got rid of the only window I had (Door leading to the side yard.) If I need light, I can open the garage doors, or just turn on the lights... I don't really want to give thieves another way to get into my house...

 

[CNGsaves]

Depends on magnitude. If your garage is 20' x 16' and you've got 3 mediocre windows plus a man door in MN . . . . then's that not good. Also, do any of the windows distract from your USE of garage . . . ie prevent using that wall how you WANT to use the garage ?? If your garage is 40' x 60' and has 3 windows . . no big deal.

Tell us how big is garage and quality of windows. They have screens so you can open in summer and let in cool air without bugs ?? Will you be losing natural light that has been helpful ??

Pictures ??

 

[mhm993]

Other than they take wall space, I like having a bunch of windows in the garage. I live in a low crime area away from others, however.

 

[KCarGuy]

I guess it depends on the area that you live in.

If there are a lot of break-ins...then go with smaller, or higher windows, or no windows.
My first Home, I had a metal frame and metal bars welded and lag bolted to the inside of the Window framework.

If you are in a Very Safe quite area...Then add new windows, and enjoy your fresh air and natural lighting.

 

[BeachBoy]

Best is in doors (entry and garage doors) plus a wide one above garage door.

I have one on the side and it is useless as it takes up wall space.

Make sure they are frosted too for privacy.

 

[tms0425]

I'm in a similar situation with 2 windows on the side and 2 on the rear with 4'x3' rough openings in concrete block, currently with fixed glass in them. I'd like to have the fresh air too, and I enjoy the natural light coming in when I'm working during the day. I have two 10'x9' OH doors facing a well traveled road, where anyone can see inside when they're open, so I keep those closed except when moving things in and out. There is no exterior man door to worry about.

This shop is 1/2 mi down the road from my house, though very visible. My plan is to put 4 casements in, which are slightly more secure than double hung or sliders, and are at least a time deterrent. I have 2" wood blinds in the rest of the building which get closed when I'm not there, takes me less than a minute in and out, so I plan to use those same ones in the garage. They're easy to clean so hopefully this works out well.

I also have plenty of exterior lighting, camera's, etc. in place to monitor goings on there.

 

[bczygan]

This is how I'd like my shop to look...

 

[Ray916MN]

Depends on the area you live in and orientation of the windows.

If security is a major concern in your area and it is natural for there to be foot traffic past your garage then of course they can represent a risk. Bars, fencing or one way tint can do much to mitigate the risk. If you're worried about people driving by and seeing what you have in your garage when you're working in it, windows can make it much more pleasant to work in a garage with the doors closed.

If they face south or west, solar bleaching can be an issue for what you store in the garage, but of course tint, blinds or curtains can take care of these kinds of concerns. If they face north or east or there are other nearby buildings, the amount of light you get can be minimal.

What's nice about windows is the light they can provide and the amount they can improve ventilation. I've only got 2 east facing windows on one side of my shop, but when I open them up with the garage doors open, the amount of additional ventilation I get is appreciable. They really can make it feel like working outside on a nice day and help clear the shop of exhaust fumes when I start stuff inside.

 

[1953mercury]

This is how I'd like my shop to look...

Looks great, but I wouldn't want the heating and cooling bills. Mike

 

[justanengineer]

I'd worry less about a regular window than a non-steel garage door. We've had a lot of break-ins where thieves either find a way to unlatch, mangle, or cut through the garage door itself to get in. Ive got a solid core man door between the house and garage with a deadbolt for that exact reason, having them get in the garage at the far end of the house without my noticing is one thing but having them inside the house itself is quite another.

 

[upndown]

Looks great, but I wouldn't want the heating and cooling bills. Mike

With a shop set up like sitting on the water, I don't think they're worried about the electric bill. :

 

[65cayne]

I woul recommend one or more long transom windows. They are mounted high (diffcult to climb through), let in lots of light, can be aesthetically pleasing, can be "tilt in (or out)" for ventilation, and dont use valuable lower wall space.

 

[finn]

You can't beat natural light, especially as you age.

Ventilation is a good thing also.

Windows on the North side ****.

 

[77thor]

I guess it depends on the area that you live in.

If there are a lot of break-ins...then go with smaller, or higher windows, or no windows.
....
If you are in a Very Safe quite area...Then add new windows, and enjoy your fresh air and natural lighting.

Totally agree

 

[James E]

If you like natural light and aren't too worried about break-ins, you can install windows and frost them. I am in the process of frosting the lower sashes in the double-hung windows in my garage that face the neighbors' house.

That way you get the light but no one can see what's inside.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I am in the process of frosting the lower sashes in the double-hung windows in my garage that face the neighbors' house.

That way you get the light but no one can see what's inside.

I say let the neighbor's watch you Jim, they might enjoy the show....

Years ago as a young man, I caught my mom snooping through my things, what did I do? Hid boxes of condoms, hypodermic needles, and mostly emptied booze bottles where she could find them... Hell, if she's looking for the "good stuff", you might as well give her something t find.... (I was not ******** active at the time (Well, not with others, just myself), I didn't do any drugs, but did drink occasionally (Geez, I had to do something wrong as a kid).)

 

[BearsFan315]

I agree on having windows, i love the natural light and fresh breeze when available, but I also have concerns with open opportunities, letting people see it and creating opportunities. Sad we have to think about that but that is just how things are today.

My thought was to use Awning style windows, like these from pella Encompass by Pella® Awning Window I plan to mount them at the 6 ft high level or higher. hard for anyone to freely see or look in, but would give me plenty of light and could open them up and let in fresh air, even in the rain, since the open up and rain would shield out and away. I was thinking 18" x 30" or so. Plus up at that height would not limit my floor space or putting things under/ in front of them !!

 

[Jlbc212]

Good windows can be expensive. Invest in quality lights instead. That way you can work in the garage long after the sun sets.

 

[reader2580]

To add more to my original post:

Garage is 26' deep x 30' wide. It is detached from the house. It has a 16x7 garage door on the front and a service door on the side. Garage has been broken into in the past as the frame on the service door is broken and the previous owner added a steel plate behind the dead bolt. There is a window now on each side of the garage and on the back of the garage. Two of the three windows are covered in plywood.

The garage siding is full of holes and needs to be replaced. I am trying to decide if any of the windows get replaced, or just sided over.

The garage is in Minnesota and is not heated, cooled, or insulated. The garage is full of stuff right now. Eventually the garage will be used to house my car and my riding mower and other power equipment. The left side of the garage inside about 10 feet worth has three sets of shelves used for storage.

This garage is not really used as a shop since it is not heated or cooled. I have a shop of sorts in my basement right now. In the future I plan to build a new garage/shop that will be between 1,500 and 3,000 square feet in size.

 

[michiganman18]

I vote no. I open my door if I need ventilation and installed a small exhaust fan. Windows allow for theives. Out of sight, out of mind. Maybe if you want natural light glass blocks? However they dont open and they wouldnt allow for ventilation.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I live in Minneapolis as well, and put a couple windows in my garage when I built it although they are mainly for exterior looks, so it matches my house. I do have removable plywood covers on the inside of each window for security.

It doesn't sound like you need windows, so I guess it comes down to aesthetics - would the garage look better with windows that are blanked off, or with no windows at all?

 

[Kevin54]

Windows or no windows....purely a personal preference.

If I lived where I had a garage out back, and the garage doors facing an alley, I would want a window or two facing the house. I have no windows where I can't see from the house. All my windows face where I can see. Plus I have a neon clock, and a traffic light in the garage, so it is lit fairly well for not a lot of money. I don't have any windows facing my neighbors house. When I add my addition on, I will add two windows and another entrance door, but they will also face the house. The large expanse on the neighbors side will be broke up with a bumpout.

 

[reader2580]

Here is a bad photo I took of the side of my garage this morning. I took it for getting an estimate on siding, not for posting online.

Fixed the upside down photo.

 

[michiganman18]

I also would consider crime level in the area. Violent crime tendencies or just kids with nothing to do. How does the area feel to you. Preference.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Here is a bad photo I took of the side of my garage this morning. I took it for getting an estimate on siding, not for posting online.

Fixed the upside down photo.

Based on that picture, the window doesn't contribute much to the looks of the garage...if you're going to reside the garage anyway, I'd probably cover it up.

 

[MScott]

I have windows in mine for light and ventilation. I did place them high up, but this is a low crime area. Most of the time I don't even lock the doors unless I'm going to be away for several days. Very little crime in this area. I might think differently if I lived in an urban area or where crime was more of a problem.

 

[Toxicscrew]

The window is non operational? Why worry so much about it? Put blinds up on it, get the light when you want it and close them when you are gone.

 

[ez-duzit]

Especially if your garage is a shop, NO windows. They are a security and privacy issue. And they reduce useful wall space.

For natural light, use skylights.

 

[reader2580]

The window is non operational? Why worry so much about it? Put blinds up on it, get the light when you want it and close them when you are gone.

There are currently a total of three identical windows on three sides of the garage. Two of them are covered with plywood and one still has glass in it.

When I reside the garage I am either going to install new windows or just remove the old windows and side over the holes. I am leaning towards no windows because it saves money and the windows don't add much of anything.

 

[fteufert]

I chose no windows when I had my garage built, and I do regret it. I'm 50 and need all the light I can get.

I'll add some, as soon as I find them to fit between the studs. Even some small non opening ones would help.

 

[MushCreek]

Windows on the North side ****.

If you lived in the Deep South, you'd change your tune.

I like having a few windows in my work space. Natural light and ventilation. There are plenty of ways to maintain privacy, and beef up security. If someone wants in the house, why wouldn't they just break a house window and climb in? I'm always amused by the efforts people take to build a bomb-proof door and lock system, and yet have plenty of windows all around. Are burglars actually stupid enough to work on an armored door instead of breaking a window?

 

[bazzateer]

The only window in mine is a large 8x3 double-glazed unit over the workbench and facing the house. Side walls are up against neighbours' garages so no need for windows there. Vehicle access doors open onto communal alley so no windows wanted there.

 

[themiller]

No windows here. Especially not the one you have a picture of.

 

[kbs2244]

I just built a 20 x 24 shed/shop.
Low crime area.
No windows anywhere.
Ease of building, cost, and ease of inside wall useage.
Two sky lights for "natural" lighting and to lower the need for turning the lights on just to walk in and grab something.
If it gets stuffy I have fans.

 

[gscallon]

Personally, I love having windows in my shop. Tons of natural light, nice views of the yard when I'm working, and comfortable ventilation when I need it. Basically, I like them in the shop for all the same reasons I like having them in my house. Sure, I could have a more secure house with more wall space if I removed all the windows, but that would ****. Same for the shop. I do live in a temperate and low crime area so take that into account. I can appreciate the benefits of no windows if crime and weather are major factors.

Which ever way you go, enjoy your shop.

Regards,
-Greg

 

[finn]

I just built a 20 x 24 shed/shop.
Low crime area.
No windows anywhere.
Ease of building, cost, and ease of inside wall useage.
Two sky lights for "natural" lighting and to lower the need for turning the lights on just to walk in and grab something.
If it gets stuffy I have fans.

Sky lights don't play well in the snow belt.
Any unnecessary roof penetrations are to be avoided, lest you like to repair leaks.