Windows: Will I Even Miss Them?

[crewchief888]

i have 2 non opening windows in the back wall of the garage, both are partially covered with shelves and license plates.
i still get some light through them, rarely i look out to see whats going on.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

Put some panels over the inside, and set up the way you want. You will soon see if it is for you.

I had planned to have a small garage door on the back of my shop, but eventually I decided I needed the space for a work bench and upper cabinets. You know what you need for space. It made a big difference to me.

 

[kerr]

I just added an addition to my shop 15'x20' and added 4 windows for cheap light and breeze . But I dont have any above my workbench so there is 16' of pegboard to use . Windows are nice for sure but haveing things handy above the bench is too. Maybe move your bench and keep the windows ? My eyesite ain't what it use ta be so more light and a breeze are in high demand .

kerr

 

[jwhcars]

I would leave the windows and use blinds if you are conserned about prying eyes.
Putting the cabinets in front of the windows will turn them into a hot box from the sun.

 

[coljar]

I guess it's what you're use to. I sometimes work 90 hours a week in a windowless office/control room and when I get to enjoy my garage, I also want to see the outdoors. Opening a garage door will be an option on nice days, but heat or ac will be on otherwise and I really like my windows.

 

[RoadBeater]

No windows in my barn. Don't miss them. If I want to look outside, I go outside. Most of the buildings I've seen with windows, have them painted over to keep eyes out.

 

[TapperMan]

Has anyone installed light pipes in their garage for natural daylight?

 

[GarageEnvy]

Bull, I've got a west facing garage and the garage doors (3 of them) all have windows high enough that you can't see in. I was against the windows due to the additional cost but my wife insisted. Since it was the only time she had a strong opinion on anything garage related I went with it. I'm glad I did. I have great lighting but it's still nice. It would be very nice to have windows in the back for air flow. I didn't install them because I didn't want to sacrifice wall space. My father's garage has a vehicle door on the rear which he opens for air flow and it's nice. I'd be more concerned with air flow than light.

 

[polydan]

My back windows were broke so I boarded them up, I miss the light and plan on putting new ones in! I miss light, air flow and just the "vibe" over all. I work in a windowless environment at work, no big deal, but my garage I miss it!

 

[eastbaysubaru]

IMHO, I would keep the windows. I like the natural light and the ability to look/see outside when everything's buttoned up in the wintertime. Just one man's opinion though...

Isn't there an option for a "poll" when creating a new thread? This is a perfect scenario for a poll.

-Brian

 

[BDT/NWMN]

My two storage buildings have no windows; there is no need for them....

My shop has windows on the West, South, and East walls.. The windows are all insulated glass, and have screens. With the bugs and critters; leaving a door open is often not a good option. .... As long as the sun is up, there is natural sunlite comming into the shop.. There is never a lack of nice fresh air..... It is what I call a Happy Building..

When I planned this shop, all the shelfing and cabinets were to be primarily on one wall [north]..{no windows}

Other thoughts are that the wall opposite the overhead door should remain uncluttured.. For some folks; this may enable enough room for use of a cherry picker,, or unload a pickup while parked inside... or drive a vehicle towing a snowmobile trailer inside without unhooking...

Tool roller cabinets and portable workbenches can be easily repositioned for daily projects,, but the monster shelf and cabinets are a bit more of a chore to move if--when needed... They will do their job wherever they are placed, but try to put them in the "most out of the way place"....

Jack Olsen had some dandy ideas for fold away workbenches... I would be tempted to put one on each side of your window... Those benches would be there when needed; and "gone" when folded.. Wouldn't that be a nice, brite place to do workbench projects??

No shortage of ideas and thoughtful contributions on this forum. I appreciate people who have shared their solutions for storage systems... I plan on using some of these "borrowed" ideas this week.

 

[rbgearz]

We have windows in the back of our garage. I'd miss them. We have deer come up there and it's fun to watch them.

 

[jamesemery728]

I hate windows. Just another access to your stuff for crooks and prying eyes walking past your shop. This is why we have flourescent lights, opening windows just lets humidity and moisture into your shop to rust your tools. I have two windows in my garage and they are just a hangout for bugs and hornets. Forget the windows.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I don't miss any of the windows that are now gone.

Bull, one thing I would do if you chose to cover the windows with those shelves is to put something over the windows before you place the cabinets. I'd rather not be looking at the cabinet backs from outside. I would stick a piece of white styrofoam up in the frame behind the window.This would give you a clean look from the outside, an insulating factor and only cost a few bucks. Menard's usually has 4x8x3/4" sheets on sale for $5.

 

[Vettman]

USE SOME BLINDS FROM A THRIFT STORE FOR PRIVACY AT NIGHT OR WHEN YOU'RE AWAY...SIMPLE SOLUTION.

Or if you have them cut to width at Lowe's etc. they're less than $30.00 and can provide either light, or privacy.