Working in a cave

[jim whitney]

Where can I find a good double glazed window to install in my insulated garage door,so I. Don,t feel like i,m working a cave all winter? I,d like to see the outside once and awhile ,just to see if someone pulls up or when to go out and plow.

 

[jwh]

I was ready to say just go to Home Depot or Lowes until I read "in a garage door". Have you tried checking with the manufacturer or a dealer on getting a new panel with Windows?

Maybe they have an idea on how to retro-fit a window.

John

 

[BMack37]

You should take a window frame, paste a Hawaiian beach scene on the glass and attach it to the wall.

 

[long handles]

I have zero windows in my shop. I find I have to get out from time to time and my shop is well lit.

I've been planning to call Wayne Dalton to see if a retro fit window kit is available for door I have for the very reason you speak of.

From what I've read so far on the 'net researching the subject, the only windows I've seen mentioned are single pane.

 

[rlitman]

I've never seen double pane windows in a garage door. I'm not sure the added weight is even a good idea.
What about backing them with a sheet of clear plastic? Polycarbonate would greatly increase the security too.

 

[dave89iroc]

I've never seen double pane windows in a garage door. I'm not sure the added weight is even a good idea.
What about backing them with a sheet of clear plastic? Polycarbonate would greatly increase the security too.

double pane garage door windows do exist, have a tendency to have a short life do to the movement of the door, but they are out there

 

[kaymccampbell]

My Clopays have double pane glass. I have stick on frost sheet to discourage shopping and still let in light. All my shop windows have the frosted sheet applied. As much as I enjoy a view, I don't enjoy making insurance claims.

 

[sixty4]

A thought, how about a nice skylight? Keeps prying eyes away but will allow light in? A good cheap outdoor camera as well, maybe? If a free standing building.

 

[GaryB1]

You might be able to put in a small porthole style window like the type that comes in a camper. Don't know if they are double paned or not, but they should be light.

 

[longez]

My Haas doors have insulated glass in the top panel.

 

[jim whitney]

Yes I know double panes in garage doors exist ,we had them where I used to work,i know because I,m the only one that would clean them.light isn't,t the problem I just want it see outside. Skylines wouldn't,t work I,d just see upstairs, a long oval window 4"x 12 or 18" would be perfect. Guess I,ll just keep looking . Thanks guys.

 

[rburke65]

I know Clopay offered double pane Windows when I was building in 2012 but were too costly for my pocket. I installed a 3'x4' thermopane facing the drive instead.

 

[arrowhead]

I,d like to see the outside once and awhile ,just to see if someone pulls up or when to go out and plow.

I put a peep hole though my garage door for that purpose. But I agree, it would be nice to have some natural daylight.

 

[icenfire01]

I was told when I ordered my doors that if I wanted to replace a solid panel with a window panel later on that I would be almost half the price of a new door. I ordered both my doors with double pane, insulated window panels. SMH...

 

[rayra]

That inflated cost is the labor and hassle of dismantling the door to replace the top panel, not the panel cost itself, although those are much more than a plain panel. If you are handy at all it's an easy swap to do your self.

 

[dfiler2]

Just go to a lumber yard and tell them what you want, I've put in a few over the years. Get one of the new carbide metal blades for your circular saw, piece of cake.

 

[gnpenning]

Double pane windows can be purchased and installed after the fact. You can get decorative covers as well. Windows can go in any panel and any section . I just delivered 3 doors that only have one window in each door, but in the center of each door in a mid section. This is something you can install yourself. Check with door dealers in your area or manufactures.

How old are your doors and what size? Windows add weight. Old and weak springs may need to be replaced. The more windows you add the more weight you add to the door. When doors come from the manufacture with windows the springs will be different than the same door with out windows. Does this stop people from adding windows, no. The balance of the door will change depending on amount of windows, size of windows and door. For an older door resist the urge to just add another turn to the springs. The number of turns is for the height of the door. The spring engineering is for the weight of the door.

Have doors with windows I put in over 15 years ago with no problem with breakage.

You can add tinting if you want to make looking in harder. This doesn't seem to be a concern for you in your area.

Let the light in and enjoy.