Looking for a way to add a decorative touch to your garage’s exterior? Consider windows for your garage door. Garage door windows let in natural light and create a more open-feeling space. They also increase the curb appeal of your home by adding a flair of style.
If you’re looking for information on popular window types, glass options, and maintenance, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started.
Popular Types of Garage Door Windows
Ideally, your garage door windows will come already installed on your garage door. While it’s possible to have windows installed on your current garage door, there may be limitations — such as your current door’s style and material — that prevent you from choosing your preferred window type. Whichever option you choose, be sure to consult a garage door professional for your new window or garage door installation.
Since there are numerous window types to choose from, we’ve done the work for you and narrowed down the basic design elements of some popular options, listed below.
To see some of these window types in action, try our free garage door designer tool.
Full-view
Full-view garage doors have top-to-bottom windows that allow in more natural light. They are typically made with tempered glass and ideal for a garage used as a home gym or workshop space.
Keep in mind that you can choose how transparent the glass is. The clear version of these windows gives onlookers an unobstructed look into your garage. If you want more privacy, choose full-view windows with frosted, opaque glass.
If not for their ability to brighten and open up a space, full-view windows are also worth considering for a modern addition to your home’s exterior.
Arched
Arched garage door windows are a great option for those who crave both privacy and natural light. These smaller, round-top windows don’t take up the entire garage door.
If a traditional aesthetic is what you desire, arched windows may be the answer you’re looking for.
Rectangular
Rectangular garage door windows have a great deal of design versatility.
For conventional styling, they can be placed horizontally near the top of your garage door, creating a more traditional appearance. For a more modern design, you can opt for rectangular windows that run vertically along the side of your door rather than along the top.
Square
Square garage door windows are a common way to let in natural light. Similar to rectangular windows, they can be positioned in a way that reflects either a modern or traditional aesthetic.
Garage Door Window Glass
In addition to the design of your window, you can also choose the glass type that fits your preferences. See some popular options below.
Tempered
A sought-after choice for full-view garage door windows, tempered glass is safe and durable. If it happens to break, you won’t have jagged shards to deal with. Instead, the glass breaks into small, edgeless pebbles.
If there’s a possibility of pets, children, or extreme weather, such as hurricanes, breaking your garage door windows, tempered glass is an excellent option.
Acrylic
Similar to tempered glass, acrylic is a good option for those who have concerns about potentially shattering their window glass. The difference is that acrylic is a type of lightweight plastic that behaves as glass.
Acrylic tends to have better insulation properties than tempered glass, although it is not as shatter-resistant.
Privacy Options
If you’re in search of glass types that offer a bit more privacy than transparent options, try frosted or tinted glass. Frosted and tinted glass come in a variety of glass types — including tempered and acrylic.
Both frosted and tinted glass come in varying degrees of opaqueness.
Garage Door Window Maintenance
You’ll need to consider the maintenance involved for your new garage door windows. Some window types and configurations require more maintenance than others do.
However, here are some general tips for prolonging the life of your garage door windows:
- Clean them regularly with a mild detergent and soft cloth. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals or scratchy cloths so that you don’t scratch your window glass.
- Inspect your windows for cracks or chips so that the damage does not linger. Replace any damaged glass immediately.
- Examine your window seals regularly to ensure they’re working properly. Faulty window seals can cause damage to your window and the garage door itself by letting in moisture.
Count on Precision to Install Your Garage Door Windows
Let the technicians at Precision Garage Door Service® enhance the look of your garage door with new garage door windows. Give us a call at (877) 301-7474 or find the Precision Garage Door Service technician nearest you to get started.
