El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: garage door windows

  • Garage Door Windows: Unique Placement, Advantages, and Security Issues to Consider

    In most garage doors, the windows are along the top row of the garage door or right below. That’s standard operation procedure, but it’s not like it’s the law. After all, you’re in El Dorado Hills, California. We like to live on the edge. Who said you can’t have garage door windows wherever you like? Make your own style. It can significantly increase the natural light in your garage.

    Some garages are designed to allow for unique window placement. If you are considering installing a new garage door, it’s worth looking into.

    The Standard+ Garage Door — A Door that Accommodates a Variety of Window Positions

    Your Standard+ garage door features a variety of designs. It’s manufactured from galvanized steel usually about 1 inch to 2 inches thick. Most feature polyurethane foam insulation, which makes the door highly resistant to flexion. It’s extremely energy efficient yet strong and durable. And the beauty of this type of door is you can place the windows wherever you like.

    Advantages of Many Windows

    Windows can add nice variations to what would otherwise be a standard door. This can make your home unique and noticeable. Windows also allow for beautiful natural light, which can make the inside of your garage more airy and livable. If you plan to use the inside of your garage for an office, gym, yoga studio, or meditation sanctuary, windows can be essential to internal lighting.

    Security & Privacy Issues

    Naturally, whenever you have windows, there are security and privacy issues to consider. Windows can allow thieves to view the contents of your garage while you aren’t home. This helps them figure out if the home is unoccupied for the day. It also lets them take inventory to decide if a break in is worth the effort.

    Of course, you don’t want the neighborhood peering in your windows and seeing the inner workings of your life. This is especially true if you use your garage as a living space such as a rec room or exercise area.

    That’s why we recommend opaque windows or windows that have thick glass you can’t see through. This also helps prevent break ins. These windows still allow plenty of natural light without letting people see in from outside.

  • Thinking of Installing a New Garage Door with Windows? Here are the Pros and Cons

    Thinking about installing a garage door? It’s an important decision with lots of choices. There are so many options available! Should you get a wooden door, a wood composite door or a steel or aluminum door? Should it be insulated? Should the garage door have extension or torsion springs? What color do you want it to be?

    And yet another critical question to ask: should your newly installed garage door have windows?

    There are advantages and concerns when it comes to getting a garage door with windows installed. Here’s what you might want to consider.

    Natural Light for a More Open & Welcoming Feel

    The primary advantage to windows in a garage door is the natural light. It makes your whole garage feel more open and inviting. You can work inside with the door shut and not have to worry about light. Windows are also nice if you plan on using your garage as a makeshift greenhouse to grow starter plants for your garden.

    The natural light can also warm your garage which can save on your heating costs in the winter — even in El Dorado Hills, California.

    Design & Aesthetics

    There’s a decorative appeal to windows that can really add to the design of your home and garage. What’s more, there are a number of beautiful styles available that can really add a sense of taste and class to your home. There are a wide variety of options and patterns depending on the look you are going for.

    Security Concerns

    The biggest drawback to windows on a garage door is the lack of privacy — which can also be a security issue. Neighbors can see in your garage — but more alarmingly so can thieves, especially when you are not home. If you are concerned, you can always choose tinted, frosted or mirrored windows that still allow natural light without the garage interior being visible from the outside.

    Efficiency Concerns

    Windows aren’t very well insulated which can affect your heating and cooling costs. They offer little protection against extreme temperatures.

    Factors to Consider

    If you should decide on windows in your new garage door, be careful of being too cheap. Higher quality glass and frames are worth it both from visual appeal and an energy efficiency concerns. These windows will have a tighter seal from moisture and temperature changes. Real glass is also important. It will be more scratch resistant than imitation glass.

  • Thinking About Installing Garage Door Windows? 3 Issues to Consider

    Thinking About Installing Garage Door Windows? 3 Issues to Consider

    Thinking About Installing Garage Door Windows 3 Issues to ConsiderOne of the easiest and more affordable ways to give your garage door a facelift is to install new windows. It’s a fairly easy DIY garage door repair you can do yourself (though we’re happy to help if you’d rather not go through the hassle). But there are numerous factors in the consideration and planning of garage door windows most people overlook. Here’s everything you need to know to upgrade your garage door windows, courtesy of the garage door professionals.

    Do You Want Your Garage Door Windows to Match Your Home?

    Many people choose to match their garage door windows to the windows and doors of their home. This can be done through using a similar trim and style of glass. You might even consider adding curtains or blinds. It’s also a good idea to choose windows that blend in well with the architecture of your home.

    Keep in mind that aesthetics are important. The appearance of your garage door compared to the rest of the house plays a big factor in property value. That’s probably why a new garage door has one of the highest ROIs of all home improvements — 97%, virtually dollar for dollar. That’s also why it’s important to keep your garage door in excellent repair.

    Think About Light, Weather, and Other Acts of God

    Natural light can be a big benefit to your garage. The added light from new windows or bigger windows can really improve what you do in your garage during the day time. You might even be able to convert the inside to an office space, gym, or recreational area.

    At the same time, windows can also be a security risk. Thieves won’t be shy about peaking in through your garage windows when you’re away, unlike the windows in your home. Consider curtains or opaque glass if this is an issue.

    You also should think about weather issues, especially if you live in a place of potential hurricanes or even the heavy thunderstorms we tend to get in the winter in El Dorado Hills, California. Why not get thicker glass to protect from wind, hail, and tropical storms?

    Think About Weight

    If you add windows, don’t forget about the weight, especially if you get thicker windows to protect against the elements. Think about how this will affect your garage door opener. You may need to install a stronger motor. Consult with your garage door service about the best options.