Thinking of adding windows to your garage door but aren’t interested in achieving that via an entire garage door replacement? Good news – that’s totally a thing. And, should you accept the challenge, you can even do it yourself. Sometimes. But it’s not as simple as getting the sawzall out and ripping right into a garage door panel. There’s a lot to think about first. Like with any garage door project, planning and prepping is the key to success.
Let’s discuss garage door window installation: things to consider, how to go about it, cost, and when it’s time to call in the pros:
Benefits of Adding Window to Your Garage Door Panel
Adding windows to your garage door improves curb appeal and, in turn, home value, but there are additional benefits of adding windows to a windowless overhead door:
- Better functionality: More light in the garage makes it easier to work, exercise, hobbies, etc. in and will also make it easier to convert your garage to a living space, should you choose to do so.
- Design flexibility: Adding windows to your garage door gives you an opportunity to add a special architectural design flare to your home.
- More visibility: Trying to keep track of a weird car on the street or an ongoing outdoor project? Just peek out the windows!
Choosing the Right Window Design & Placement
In recent years, residential overhead doors have become a way for homeowners to revamp their curb appeal without refacing or painting the whole house. Subsequently, garage door window design has become diverse.
Popular Placements for Garage Door Windows
Some are placed traditionally. Others are designed as an uninterrupted strip across the middle garage door panel for a modern look. Some people put one window on each panel and line them up on the left or right side of the garage door. So long as you don’t structurally compromise the garage door panel itself, you can pretty much install them anywhere you want.
Heck – you could even opt for a whole overhead door made of windows! Full-view glass garage doors have become a popular choice among homeowners and certain types of businesses for their look, function and ability to let in lots of natural light.
But then we’re talking installing a new garage door, and that’s another project altogether.
Design Decisions for Garage Door Windows
Then there’s window design to consider. This includes:
- Glass: All window glass is not created equal. You can choose safety glass, tempered glass, single or double pane, etc. For areas with extreme weather, which is basically everywhere now, we suggest choosing hurricane glass for its near-invincibility and good insulation abilities.
- Insulation: Speaking of insulation, choose windows that contain glass that has the same insulation rating (or better) as your garage door panel.
- Features: Do you want picture windows for a modern look? Traditionally-paned windows for a classic design? Frosted, dappled or etched? Tinted or mirrored?
- Privacy: We all love a good picture window and the light it lets in, but the downside is anyone can see inside your garage. It’s an added security risk. We recommend either frosting your garage door windows for privacy, or adding a security film to the windows that block outside-to-inside sight without compromising the light or visibility inside-to-out.
A Reticent DIY Guide for Installing Garage Door Windows
If you’re an avid do-it-yourself homeowner, you may be able to deal with this project on your own. A good litmus test might be (1) do you know what a sawzall is?, and (2) do you own one?
Prepping for Installation
- Choose your windows. Select windows compatible with your door material and thickness. Double-paned or insulated windows are recommended for energy efficiency.
- Mark your location. Carefully measure and mark the desired window location on the panel, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with any structural elements or hardware.
- Gather your tools. You’ll need a sawzall, drill, level, measuring tape, caulk gun, safety equipment (i.e. gloves, goggles), and possibly a router and sander.
- Prepare the workspace. Secure the door in a stable position on sawhorses or blocks. Have a sturdy table nearby for assembling the windows.
General Installation Process
- Cut the opening. Use the saw to carefully cut the marked opening, always remembering to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific window type.
- Prepare the window frame. Depending on the window type, you may need to assemble the frame or prepare it for attachment.
- Install the window. Secure the window frame to the door panel using the recommended fasteners (usually screws and sealant). Ensure proper alignment and a tight fit.
- Seal the edges. Apply caulk around the outside of the window frame to ensure a weatherproof seal. Get liberal with it but make sure to it looks clean.
- Rebalance the door. Your garage door is a different weight now, so its current settings need adjusted so as to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the garage door’s panels, parts and opener. If the springs need adjusted, have a garage door professional adjust the spring tension and ensure the door remains balanced with the added weight of the windows.
Bonus Pro Tips
- Test fit the windows before cutting. Make sure they fit the opening flawlessly before committing to the cut. Always measure twice to cut once, right?
- Start with one window. If you’re unsure, install one window first and test everything before adding more.
- Follow manufacturer instructions. Each window type and door material may have specific installation requirements.
- If you encounter any difficulties or uncertainties, don’t hesitate to consult a garage door repair company like SACS GARAGE DOOR REPAIR for help.
Why it’s Better to Have a Professional Garage Door Company Deal With It
Some last thoughts on DIY vs professional garage door window installation, because any do-it-yourself project comes with risks you won’t encounter with a professional garage door window installation:
Garage Door Warranty
Expensive items often have strict warranty policies. It makes sense, because replacement costs for a residential overhead door are significant. For many garage doors and garage door openers, working on it yourself will void the warranty. Make sure you’ve read the fine print!
Door Spring Adjustment
Your garage door’s springs will likely need to be adjusted to account for the added weight and balance of the door. Spring adjustment is not something you should do yourself – garage door springs are very hazardous if something goes wrong.
Balance & Alignment
Getting a garage door perfectly aligned and level is a skill. As a homeowner, you may have a difficult time achieving that sweet spot that will put the least wear and tear on your garage door and its opener. It’ll also ensure your garage door is as quiet as can be.
Finished Touches
Are you good at caulking without making a terrible mess? Do you want to sacrifice a Saturday? And do you really want to deal with all the scraps and materials left after the window installation is done? There’s something to be said for convenience!
Cost of Installing Windows in Your Existing Garage Door
Now, cost-wise, is adding windows to your garage door enough less than replacing your garage door to be worth it? That depends on a few things:
- Cost of your type of garage door
- Type of windows you want to install
- Number of windows
- Local permits on home improvement
- (If applicable) HOA fees
Let’s compare a couple hypotheticals to explain:
- You want to install windows in your existing vinyl garage door, which is a standard 16×9 size. National average for a standard panel garage door is $550, and you’re going to pay at least $250 to have windows installed on your current door. Why not just replace it and upgrade the whole situation?
- You want to add windows to your solid wood carriage house doors. National average for a carriage house garage door is $5500, and getting quality windows put in will likely run you $500-$1000. In this case, installing windows on the existing door is a smarter choice.
However, if you’ve got the home improvement funds for it, any new garage door installation has an ROI of over 100% and comes with garage door openers with battery backups that are SB969 compliant. So financially, big or small, a new garage door is a great idea. Have we got you thinking about it? Check out our Design Your Door function and start brainstorming!