With up to a 98.3% return on investment, it’s safe to say that replacing your garage door is a fantastic choice for adding value and curb appeal to your home. Be sure to give your new garage door added style and sophistication by incorporating windows into your design. Let’s take a look at some garage door window basics, the benefits of windows, and the options that are available to you.
Garage Door Window Terminology
When it comes to garage door windows, there may be a lot of terms you’re unfamiliar with. Here, we list out common phrases with their definitions so you can fully understand the components of your garage door windows.
- Garage Door Windows — Large areas of glass in a door that may or may not have inserts/grilles.
- Garage Door Lites — Smaller areas of glass in a single window area that are defined by inserts/grilles.
- Garage Door Window Inserts or Grilles — Divides a large pane of glass into smaller lites that mimic older, historical window unit styles.
- True Divided Lite (TDL) Windows — Each piece of glass is separated and has its own structural frame and interior stop. If one lite breaks, only the broken lite will need to be replaced. Because of the number of actual windows, this is a more expensive option.
- Simulated Divided Lite (SDL) Windows — A large, single pane of glass with decorative, exterior inserts/grilles that visually divide the large area of glass into smaller lites, giving the illusion of True Divided Lites. If there is breakage, the entire piece of window glass will need to be replaced.
Garage Door Window FAQs
What’s the Benefit of Having Garage Door Windows?
Window configurations can be worked into garage door designs to mimic and enhance the existing architecture of your home. The benefits don’t stop there, though! Garage door windows can be customized to suit a home’s unique style. They allow natural light to enter garages, helping to decrease energy bills and increase aesthetic appeal. Plus, you can choose between TDL and SDL windows to meet the needs of your budget.
Are Garage Door Windows Safe?
Yes! There are multiple options that you can choose to maximize garage safety and security. If you’re worried about visibility, textured and opaque specialty glass styles prevent anyone from seeing your garage interior, while still letting natural light in. If you’re worried about durability or potential break-ins, tempered and laminated specialty glass prevent breakage.
Can You Replace Garage Door Windows?
Our garage doors have incorporated stops that hold the window glass in place. These stops can be removed from the back of the door to replace broken glass or upgrade to a specialty glass.
Replacing or adding window inserts/grilles to a door can be complex and will depend on how the door was originally made. If your original garage door design incorporated inserts/grilles, they can be replaced with new ones. If the door was designed without inserts/grilles, it may not be possible to add any to it. You can consult with your door manufacturer to see if it’s a possibility for your door.
Garage Door Window Styles & Configurations
Garage door windows come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They can be placed in any configuration on your doors that you desire. Take a look at the basic window styles and examples of typical, unique, and custom garage door window configurations.
Basic Garage Door Window Styles
Square Style Windows
This window style describes windows that have 90-degree angles in all corners.
Arched Style Windows
This style describes windows with bottom corners that have 90 degree angles, and top corners with angles that are less than 90 degrees.
Typical Garage Door Window Configurations
If you have a certain door style in mind but aren’t sure about the window configurations, don’t fret! We’ve listed the door styles out for you and provided information on the most popular glass configurations that go with them.
Swing Style Garage Doors
These doors commonly feature two sets of glass. Check out this example from our Symphony line.
Trifold Style Garage Doors
These doors commonly feature three sets of glass.
Bifold Style Garage Doors
These doors commonly feature four sets of glass.
Barn Style Garage Doors
These doors commonly feature minimal glass accents, if any at all. Check out these two examples from our Medallion line:
With Glass
Without Glass
Unique Garage Door Window Configurations
While they’re not as commonly used, mullioned and prairie window configurations are still great options. Mullioned lites have a wide stile that separates sets of windows, while prairie lites have inserts/grilles that mirror the frame. Check out examples of these below:
Mullioned Lites
Prairie Lites
Garage Door Window Glass Options
We offer a range of window glass options, allowing you to choose the perfect type that fits your needs. Take a look at our comparison guide to figure out whether standard or specialty glass would work best for your garage door.
Pros and Cons of Windows
To learn more about the benefits and considerations of garage door windows, check out our comprehensive blog on the pros and cons of garage door windows. From the advantages of natural light and unique style to the impact on curb appeal and home value, this blog explores it all. Discover how garage door windows can transform your space and make an informed decision for your home.
