What You Need to Know About Windows in Wooden Garage Doors

Wooden Garage Doors — Northfield, IL — Raynor Door Company

Should you add glass to your wooden garage door? Wood is a neutral building material that you can dress up in an ornate style or pare down to create a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. If you’re not sure whether to add windows to your garage or keep the panels as-is, consider the questions you should ask yourself.

Do Windows Match the Door’s Overall Aesthetic?

Wooden garage doors do not all look the same. This means there are a variety of styles to choose from. Before you decide whether to add windows or glass to the door, consider the overall aesthetic. 

A custom contemporary wooden door with vertical planks or slats may look off with traditional horizontal windows — and an already-ornate paneled door may not need the addition of another accent. If the wood panels or planks create an intricate design, windows could break up the pattern and throw off the look of your garage door.

On the other hand, windows may add an extra splash of style to a plain, paneled wood door or a simple carriage house option.

Will Windows Impact the Energy Efficiency?

Wood has superior insulation properties. A wooden garage door can keep the cold air out and the warm air inside of your home during the chilly months (and vice-versa in the summer). Not only does this help to create a comfortable environment, it may also decrease your utility bills. However, if you remove some of the panels to add windows, you may impact the energy efficiency of the door.

Single-pane window glass does not have the high insulation ability of wood. This type of glass addition could significantly impact the energy efficiency you expect from your solid door.

If you prefer the look of glass in a wood door, but still want to maintain the material’s energy efficiency, explore the insulation and glazing options. Multi-pane glass can reduce air loss and keep your garage warm during the winter. Some types of window glazes can decrease heat transfer and help to lower utility costs.

How Should I Add Glass to a Wooden Garage Door?

Now that you know more about the functional properties of windows, it’s time to turn your attention back to the aesthetics. You want to add glass to your wooden garage door, but you don’t know which types of windows to choose or how to include the glass panes in your wood door.

While there’s no one standard or definitive way to add glass to a wood garage door, here are some of the top options to consider:

  • One row of windows at the top of a paneled door. Traditional square or rectangle wood panels already have a window-like shape. Remove the top row of panels and add glass instead of the solid wood to create a classic or traditional look.
  • More windows than wood. Instead of “windows,” add larger or longer glass panels to the door. The wood will separate the panes, giving the glass support and making the door functional. This option is ideal for contemporary or industrial modern homes.
  • One row of vertical windows. Mix things up and add a row of vertical windows to your wooden door. This modern take on the traditional style is perfect for wooden doors with vertical slats.

If you’re not sure which type of window or glass option is the right choice for your wooden garage door, talk to a professional. A door contractor can guide you through the selection process and help you to understand the available choices. 

Are you ready to replace your garage door with an exotic wood style? Contact Raynor Door Company for more information. 

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