Choosing a new garage door generally boils down to two main considerations: aesthetics and practicality. But fundamentally, your garage door serves a practical purpose, so it’s important to find the right balance between the two.
Many homeowners like the idea of having a garage door with windows; from the introduction of natural light into a dark space, to the addition of unique design and charm to the outside of your property, it’s clear to see why they have a visual appeal.
However, if you’re considering buying a garage door with windows, it’s important to understand the full picture first. In this guide, we take an objective look at the pros and cons of having windows in your garage door, helping you understand if it is the best choice for your particular needs. We’ll then take a look at how a modern (windowless) electric roller garage door stacks up in comparison to help you decide.
The Timeless Appeal of Garage Doors with Windows
People usually choose a garage door with windows primarily for their visual appeal, as well as the positive impact on the garage’s interior. The key benefits are as follows:
Natural Light Indoors
The introduction of natural light to a notoriously dim space is one of the most obvious benefit to having a garage door with windows. That’s especially relevant for garages without windows to the sides or back. A garage door with windows can make the inside of your garage a more pleasant space to be - even with the door closed. This can also make the space more practical for DIY projects and hobbies, whilst reducing reliance on artificial lighting. A garage door with windows may be particularly important for people who are intending on using their garage as an extension of their home, as the added natural light makes the space more inviting and comfortable.
Enhanced Aesthetics & Kerb Appeal
Windows add visual interest and detail to break up the large and often plain surface of a garage door. Garage doors with windows come in a wide variety of styles - from more traditional arched designs, and decorative grilles to minimalist frosted panes.
The variety of styles and designs available allows your new garage door with windows to seamlessly tie in with the overall design and architectural features of your home. Better still - match your garage door windows with the rest of your property for a cohesive, attractive façade.
Exterior Visibility
Being able to see who is approaching from inside your garage can be handy - for example if you’re using your garage as an office and waiting for a delivery. A minor benefit, perhaps, but a benefit nonetheless!
The Downsides: Why Garage Doors Without Windows Might Be Better
Aesthetically pleasing, perhaps, but garage doors with windows come with a number of drawbacks that you might not notice until it’s too late. Unfortunately, the disadvantages often compromise important features including security, insulation and maintenance.
Let’s break down some of the main downsides of having a garage door with windows:
Security Vulnerability
Arguably the most critical drawback.
Visibility for Criminals
A garage door with windows acts as a showcase for everything inside your garage. Criminals can easily look through the glass to spot valuable contents, such as high-end vehicles, expensive tools, bicycles or other household valuables. This makes garages with windows a prime target for thefts. Contrast this with a solid garage door which provides complete privacy, keeping the contents of your garage out of sight, and away from prying eyes.
Easier Access
Windows - even those made from reinforced glass - provide an inherently weak point on garage door panels. Windows can often be broken relatively easily and quietly, providing criminals with an easy access point. Once the glass is broken, criminals can reach for the internal emergency release handle, or they may be able to create a large enough opening to slip through, bypassing the garage door’s locking mechanism altogether. Unfortunately there’s no getting around the fact that windows significantly reduce your garage’s overall security.
Insulation & Energy Efficiency
Again, it doesn’t matter if your windows are single or double-glazed, toughened or reinforced, glass is generally a worse insulator than most garage door materials.
Windows create a “thermal bridge”, allowing heat to escape in winter and creep in over summer.
This makes the temperature in your garage hotter in summer and colder in winter. This can be a real issue if you use your garage for work or hobbies, where a more stable temperature is required. If your garage is attached to your home, the problem with poor insulation is even greater, resulting in increased energy bills during the winter.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Garage doors with windows generally require more upkeep. You’ll need to clean your windows frequently to maintain their appearance, as they are prone to dirt build up, streaks and water spots - particularly after heavy rain.
If not meticulously and regularly cleaned, the intended visual appeal of your garage door is soon diminished.
And of course, where there’s a window there's always the risk of a breakage! Whether that’s from the neighbour’s children playing ball or accidental impacts. Replacing a garage door window can be very costly. It’s also worth noting that the seals around windows degrade over time, and this can lead to draughts, leaks or condensation forming. If this
Privacy
On a similar note to our point on security, a garage door with windows offers poor privacy - particularly for people who use their garage for activities other than parking their vehicle.
Longevity
Your garage door panels may be durable, but this can be compromised in the long term by window inserts and their seals. These are inherent weak points, potentially compromising the overall integrity of your door sooner than a solid panel would.
The Modern Alternative: The Benefits of Electric Roller Garage Doors
Garolla electric roller garage doors provide a sleek and benefit-loaded alternative to windowed garage doors. Boasting modern functionality and convenience as well as aesthetically pleasing design, Garolla garage doors provide style as well as substance, directly addressing the drawbacks of garages with windows.
Enhanced Security
Garolla roller garage doors come with security as standard. Constructed with robust, double-walled interlocking aluminium slats, and featuring an automated locking mechanism, Garolla garage doors provide a solid barrier to criminals and intruders.
Furthermore, with no windows, there is no glass to break, no easy access points and the contents of your garage are safely hidden from view.
Superior Insulation
Garolla’s double-skinned, foam-filled aluminium slats provide excellent thermal efficiency, ensuring your garage stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This reduces energy wastage and helps to potentially lowers your heating bills, especially if your garage is integral to your home.
Effortless Convenience & "Bringing the Outdoors In"
Whilst Garolla garage doors don't feature windows, their electric, remote-controlled operation offers unparalleled convenience, allowing you to let the outdoors in at the touch of a button. Opening quickly, quietly and smoothly, the door rolls vertically into a compact top box. This allows you to open the entire garage aperture, instantly 'bringing the outdoors in' when needed.
Low Maintenance & Durability
Manufacturer using high-quality aluminium, Garolla roller garage doors provide durability and resistance to the British weather too. You don’t need to worry about rot, rust or warping, and this eliminates any need for the sanding, painting and treating often associated with other garage door types. With no glass to clean (or replace when broken), maintenance of your Garolla garage door is simple - a wipe down with a sponge and soapy water from time to time will keep it looking great.
Sleek, Modern Aesthetics
Garolla roller garage doors provide a sleek, minimalist design that perfectly compliments traditional and modern architectural styles. With a wide range of garage door colour options to choose from (including wood effect options), you can ensure your garage door enhances your home’s kerb appeal.
Their vertical roller top operation maximises the space in your garage, as well as the space on your driveway; this is a benefit often overlooked when considering traditional garage doors, including garage doors with windows.
Conclusion
Deciding whether or not your next garage door should have windows ultimately depends on your personal priorities for your home.
As we have explored, windows in garage door panels offer clear aesthetic appeal, but this brings with it significant compromises in terms of security, insulation, and maintenance.
For homeowners who prioritise security, good insulation, convenience, and minimal need for maintenance and upkeep, the benefits of a solid, expertly engineered electric roller garage door are clear.
Garolla electric roller garage doors offer a robust barrier, save space, require little attention, and seamlessly integrate with modern lifestyles. With Garolla, you gain all the advantages of a contemporary, high-performance garage door, without the vulnerabilities that windows can present.
Ready to explore a secure, insulated, and effortlessly convenient garage door solution for your home? Create the perfect garage door for your home and needs here.