TL;DR – Should You Choose a Garage Door With or Without Windows?
- Windows can enhance curb appeal, brighten the garage, and make the space more usable.
- However, windows may increase security risks unless paired with frosted glass or other precautions.
- HOA rules, neighborhood safety, and resale goals should influence your decision.
- For homeowners who frequently use their garage, windows provide natural light and convenience.
- Solid doors offer more privacy and security but block nearly all daylight.
When selecting a new or replacement garage door, one of the key choices you’ll face is whether to include windows. Both windowed and windowless doors have clear advantages, and the best option depends on your needs, location, and how you use your garage. Below are several factors to consider when making your decision.
YOUR LOCATION
Some security professionals recommend avoiding garage doors with windows, as they allow outsiders to see inside your garage. A determined thief may even break a window to access manual release mechanisms or interior locks.
If you live in an area with frequent break-ins or you’re often away from home, a solid garage door may be the safer choice. However, in well-lit neighborhoods with low crime rates — or in communities where neighbors look out for one another — windowed garage doors are generally considered safe.
You can further reduce risk by choosing frosted glass, tinted windows, or adding shades or curtains to block visibility. If you store valuable tools, equipment, or sporting goods, consider using locked storage bins so nothing tempting is visible from the outside.
Homeowners who want windows despite security concerns can also install a garage-integrated security system that alerts them (or a monitoring company) if the door is opened or the glass breaks.
Regardless of window choice, ensure the door leading from your garage into your house is equipped with strong locks. A deadbolt and reinforced hardware help secure your home even if someone gains access to the garage.
Finally, always check HOA guidelines or local ordinances before ordering a door. Some communities restrict window styles or prohibit garage-door windows altogether.
YOUR HOME GOALS
Are you planning to sell soon, or do you expect to stay in your home? If resale is a priority, windows can significantly boost curb appeal. A stylish window design can make your garage facade look more welcoming, polished, and modern.
Windows also brighten the interior, making the garage easier to showcase during in-person tours or real estate photography. According to Remodeling Magazine‘s annual report, homeowners can recoup approximately 98.3% of their garage door investment, making it one of the best improvements for resale value. Attractive window designs aligned with the home’s architecture can further boost buyer interest.
If you plan to stay long-term, select the door that fits your taste, lifestyle, and budget. A simple, solid steel door may be perfect — or you may want something more decorative, such as a carriage-style door with ornamental or stained glass windows.
YOUR GARAGE USES
If you spend a lot of time in your garage, windows offer practical advantages. Natural light makes it easier to perform vehicle maintenance, organize belongings, or work on hobbies. Many homeowners use their garages as workshops, craft rooms, or relaxation spaces, and windows help reduce the need for daytime lighting.
Full-view aluminum-and-glass doors can even transform a garage into a bright, functional extension of your living space. These doors are available in a wide range of frame colors — such as black, bronze, white, almond, green, and custom finishes — and can include frosted glass for privacy while still allowing in light.
Solid doors, by contrast, leave the garage dark unless overhead lights are turned on. This can be inconvenient or unsafe, especially for children or individuals with mobility challenges.
Windows also provide a valuable backup during power outages. With natural daylight coming in, you can still see well enough to locate emergency supplies, tools, or other stored items.
If you’re ready to explore your options, contact Shank Door to visit a showroom in Central Pennsylvania. We install and service garage doors throughout Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading, Harrisburg, York, and the surrounding regions.
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