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Garages/Workshops Windows Design Dilemma

Garage Door Windows

last year

We have three, single bay garage doors. We just found out the middle bay will need to be 6” smaller than the two outside doors, due to some overhead beams. We will not be able to put windows in this bay unless we make it a foot smaller. We’d like to keep the larger size, but we have no windows in the garage so the natural light is important. My question- will it look strange to have windows in the two exterior doors, but no windows in the middle, or do we need to say no to windows in all the doors?

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Comments (7)

tracefloyd
last year
last modified: last year
For practical reasons, keep the outer two windows. If anyone ever asks why the middle door has no window, tell them 'Because that door leads to Middle Earth and Gollum likes it dark.' That'll shut 'em up.
tiffany66
last year
I would think that not having windows in the center door will only draw attention of their differences. I would also get a second opinion from a door specialist and not a door salesman. Always good to double check on something this important. Do you have a photo of the doors in question?
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I dont see why you couldnt try a non adhesive film...try this one from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Coavas-Adhesive-Frosted-Bathroom-17-7by78-7/dp/B00XHXU7PU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Garage%2BWindow%2BCoverings&qid=1646140408&sr=8-1-spons&smid=A357X2S449G31G&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyREJMOEtJNldWWERZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDA4NjQ3WFY4MDhTS1hKNDE4JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNjA2OTgxSzhKRjRTSEROWTYwJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1 you could always do a couple windows and if you wont like the look...then you just spent $13 for piece of mind. If you think that will make you safer (or even feel safer)...especially on a busy street...i dont think it will ruin the look of the house.
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jackowskib
last year
Are you referring to the door width being a foot smaller? If so what functional size does that leave you with? A standard size vehicle can still fit in the space? Our 3rd bay is set back a foot but still same size door.
KW PNW Z8
last year
last modified: last year
And, you’re saying 6” not 1’,total, is that right? Is that height or width? I’m assuming you mean 6” shorter due to overhead beams. Does this require custom made door sections? Is door a roll up or single panel pull up?
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
We need pictures and also why 3 garage doors on a home or is this just not attached to the home. Pictures will answer that question and we need pics of the garage door style you are planning.
3onthetree
last year
last modified: last year
Is this part of an upstairs addition whilst just switching out the existing 3 garage doors, if so, has the (new?) beams accounting for the 6" lower door height considered the tracks too?

As far as the window, not having any in a middle one where all 3 doors are equivalent in location will attract attention to it. Also, consider cars and storage do not care about natural light.
tiffany66
last year
If you don't have a room above the garage, you could just skip the garage door windows and just add Solatube skylights into the garage roof. They are amazingly bright. Now you can even add LED lights to them so you can turn it on at night with a light switch Kinda the best of both worlds.

SolaTube Skylight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf1Vbq9SuHk

Here are some before and after photos.

https://brightenyourhome.com/sola-lite-inland-empire/gallery-before-after?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn8ey5rDK-gIVcDWtBh1owArLEAAYASABEgJY9vD_BwE

My master bedroom walk-in closet is in the center of the space and was always so dark I needed lights even in the daytime just to tell the difference from navy to black. One 10" Solatube made it so bright and changed my mood and made getting dressed effortless. I've kicked myself for not having done it much much sooner. My roofer was done installing it in less than 2 hours.

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