Garage Windows
Window options seem to be endless, but can be simplified into these three categories: aesthetics, performance, and function.
Good Garages can answer any questions you might still have to determine what windows are best for your project.
Window Aesthetics
Aesthetics are mostly going to be determined by material of frame and style of grids. Popular examples are vinyl, wood with prefinished metal exterior wrap, fiberglass, and composite (PVC Cellulose). Grids often go in between the glass or on the exterior, examples of styles are represented by the illustration below.
Window Performance
A window receives a performance rating by how efficient it is. The industry measures this in many different ways. U-Factor ratings for windows generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) indicates how well a product blocks heat from the sun. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. Again, the lower the number, the better: A low SHGC means the window transmits less solar heat. There are other ratings like VT (visible transmittance), AL (air leakage), CR (condensation resistance), and CFM/Ft2 (measures air infiltration). Some main factors that have influence over these ratings are frame material, type of window, how many panes of glass, what is between the panes (argon gas)or on the panes like (low-E).
Window Function
The function can be determined by how and if it's going to be operable. It can be argued that there are 18 different styles of windows. The most common are represented by the illustration below. Other window options to consider when ordering: size, location, and jam depth. Larger windows have some restrictions on frame material and operation. Location has some restriction to size and if the glass needs to be tempered or not. Jam depth is important to figure out interior/exterior trim options.
Picture provided by Pella
Other garage window options to consider when ordering:
Size, location, and jam depth. Larger windows have some restrictions on frame material and operation. Location has some restriction to size and if the glass needs to be tempered or not. Jam depth is important to figure out interior/exterior trim options.