Do we have to buy a new garage door with windows (lights) or can they be
added to the existing door by removing the top panel?
Thank you,
Jackie

J. Davidson wrote:
Do we have to buy a new garage door with windows (lights) or can they be
added to the existing door by removing the top panel?
Thank you,
Jackie


It depends. Some types of door can accept retrofit windows, some can't.
The ones with solid panels on both faces and a foam core usually can.
The ones with a thin panel held in a frame can sometimes have that panel
replaced by glass, but it may take disassembling door to do it. The thin
steel or fiberglass doors can usually be fitted with RV-style bubble
windows held in by a gasket, if there is clearance with door open for
the bubble. If the door is a model still stocked and sold, local dealer
may be able to order a replacement section with the lights already in it.

If you can find a data plate on door, call around to local dealers with
make and model, and see if anyone carries that brand. Most good dealers
will want to do an on site visit before they do any special orders of an
entire panel, and will only offer warranty on windows they install. If
it looks like 'universal' windows can be cut in to your door, any
competent carpenter can install them. (About the same as adding a window
to a wood door.) A dealer that is hungry for business may offer a free
site visit to discuss options.

aem sends...

On Jan 22, 9:25 pm, aemeijers wrote:
J. Davidson wrote:
Do we have to buy a new garage door with windows (lights) or can they be
added to the existing door by removing the top panel?
Thank you,
Jackie

It depends. Some types of door can accept retrofit windows, some can't.
The ones with solid panels on both faces and a foam core usually can.
The ones with a thin panel held in a frame can sometimes have that panel
replaced by glass, but it may take disassembling door to do it. The thin
steel or fiberglass doors can usually be fitted with RV-style bubble
windows held in by a gasket, if there is clearance with door open for
the bubble. If the door is a model still stocked and sold, local dealer
may be able to order a replacement section with the lights already in it.

If you can find a data plate on door, call around to local dealers with
make and model, and see if anyone carries that brand. Most good dealers
will want to do an on site visit before they do any special orders of an
entire panel, and will only offer warranty on windows they install. If
it looks like 'universal' windows can be cut in to your door, any
competent carpenter can install them. (About the same as adding a window
to a wood door.) A dealer that is hungry for business may offer a free
site visit to discuss options.

aem sends...

I used to have a garage door with windows. They weren't the high-
priced spread,but...
There were wood (pressed-board or whatever) panels in one of the folds
of the door. The appropriate shapes--arches or whatever you desire--
were cut in the panels. The glass on the inside of the door was a
standard rectangle, held in place with screwed-glued wood pieces.
From the outside it looked like what you wanted it to. From the
inside, who cared? When the glass broke, replacement was cheap and
fast and easy.