Garage Door Window Replacement

Do-It-Yourself Garage Door Repairs Might Include Replacing a Window

Upgrading a paneled garage door with a smart-looking series of windows can provide homeowners with a distinctive combination of aesthetics and functionality.  While adding a degree of curb appeal to the home, these windows also allow for penetration of natural light, in turn permitting family members to enter the garage without the immediate need to flip the light switch to the ‘on’ position.

Unfortunately, through normal wear-and-tear plus exposure to the elements over time, garage door parts/panels will require repairs, and replacing a garage door window is no exception.  However, unlike some garage door repairs, such as those requiring a garage door cable change due to broken torsion springs and snapped cables, replacing a garage door window can be a do-it-yourself project for homeowners.

There can be several reasons for replacing a garage door window, which may or may not be directly related to its method of installation and/or the primary use of the garage.  The causes or motivation for garage door window replacement may include:

• Accidental damage
• Intentional damage
• Worn/loose caulking
• Water/moisture leak
• Energy conservation
• Exterior remodeling

Regardless of the reason for replacing a garage door window, there are essentially two methods of installation, specifically:

• Glass or plexiglass windows within a frame – assembled/installed as a single unit
• Window inserts (glass or plexiglass) fitted into the framework of a garage door

Based on the method of installation, the following tools and/or materials will be required:

• Screwdriver and hammer
• Square of plywood or thin wooden slats
• Drill and 1/8-inch drill bit
• All-weather caulking
• Putty knife, utility knife, wood chisel

For the respective installation processes, their fundamental steps consist of:

• Window inserts
  • Straighten tabs (putty knife) or remove wood stops (chisel) that secure the pane
  • Cut beads of existing caulking along edges of frame opening (using a utility knife)
  • Remove pane/broken glass from the opening and clear remaining caulking (chisel)
  • Apply a new bead of all-weather caulking around opening – press window into place
  • Reset tabs/wood stops to re-secure new window and adds the second bead of caulking
• Frame-and-window unit
  • Unscrew the frame from the door face and remove the unit (push out from the inside)
  • If it is not pre-assembled, lay new frame and window face up on plywood or thin slats, and drill screw holes in the frame using a template that should be provided
  • Install the new unit and secure frame into place with the appropriate-sized screws
  • If the unit is already pre-assembled, it may be as simple as snapping it into place and/or fastening the frame to the door face as described in the previous step
  • Should neither format include a rubber seal around the inner edges of the frame, apply a bead of caulking along these edges before securing the frame to the door
  • It may be beneficial to also apply to caulk around outer edges of the new frame

Safety tip: wear gloves/eye protection when working with glass (either broken or intact)

If homeowners are uncertain about the process of replacing a garage door window or have hesitations about working with/around glass panes, they have the option of calling upon trained installers, such as the technicians from Markham Garage Doors.

Award-Winning Garage Door Repairs and Garage Door Window Replacements

When homeowners are hesitant about performing their own garage door repairs, such as window replacement, or perhaps do not have the time or inclination for do-it-yourself projects, they can rely on the expert services provided by Markham Garage Doors.

For more than 10 years, Markham Garage Doors has provided homeowners in Toronto and the GTA with award-winning garage door service and repairs for such needs as:

• New door installations
• Garage door openers
• Spring and cable repairs
• Maintenance and tune-ups
• Replacing weather stripping
• Garage door window replacement
• And more

If you are uncertain or hesitant about performing your own garage door maintenance and repairs, call the experts at Markham Garage Doors today at (905) 472-9178 or (416) 570-3667 to help you get the job done right and right away.