If you are building a new home, or if you are looking to replace your garage door, there are lot of looks, styles and materials to choose from. If you are a more striking, contemporary look, might we suggest glass garage doors, or what is also known as full view garage doors? Full view glass garage doors can be just the look that sets your home apart from all the others. Yet should you buy glass garage doors?
What Kind of Glass Are They Made From
Full-view garage doors can be made from several types of glass. Here in Houston, where we get a lot of storms and wind, one of the types of glass we suggest is plexiglass. Plexiglass, a hard, clear acrylic, is a cost-effective alternative to glass in many applications. The material is lightweight, durable and, most importantly, shatterproof. Also, when compared to glass, Plexiglass often offers greater transparency, as glass is more likely to reflect light, creating reflections and glares.
There are other types of glass that can be used, including polycarbonate-coated glass. Polycarbonate is less rigid than acrylic plexiglass, meaning it does not crack when drilled and is highly resistant to acids and chemicals, such as gasoline. Polycarbonate-coated glass has a low level of flammability.
Advantages Of Glass Garage Doors
There are several great advantages to full-view glass garage doors.
Make Your Home Stand Out
With full-view garage doors, your home will have an increased curb appeal that will stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.
You Have Increased Natural Light
One of the best benefits of glass garage doors is you get increased natural lighting as compared to traditional garage doors. Increasing natural lighting has the potential to lower your electricity bill, and make it easier to see in your garage all a the same time.
Glass Garage Doors are Strong and Durable.
The glass panels are framed in heavy-duty aluminum. Combine the fact they are usually made by glass panels that are either almost or are completely shatterproof and have a very strong garage door.
You Can Still Have Privacy with Glass Garage Doors
Even though glass garage doors can let a lot of natural light in, you can still get privacy as well. There are glass garage doors that have either frosted or opaque glass that allow your privacy to be kept.
Low Maintenance.
Glass doors are very low-maintenance and don’t need to be re-stained or re-painted. They’re also easy to clean.
Disadvantages Of Glass Garage Doors
Less Insulation.
The only real drawback to full-view garage doors is the fact the installation is compared to steel or wood. Depending on what side your garage sits on facing the sun, you could negate any energy savings you have with increased natural lighting. With less insulation, you will have more air flowing in and out, plus that natural lighting could heat your garage up to where you need to increase your AC.
Spectrum Overhead Door LLC has been installing garage doors since 2006. If you are considering getting a new garage door installed in Houston, call us for a free design consultation.