There are a few important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a new garage door, and one that cannot be ignored for any such door that contains these features is choosing the right glass type. Many garage doors contain glass panels to allow natural light into the garage and provide a more modern and contemporary look, while others utilize glass as their primary feature, and choosing the right glass type is vital.
At Crawford Door Sales, we’re proud to offer the best residential garage door services available around Sandy and Murray, plus even up to the Ogden area. We regularly work with glass garage doors, including a variety of different garage door glass types, depending on your needs. Here are some of the top material options to consider for a glass garage door, plus related factors to keep in mind.
Garage Door Glass Types to Consider
Here are some of the top glass material options often used for glass garage doors, plus some basics on each of them:
Tempered
One of the most common glass materials for garage doors is tempered glass. This type of glass is created through a process of heating and rapid cooling, which results in a strong, durable material that can withstand impacts and extreme temperatures. Tempered glass is also shatter-resistant, making it a safe option for garage doors.
Tempered glass is a popular choice for garage doors because of its strength and safety features. It can also be customized with various finishes, such as frosted or tinted, to achieve a desired look.
Laminated
Another option for glass garage doors is laminated glass. This type of glass consists of two or more layers of tempered glass bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between. The PVB layer acts as an adhesive, making the glass stronger and more resistant to breaking or shattering upon impact.
Laminated glass is known for its safety benefits, as it holds together when broken instead of shattering into sharp pieces like traditional tempered glass. This makes it a popular choice for garage doors, as it can help prevent injuries in case of accidental breakage.
Insulated
Many glass garage doors are also insulated, providing thermal and energy efficiency benefits to the space. Insulated glass is made up of multiple layers of glass with a space in between filled with air or gas, acting as an insulating barrier. This can help regulate the temperature inside the garage, making it more comfortable for any activities that take place there.
Frosted
Another common material for glass garage doors is frosted glass. This type of glass has a translucent or opaque appearance, allowing light to pass through while still providing some privacy. Frosted glass can also add a decorative touch to the garage door, making it an ideal option for those who want both functionality and style.
These are some of the main material types used for glass garage doors today. Which other factors should you be considering as you choose between them? Our next few sections will dig in.
Energy Efficiency
One of the key advantages of glass garage doors is their ability to let in natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and potentially lowering energy costs. However, not all glass options are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. Some types of glass have better insulation properties than others, which can impact your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Here are a few formats you may prioritize if energy efficiency is important to you:
- Double glazing: If you’re using glazed glass for your garage door, consider opting for double glazing. This involves two panes of glass with a small pocket of air or gas in between, providing better insulation compared to single-glazed glass. Double glazing can also help reduce outside noise.
- Low-E glass: Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is coated with a thin layer of metal oxide that helps reflect heat and UV rays from the sun, keeping your garage cooler during hot weather and warmer during cold weather. This type of glass also allows visible light to pass through, so you still get the benefits of natural lighting.
- Insulated frame: In addition to the type of glass used, the material and construction of the frame can impact energy efficiency. Look for a garage door with an insulated frame to help keep heat from escaping during the winter and prevent hot air from entering in the summer.
- Weatherstripping: Proper weatherstripping around the edges of your garage door can also help reduce outside noise. It creates a seal between the door and frame, preventing drafts and minimizing outdoor sounds from entering your garage.
Safety Considerations
With any glass garage door, it’s important to consider safety precautions. These include basic concepts like breakage resistance and shatterproof materials, plus more nuanced areas like child safety rules around glass doors. Additionally, consider adding safety sensors to your garage door opener system to ensure it will automatically reverse if it senses an obstruction in its path.
At Crawford Door Sales, we’re here to help with all your glass garage door needs, including help with choosing the ideal garage door glass type. Contact us today for these or any other residential garage door service around Sandy, Murray or up to Ogden!
