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424 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515

630-852-8485

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Windows In Your Garage: Pros and Cons

September 5, 2024/in Windows/by Blue Sky Builders

Among the many things to think about as you design a garage that meets your needs and budget is whether you want to include windows. For some people, the expense of adding windows to a room that does not often get used may not be worth it. For others, security considerations in their neighborhood makes the idea of windows in a garage unappealing.

If you are considering building or remodeling your garage, thinking carefully about window options is important. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., our Chicagoland garage specialists can walk you through your options, including the pros and cons of each. We want you to have a garage that works best for you. Here are some questions to think about when it comes to garage windows.

Does Natural Light Improve My Garage?

One of the main reasons people consider adding windows to their garage is for the natural light. Without windows, garages can be dark and uninviting, making it harder to complete tasks or find items inside. Windows allow sunlight and warmth to filter in, which can improve visibility and make the space feel more welcoming. If you use your garage as a workspace or spend significant time in it, having natural light can make a big difference.

Will Windows Affect the Security of My Garage?

Security is a common concern when installing windows in a garage. While windows provide light and aesthetic appeal, they can also create an entry point for burglars if not properly secured. Thieves may be tempted to break the glass or peek inside to see valuable items. If you are considering windows, you may want to invest in reinforced glass or window bars to maintain security while enjoying natural light’s benefits.

Can Windows Improve Ventilation in My Garage?

Garages can get stuffy, especially in warmer months, or if they are used to store items that create fumes, such as cars or chemicals. Installing windows that can open and close allows for better airflow, helping to reduce humidity and improve overall ventilation. Proper ventilation can prevent unpleasant odors and help protect stored items from moisture damage.

Will Adding Windows Increase the Value of My Home?

Adding windows to your garage can improve your home’s aesthetic appeal and may increase its overall value. Garages with windows often look more finished and attractive, which can be a selling point if you ever decide to move. While the increase in value may not be dramatic, potential buyers might appreciate the added natural light and aesthetic enhancement windows provide.

Do Windows Affect the Insulation of My Garage?

Windows can impact the insulation of your garage, especially if they are not energy-efficient. Poorly insulated windows may allow heat to escape in the winter and make it harder to keep the space cool in the summer. If you want to add windows but are concerned about energy loss, consider installing double-pane or energy-efficient windows that help maintain the temperature inside your garage while still letting in light.

Call our Downers Grove, IL Garage Remodeling and Construction Experts

Whether you ultimately decide to include windows in your garage is up to you. Whatever you choose, the team here at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is here to help. Call us at630-852-8485 to schedule a free on-site estimate with our Chicago, IL area garage construction team.

https://www.blueskybuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/logo.png 0 0 Blue Sky Builders https://www.blueskybuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/logo.png Blue Sky Builders2024-09-05 00:06:372025-02-25 00:07:34Windows In Your Garage: Pros and Cons

What to Keep in Mind When Choosing New Garage Windows

July 11, 2024/in Windows/by Blue Sky Builders

What to Keep in Mind When Choosing New Garage WindowsSelecting the right windows for your garage is an important decision that impacts not only the aesthetics of your property but also its functionality, energy efficiency, and security. An Illinois garage renovation professional can help you understand the factors in choosing garage windows and will help you make an informed decision that enhances your home’s value and comfort.

Does it Matter Which Window You Choose?

Absolutely. The windows you select for your garage play a significant role in various aspects of your home. Proper windows can help regulate temperature, reducing heating and cooling costs, which improves energy efficiency. High-quality windows provide an additional layer of protection against intruders, enhancing security. Natural light from well-chosen windows can transform your garage from a dark storage space into a functional work area.

The right windows allow proper air circulation, preventing moisture buildup and mold growth. Attractive garage windows enhance your home’s overall appearance and increase its resale value. Given these factors, choosing the right garage windows is a decision worth careful consideration.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Garage Windows

Material

The material of your garage windows affects their durability, maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency:

  • Vinyl: Low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and cost-effective.
  • Aluminum: Lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion.
  • Wood: Offers a classic look but requires more maintenance.
  • Fiberglass: Durable, low-maintenance, and excellent for insulation.

Consider each season of the year when selecting your window material. Opt for materials that can withstand various temperatures and occasional severe weather conditions.

Glass Type

The type of glass you choose impacts energy efficiency and security

  • Double-pane or triple-pane glass: Provides better insulation than single-pane windows.
  • Low-E glass: Reflects heat, helping to keep your garage cooler in the summer.
  • Tempered or laminated glass: Offers increased security and safety.

Window Style

Different window styles serve various purposes:

  • Sliding windows: Easy to operate and provide good ventilation.
  • Awning windows: Can be left open during light rain for ventilation.
  • Fixed windows: Offer light without ventilation, ideal for high, unreachable areas.
  • Roll-up windows: Maximize space and complement garage doors.

Choose a style that complements your home’s architecture and meets your needs.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

When selecting windows, look for ENERGY STAR-certified options, as these meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Pay close attention to the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings; lower numbers in both categories indicate better insulation properties. Additionally, consider the orientation of your garage and choose windows that can help manage the temperature effectively. This thoughtful selection can significantly impact your home’s energy consumption and comfort.

Security Features

Garage windows can be a potential entry point for intruders, making security a crucial consideration in your selection process. Enhance the security of your garage by choosing windows with multi-point locking systems, which provide multiple locking points around the window frame for increased protection. Opting for impact-resistant glass adds another layer of security, making it more difficult for potential intruders to break through. Consider installing window sensors as part of your home security system for comprehensive protection. Combined, These measures can significantly boost your garage’s overall security and, by extension, your home.

Professional Installation

Even the highest quality windows will not perform optimally if improperly installed, underscoring the importance of professional installation. Expert installers ensure proper fitting and sealing, which is crucial for maximizing energy efficiency and preventing drafts or leaks. Professional installation also guarantees compliance with local building codes, avoiding potential legal issues.

Many manufacturers’ warranties only apply to windows installed by certified professionals, making professional installation essential for protecting these valuable guarantees. Investing in quality windows and professional installation can save you money in the long run through improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.

Work With a Chicago, IL Garage Renovation Professional

Are you ready to transform your garage with new windows? Call Blue Sky Builders, Inc. at 630-852-8485 today for a free on-site estimate. A DuPage County, IL garage renovation professional will help you choose the perfect windows to meet your needs and enhance your home’s value and comfort.

https://www.blueskybuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blog_20240828190453.jpg 670 1000 Blue Sky Builders https://www.blueskybuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/logo.png Blue Sky Builders2024-07-11 23:45:232025-04-23 20:39:37What to Keep in Mind When Choosing New Garage Windows

Two Ways to Make Your Custom Garage Stand Out

April 17, 2024/in Windows/by Blue Sky Builders

When designing a custom garage, choosing the right windows can enhance the space’s look and practicality. Whether you are choosing windows that will maximize natural light or improve ventilation, windows can play an important role in creating a welcoming and efficient garage environment. Common garage window styles include casement, sliding, and awning windows, each offering unique benefits. Contact a professional garage building company to learn more about options and what makes the most sense for you.

For over 40 years, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has proudly served over 50 communities in Illinois, and we are far from done. Give us a call at 630-852-8485 and see why we are the most trusted garage building professionals in Illinois.

Selecting the Right Window Style

The first step in choosing windows for your custom garage is selecting the right style that complements the overall design. Consider factors such as your home’s architectural style, the garage’s size, and your personal preferences.

Welcoming in Natural Light

Natural light can transform a garage from a dark and dreary space into a bright and inviting area. When selecting windows, maximize natural light to create a more pleasant garage environment. Consider the garage’s orientation and placement of windows to capture sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, choosing energy-efficient windows can help reduce glare and enhance the overall comfort of the space.

Ensuring Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial in a garage to prevent moisture buildup and maintain air quality. When choosing windows, choose designs that allow for proper airflow and ventilation. Consider installing operable windows or incorporating vents to promote air circulation and reduce humidity levels. By prioritizing ventilation, you can create a healthier and more comfortable garage environment, especially if you use your garage for projects that involve wood or metal dust, paint, or other substances that can affect air quality.

Balancing Privacy and Security

While windows are visually appealing, they also raise concerns about privacy and security. Choose windows offering privacy features, such as tinted options or frosted glass, to balance openness and protection. Additionally, consider adding security measures such as locks or reinforced glass to enhance the safety of your garage space.

Contact a Chicago, IL Professional Garage Building Company

Choosing windows for your custom garage involves a thoughtful approach considering style, natural light, ventilation, privacy, and security. By selecting the right window and maximizing these factors, you can create the garage of your dreams. To contact the DuPage County, IL garage building professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. call 630-852-8485 and get a free on-site estimate today.

https://www.blueskybuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/logo.png 0 0 Blue Sky Builders https://www.blueskybuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/logo.png Blue Sky Builders2024-04-17 23:26:372025-02-24 23:27:33Two Ways to Make Your Custom Garage Stand Out

Choosing the Right Windows for Your Garage

December 8, 2023/in Windows/by Blue Sky Builders

When it comes to choosing windows for your garage, you will find there are many different factors to consider. Garage windows hold significant sway in both the functionality and visual appeal of the space, offering natural light, ventilation, security, and many other positive benefits. While there are many different types of windows you can choose from, our Chicagoland builders offer six different types of windows for clients to choose from, whether you are looking to build a garage from scratch or you are looking to make updates to an older garage.

Single-Hung Windows

These windows are made of two sashes where only one is movable, allowing vertical movement on a track or balance system. This type of window is known for its simplicity and affordability compared to other styles. These windows offer easy access for cleaning from inside the garage and provide decent insulation against heat loss/gain when properly sealed. However, they offer limited ventilation control and reduced natural light compared to larger window styles.

Double-Hung Windows

Similar in design to single-hung windows but with increased ventilation flexibility, double-hung windows feature movable top and bottom sashes. They facilitate easier cleaning from inside and come with safety features such as mounted screens on each functional sash. However, the increased functionality comes with a higher cost because of the ability to have more control over airflow and ability to clean.

Fixed Glass Windows

Fixed glass windows are great for aesthetics and natural light but have limitations in ventilation, especially when you want a cooler garage in the summer. Their lack of flexibility prevents airflow, impacting the garage’s temperature. Despite their drawbacks in ventilation, these windows excel in enhancing security and providing insulation by eliminating movable parts and potential air gaps, which can make your garage vulnerable to break-ins. While they are great for security measures and insulation, their inability to facilitate airflow might be a trade-off to consider based on your needs.

Sliders

Sliding windows are great because they slide horizontally and offer a wide view, saving space and making cleaning easy. However, they might not be the best for energy efficiency due to their larger frames, potentially letting air in and affecting insulation. Plus, their design might make it easier for intruders to see through and potentially break into, so you might need extra security measures for these types of windows. These are some of the best visual windows however, due to the wide view they typically provide.

Casement Windows

Casement windows open outward like a door, offering excellent ventilation and natural light transmission. They are energy-efficient and easy to clean but require adequate clearance outside the garage and have limited design options.

Awning Windows

If you need windows that provide exceptional rain protection while maintaining good security measures, then awning style is the kind for you. Their unique design creates an awning effect, preventing rainwater infiltration into your garage. This setup also ensures better privacy compared to other styles, even when opened, as they do not expose much of the interior space. However, their top-hinged positioning might limit visibility when partially opened and create a narrower viewable area when fully opened.

Contact our Downers Grove, IL Custom Garage Builders Today!

Knowing the pros and cons of each window type ensures that you make an informed decision based on both style and function for your garage. If you are interested in remodeling or building a new custom garage, our garage building experts have the skills and experience to help. You can reach us at 630-852-8485 to schedule a free evaluation or with any sort of questions you may have.

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    Located in Downers Grove, the skilled garage building professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. work with clients throughout the Chicago suburbs, including Aurora, Batavia, Berwyn, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lockport, Lombard, North Riverside, Oak Park, River Forest, Riverside, Schiller Park, Villa Park, Western Springs, Westmont, Wheaton, and Woodridge.

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