How many times have you been out and seen a patio that’s separated by an all-glass garage door or panoramic sliding door? Granted, most people have the garage door style because it’s more affordable, but whether you’ve seen them at a restaurant or someone’s house, or even just falling in love with them on social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest, it could be a great addition to open up your living space.
Like this California full-view double garage door? It’s got a unique black aluminum frame that contrasts the stone and wood finishes in the space nicely. Plus, it offers chrome hardware for a slightly industrial touch and if you want, you can even change that to block and have a sleek look. Imagine the enjoyment you could have with this space!
The all-glass California door is a perfect fit when you’re looking to create an indoor/outdoor space that will be the envy of the neighborhood. Perhaps you’ve already started making a plan, have a design concept, and think that you’re ready to go. But wait! Before you get started, you’ve got to know a few things...
1) The frames on these doors are aluminum
That’s a good thing if you ask AZO Matering, because:
● Aluminum is lightweight. That means the springs in your garage door won’t have to work as hard as they would with a wood or steel door.
● Aluminum is corrosion-resistant. This material has a natural coating known as oxide, which helps keep it from getting exposed to the elements and rusting, etc. If you live near saltwater or you’re outfitting your boathouse, a California aluminum garage door could be the perfect choice for style and substance alike.
● Aluminum is reflective. It naturally reflects both heat and light, helping keep things cool. Of course, all those windows will warm things up with the natural sunlight, so it’s probably not going to make a huge impact. It’s still worth considering, though, because it offers more than other materials.
Of course, for the pros, there are always a few cons…
There’s the fact that as a thermal conductor, aluminum is excellent.
If you live somewhere with cold winters, you’ll need to keep in mind that a full-view garage door frame will conduct the cold from outside as much as the heat—it may affect your heating or cooling costs.
When you opt for a full-view door like the California garage door, you’ll have to accept that this type of door doesn’t come with a high R-value.
You might not be saving energy, but it may be worth it to you for the aesthetics and appeal.
If you have a heated garage that runs between 46 and 50℉, it’s best to choose insulation that’s at least R-12 value, but R-16 construction will be the ideal solution. Based on that, think about how much it could cost to increase the temperature to 72℉ to remain temperate with the outdoors.
While you might be surprised to see a California full-view garage door installed in Quebec, that doesn’t stop this homeowner. They loved the idea of a crisp white frame and plenty of windows to let in the natural light. She must love drinking her coffee in this great space between her kitchen and the great outdoors—it’s cozy, and still invites nature in.
Perhaps you live somewhere with mild weather or you heat your home with wood or solar panels, so heating expenses aren’t a major concern. Perhaps you just love this look so much that it doesn’t matter what cons come with the choice. Looks are important, and we love these doors too—we just thought you should know all the facts before you decide.
2) All that glass could get foggy
Like all windows, the glass panels on your full-view door may tend to fog up with condensation when it gets damp or cold out.
How does condensation happen?
When a cold surface is hit by warm, moist air, it creates condensation.
Moisture is in all the air around us. Usually, the warmer the air, the more moisture it can hold. Think about the things you do every day that create moisture: cooking, bathing, showers, dishes, and laundry, and even just breathing. When the weather is nice and the windows are open, you don’t notice these as much. Close things up for the winter, though, and watch how fast it gets foggy.
When air cools, it contracts and that causes the moisture to condense. Thus, when the temperature drops, the windows are the first place you see condensation. And, the larger the window, the colder the surface. That means your stylish full-view garage door could be among the first to fog up, just like any other patio door.
And Houzz even showcases how these doors can work on cottages and other home styles beyond modern and contemporary finishes. The frame color was chosen to match the siding and it almost creates an industrial finish.
Want to get rid of condensation for good? Here are a few pointers:
● Turn down the heat a bit. If your temperature usually stays at 72℉, turn it down to 68℉ (from 22℃ to 20℃). Complaints about being cold? Grab some sweatshirts and blankets, and get used to wearing socks. It’ll even seem less harsh outside when the indoor climate is a bit cooler.
● Invest in good-quality fans. A lot of humidity is created from using appliances like the stove, the dryer, and especially your shower. Always ensure that you’ve got proper venting and installation to reduce issues. Install a proper vent fan in every bathroom with a shower or bathtub and over the stove (in the range hood, usually).
● Invest in a dehumidifier and / or air exchanger. These appliances will remove moisture from the air, either by drawing in moist air from the space or by drawing air in from the outside. In either case, it’ll help with the condensation issues.
● Consider a wood-burning stove. Most people don’t realize that a wood stove dries out the air. Most pros will tell you to install a humidifier when you choose a wood-burning stove because of the dry air. However, if you’re trying to reduce condensation, it’s a perfect balance. Plus—bonus romance! Imagine watching the sunset or snow fall through your beautiful garage door while curled up with a good book and a glass of wine. It’s like a private getaway right at home.
● No drying clothes indoors! No, we’re not talking about the dryer—use that to your heart’s content. With proper venting, it’s fine and does not affect the air quality. We’re talking about hang-drying clothing indoors. Think about all the moisture that makes! Sure, you want to be eco-friendly, but at what cost?
It’s not just a problem for the full-view garage door. This is an issue you’ll have with any large window or patio door, so you might as well get the look that you want. Plus, when you think ahead and are proactive, you will fix the issue before it even starts.
3) Yep, we’re going to point out all those windows again.
Yes, thank you Captain Obvious. We’re not harping here—it’s important to know that you’ll have a lot of choices involved in the garage door that you choose. That includes the windows. Sure, you can choose standard, clear rectangular panes. Or, you can choose a stylish etched glass or a custom frame to accent the windows.
This California all-glass garage door features clear glass panes and a black aluminum frame. The layout is the More style, and as you can see, it’s front and center on the building. This is a care center, however, so it’s not a big deal for passersby to see inside the space. It’s also a nice touch to lighten things up and bring the outdoors in.
One > Are you looking for privacy or to connect to the outdoors?
If you live in a neighborhood or heavily-populated urban area, you might have too many neighbors far too close as it is. Clear windows could leave you feeling too exposed, but you don’t want to give up the idea of an all-glass door—especially when you turn the lights on at night and the need for privacy is at its peak.
Check out this look found on Houzz! The open-concept design includes a brick fireplace and white walls, and you’ll love having a view of the outside, thanks to the two full-view doors.
For those who want privacy but still like the idea of the full-glass garage door, the California door with sandblasted (frosted) glass is a great choice. It adds unique lines and texture during the day and at night, it looks like an old-school lantern with an amazing glow.
You will find many types of glass to add to your garage door when you choose a full-view model. There are privacy levels rated from 0 to 5 out of 5, giving you clear glass for more natural light or frosted or tinted glass panels that will offer privacy while still giving you the light that you want.
Check out this modern kitchen from Jeannette Architects on Houzz, which proves that if you’ve got trees and a fence outdoors, you’ve already got the privacy that you need to choose clear windows for your full-view door.
California doors are also great for those with lake and mountain views. It lets in the soothing sights of nature all year long, even when you’re indoors.
Two > Is energy efficiency on your list?
If that’s the case, choose panes that are made with LOW-E Argon.
These windows will offer enough penetration to bring in the heat and light that you want while still limiting the escape of heat or cold coming in during the various seasons. It’s made to lower reflective heat and other sources, as well, while still giving you all of that beautiful natural light.
Check out this chart that describes the differences of windows with various efficiency ratings. Find out everything about LOW-E Argon thermopane windows.
Third > What about safety and protection?
Perhaps you live somewhere that is a little less safe and prone to vandalism? Maybe you worry about kids playing sports and throwing or kicking balls around your new door. It can all add up to disaster and if you’re investing in an all-glass door, you might be concerned.
Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your dream. You won’t have to worry about the kids around the door or making sure that they aren’t playing too close to the glass. Kids will be kids and with this door, you won’t have to stress.
If you choose tempered glass, you’ll be good to go!
What is tempered glass?
Tempering glass involves heating and cooling the gas to extreme temperatures to create an end product that is as much as five times stronger than the standard glass. Then, if it does break, it’s also in smaller, safer pieces. Keep in mind that a thermopane window can have tempering on the inside or the outside, or both. If you’re investing in a beautiful model like our California full view door, it’s best to get tempered glass on both sides.
Perhaps you’re not looking to add a garage door to your home but you like the style. Consider instead using the California door on your garage. It’s another great way to accessorize and style your space and create something unique.
Are you ready to upgrade and add more value with a new garage door?
Improving your home is a big undertaking. However, it’s also easy to get caught up in the upgrades and want to change it all. You want new siding, new roofing, and even some new landscaping to spruce it all up—it’s a lot to consider.
Consider CHANGING THE GARAGE DOOR. Then, you won’t have a boring space along with all that great new design.
Give us a call at 508-563-5633.
Ready for a new garage door opener or a new overhead door?
At Caspersen Door Systems, our team can help with whatever you need. We will ask you just a few basic questions and figure out what you’re expecting and can afford to spend. Then, we’ll find the door that’s right for you.
Already know what you love?
Contact us to get a quotation by email.
Want some inspiration?
Check out the residential photo gallery. Or, grab your smartphone and try some different doors in the Design Centre. You can upload a photo of your home or garage and create the perfect finish every time.
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