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Garage Door Grilles Explained

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The garage door window grille you choose can impact the overall look of your garage door.

When it comes to garage door windows, there’s more to know than just the difference between seeded and opaque glass or whether you prefer an arched or rectangular design. Some big decisions have to be made which can impact the overall look of your garage door. One decision that can have a huge impact is which type of grille you want for your garage door windows.

There are several different types of grilles you can have on your garage door windows, but two of the most common are window inserts and simulated divided lites.

Window Inserts

Window Inserts on Garage Door

Window inserts are used on basic stamped steel doors to create the appearance of individual windows. Made of plastic, and embossed with a subtle wood grain finish, window inserts come in a variety of designs to choose from. The rectangular insert is added over the glass of your garage door to give the illusion of window panes.

Inserts can help match your garage door to other architectural elements on your home, but some homeowners feel the snap in appearance doesn't achieve the finished look they desire. You may also find that the insert colors vary slightly from the garage door itself.

From the inside of the garage, you’ll notice there is a single pane of glass with the window grille placed on the outside of the door. The grille of the window insert will be hollow, not flat to the glass.

Simulated Divided Lites

Simulated Divided Lites on Garage Door

Simulated divided lites are the most common window construction for any garage door beyond a basic stamped steel. On a steel door with overlays, the window panel is constructed with one large window pane and the grille is made of the same or similarly textured materials to resemble individual window panes. On a wood or vinyl composite door, the door panel is constructed with the window grille routed or cut out of the selected panel material. The glass is then placed behind the grille with a frame added in back to keep the glass in place.

From the outside, the continuity of the material between grilles and door provides a more finished look. Simulated divided lites also allow more opportunities to match your home’s style and design, from window arches to front door design. The authenticity of the simulated divided lites on your garage door will enhance the overall look of the garage door and your home.

Additionally, because the window frame is built into the material, your window section can be larger, thus inviting in more natural light inside of the garage. While inside the garage, there will not be any additional window panes on the inside of the door, similar to the inserts. However, the grille themselves will not be hollow as is found with window inserts.

True Divided Lites

True divided lites are created with individual panes of glass within the window section. Each piece of glass is cut individually for each pane of the window. These are only available on high end wood and vinyl doors and the design is rarely used, as it dramatically increases the cost of a door and gives the same look as a simulated divided lite from outside the garage.

Whichever window grille you choose, your new garage door will instantly increase the value of your home, as well as the beauty!