If you're a homeowner who is going to get a new garage door, and you're trying to decide between different styles, you may have seen all-glass or mostly glass doors that reflect anything in the driveway. Some of these are similar to the roll-up doors you see on mechanic bays at car repair shops, but others are darker or actually mirrored. This quirky setup does have some advantages, but you have to be sure you're OK with the disadvantages before getting one of these doors.

Reflecting Light and Glare

If done poorly or incompletely, the glass in the doors can reflect a lot of light and heat. That can create problems for your neighbors or for anything you put in the driveway. Plus, the glare can make it difficult for you to move the car in and out of the driveway safely. Ensure that the glass has an anti-glare coating or film on it and that the door is protected from direct sunlight .

Breakage

Cheap glass doors (cheap as in poor quality, not low price) could be too fragile to have if you live in a neighborhood where the glass is at risk of being hit. Whether it's a basketball game in the driveway or a newspaper delivery person with a strong arm but poor aim, the doors could be subject to a lot of damage. Be sure you get impact-resistant glass -- readily available in hurricane territory, and you should be able to find it or order it in other areas -- that can withstand these types of impacts. If you do live in hurricane territory, then impact-resistant glass is an absolute requirement.

Insulation

Be sure that the glass you get is insulated, whether that be actual dual-pane insulated glass or added insulation on the inside of the door. Home garage doors made of glass typically aren't transparent, so you can add padded insulation or another form to the other side. The garage door company you work with should have a range of options.

Help Backing Out

Glass doors do give you a major advantage when you back out of a driveway. Depending on light conditions and how much of the door is glass versus non-reflective material like the dividers between the panes, you may be able to get a better idea of what's behind you as you try to back out. You should still turn and look behind you and use mirrors on your car, but the reflection in the door is an added bonus.

Security

As you pull into your driveway, you may be able to see if anyone might be running up behind your car. It depends on angles and lighting, of course, but it is possible.

If you'd like to look at glass or mirrored garage doors, contact a garage door repair and replacement company, like Duncan Door Service Inc. You'll be able to take a look at the company's line of doors and features.