Question:
I have an Overhead door brand garage door with the vinyl decorative windows
that have faded from white to yellow. (garage door is around 4 years old)
Does anyone know how I might take these out so I can paint them? They
appear to have glass/plexiglass behind vinyl decorative inserts. I'm not
sure how these inserts are attached to the garage door.
It is the Williamsburg 1 style show here.
http://www.overheaddoor.com/Product_Index/Home_Products/Garage_Doors/...
WindowTrim/windowtrim.html
I was quoted around $80 for replacement windows, plus another $80 to have
them installed, so I'm thinking about just painting them. I'm hoping I can
get the paint color and gloss matched at a home repair store (ie. Home
Depot, Lowes, etc.)
Answer:
They are held in by one of two ways. They either snap into a groove on
the outside of the frame or they are inside the outside frame (with the
glass). If they appear to snap in you pull lightly on the insert to get
it to bow & they will pop out. However if they are brittle from the
weather exposure they may crack or break. If it appears that they are
inside the frame w/ the glass then you have to remove the interior
frame. (To keep the glass from falling out you may have to take the top
section out and lay on floor.)The interior frame is either one piece
held in by screws or four pieces that snap on also. It is extremely
difficult to remove the snap pieces without destroying them. They have
teeth (ridge edges) inside that lock into the frame. If you are
considering replacing them please note that they are not made a
universal size amongst the various mfgs and therefore will probably
need windows from the same mfg as the door. Some only vary by 1/4" but
they won't fit. (You could buy new frame, glass, & inserts that were
larger & cut the holes bigger in the door, but it is not an easy
project either). Personally I would paint them w/ them in & clean the
glass afterwards if the inserts do not pop out easily. It would be
easier in the long rung.
