How to Remove Garage Door Window Inserts

a stand alone Garage
  • 2-3 hours
  • Beginner
  • 5-10
What You'll Need
Flathead screwdriver
Masking tape
What You'll Need
Flathead screwdriver
Masking tape

Garage door window inserts lend character to the exterior of your home, whether a classic sunset pattern or a contemporary leaded bevel. But there may come a time when they no longer suit the exterior of the house. If you have recently updated your exterior, the existing garage door window inserts might need replacing to make them compatible with the style of your home.

Step 1- Preparation of the Door

Stretch tape over the window on the exterior of the garage door from one side to the other. Tape the windows from top to bottom and stretch tape diagonally across the window to make sure it is completely secured by the tape. This is to prevent the window from falling toward the outside and breaking.

Step 2- Remove the Retainers

Inside the garage, gently ease the screwdriver head between the retainers at the window edges and the door. Slowly widen the gap without damaging the door. Remove the retainers. At this stage, the glass should be loose and should easily fall towards you. If it fails to move, get someone to give it a nudge on the outside. A very light tap is all that should be necessary.

Step 3 – Remove the Insert

Now that the glass is removed, the insert should come out easily. You can then replace it with your new style by reversing the actions above.