Add natural light with hangar door windows
Hangar door windows or translucent wall panels are a great way to add aesthetic flare to your building while allowing natural light to penetrate the hangar.
Window frames may be installed either within the door frame or mounted to its exterior face. The window frame’s width and height can be customized to your preference; however, it’s important to coordinate with the hangar door manufacturer to understand how your design may impact cost. In general, wider windows tend to increase engineering complexity and expense.
3 reasons why you should use windows or translucent panels in your hangar door
Natural light
Instead of relying on lights in your hangar use a series of windows. Let the earths natural sky light up the inside of your hangar and reduce energy costs. The modern pre-engineered metal building designers are using windows and translucent panels to illuminate aircraft hangars because it’s proven to reduce energy costs.
Productivity
Google “daylight productivity workers”. It’s a known fact that daylight can stimulate the mind and helps to reduce stress. Natural light in a busy maintenance and repair hangar can help to increase creativity and well-being among humans by up to 15%.
Curb Appeal
Windows break up the focus on metal wall panels. Since the hangar door is the face of your building, having a customized window finish will certainly add appeal and possible value to the asset.
The creativity you express in your hangar door windows design can make the project personalized and can follow the design trends on all four exterior walls. You could use a symmetrical window design on each side of the building.
How to choose a window design
Windows are typically specified by the project architect. As part of the design process, the architect will provide the hangar door manufacturer with the framed opening dimensions required for the selected window system. These framed openings will be incorporated into the fabrication of the hangar door. Once the door is installed, a separate window contractor will be responsible for installing the window, along with any associated trim and sealant.
The choice of window type and design is generally limited only by the depth and width of the door leaf. Early coordination with the hangar door manufacturer is recommended to define these limitations and ensure compatibility.
Translucent wall panels require horizontal bracing provided by the hangar door structure, making early integration essential. After the hangar door is installed, a sheeting contractor can apply additional bracing as needed and secure the translucent panels to the door frame.
It’s important to note that structural elements such as x-bracing or support steel may be visible behind glass or translucent panels. These components are necessary to maintain the integrity of the door leaf and prevent sagging. Discussing your design intent with the hangar door manufacturer during the early stages can help determine whether such obstructions will impact your specific project.
Examples of windows and transluscent panels in hangar doors
Understanding the importance of window frame dimensions and locations for hangar doors
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