When you’re planning on putting a shed up on your property or if you already have a shed in the yard, one of the things you’re probably deciding on is whether you should put windows on it. True enough, shed windows do have their benefits, but you also need to understand that they have drawbacks as well. As such, when should a shed have a window?
It is best to have windows on your shed if you live in a particularly warm and humid region that sees a lot of rainfall because windows can help control the humidity and airflow inside the shed while keeping it cool.
If theft is an issue in your area, it might be best to have windows in your shed that aren’t very easy to open from the outside. Also, install an alarm on the window for extra security.
Yes, it does sound nice to have windows in your shed because there really are plenty of benefits. However, you also need to understand that there are some instances and situations where shed windows can actually be more harmful than beneficial.
As such, it is important for you to know a few things before you decide whether you’re going to have windows for your shed or not.
What are the pros and cons of having a window for your shed?
If you’re deciding on whether you’re going to put a window on your shed, let’s first look at the pros and cons of having them installed.
Pros
Natural light
The first and one of the best reasons for having a window on your shed is that it allows more natural light to enter the shed. That’s because the windows will allow sunlight to enter the shed during the day so that you can rely on natural light whenever you’re working inside your shed.
So, the fact that you can rely on natural light thanks to the windows means that you don’t have to turn the lights on inside your shed unless you’re working there during the night. It’s similar to having windows for your house as the windows are responsible for providing all the light that you need during the day.
Installing skylight windows in the roof can help improve the flow of sunlight into the shed without making the interior visible from the outside. However, I prefer to use normal windows installed in the walls as I want to be able to see what’s going on outside while I’m working on the inside of the shed.
Improved Ventilation
Everyone will tell you that ventilation is important for a shed because it allows you to prevent moisture from building up inside. Just like the ventilation system for the base of the shed allows humid air to flow in and out of the structure freely a window will do the same for the inside of the shed.
In that regard, having windows installed in your shed means that you’ll have an effective passive ventilation system that doesn’t rely on electricity and fans to help improve the airflow in the shed.
Of course, having improved airflow and ventilation will not only be useful for keeping humidity levels down but also when it comes to ventilating any of the harmful fumes coming from the chemical products stored in the shed. You wouldn’t want the smell of paint and other chemicals building up inside the shed while you’re in it.
Another benefit of an improved ventilation system via the windows is that it keeps the shed cool and breezy throughout the hotter months of the year. So, if you love working during the summer days, the windows can help make the shed’s interior cool thanks to the continuous flow of air.
Aesthetics
Truth be told, we cannot deny the fact that having windows on any structure makes it look a lot better. A structure without windows will only make it look like a plain box or a containment chamber of some sort. Of course, a shed without windows will make it look bland, boring, and very restrictive.
As such, having windows on your shed will make an otherwise boring structure into a stylish shed that can instantly improve the overall appearance of the entire property. Matching the shed windows with the ones that your house has will make the entire property look more cohesive. In short, having windows on a shed can make the otherwise unappealing structure a lot better in terms of its aesthetics and style.
Cons
Security compromise
You already know it, thieves often use windows or any kind of opening on a structure as a way to enter. You have seen this in the news and in the movies as any thief who might want to take advantage of security flaws.
Your shed is normally a place where you keep expensive things, such as bicycles, lawnmowers, and different power tools. They can easily use your shed’s windows as an entry point and steal anything that may be valuable or even just very useful.
So, by having a window on a shed, you’re basically compromising the shed’s security, especially if you live in a neighborhood that’s known for crime and thievery. Any good thief will find a way to open the windows or even shatter them if needed.
Weatherproofing problems
We install drainage systems and gutters and coat the shed with paint to make sure that it is weatherproof. However, a poorly installed window can render all of those useless.
If you didn’t install the windows properly, you might as well open the entire shed up to the effects of the weather. Sheds are supposed to be maintained in the sense that you need to make sure that they are weatherproof.
If you don’t install the shed properly and don’t keep it well-maintained, the elements will take their toll on it. This includes rain and snow, which can ruin the shed on the outside and the inside if they happen to make their way inside through an improperly sealed window.
So, for added weatherproofing, it is recommended that you add caulking or weatherstripping to your windows to improve the shed’s weatherproofing.
Critters and insects
Keeping a window open during the day to allow the air in while you’re working can be a good idea. This will not only keep the shed cool with a nice breeze but will also help with the shed’s ventilation.
However, if you forget the windows open, the downside is that there might be other things aside from air that enters your shed.
Shed windows are the perfect entry points for critters and insects that will use the shed as shelter and, of course, make nests within the shed. Like small mice and insects that may want to call the shed home. This is especially true during the colder and hotter months of the year whenever different animals and insects are trying to find shelter.
How much will it cost to install windows for your shed?
Another disadvantage you need to consider is that installing windows on the shed will add costs to the installation. That’s because you need to buy the materials you need for the window while also hiring someone to install the windows for you. Caulking and weatherstripping can also add more expenses to the list. But how much does it usually cost to install windows for the shed?
Shed windows cost will vary depending on the size, materials, and style that you’re installing. There are some shed windows that may cost more depending on certain features, such as the materials used to make that shed window, or security features like special locking mechanisms.
Of course, you will also have to spend money to hire someone to install the windows for you. While you can do the installation yourself, remember that a poorly installed window can be disastrous to your shed overall. That’s why I recommend that you hire someone to install the shed for you.
Now, labor costs can depend on where you are and on how heavy the work is. In most cases, the hourly cost of having someone build a shed will vary. It might be lower if you’re only hiring someone to install shed windows, but the point is that you may end up spending hundreds of dollars for the shed windows and the installation.
When Should A Shed Have A Window?
So, with all the different pros and cons of shed windows presented to you, when is it appropriate to install windows on a shed?
If you live in an area that’s particularly humid and can be quite warm during the summers, it is ideal to have windows on your shed because how it helps keep the shed cool while providing you with a good amount of natural light and airflow. The windows can also help keep the shed free from excess moisture.
However, if you live in an area that is particularly prone to crimes such as trespass and thievery, you might want to skip having a window in your shed. Of course, the same could be said if you live in a region where there are plenty of wild animals and insects that can easily make your shed their home.
However, if you know how to remedy and counteract all the downsides of having shed windows, it will always be a good idea to have windows installed on them to make the shed look better and more useful.
