At Garage Door Specialist, most of the commercial garage doors we install are all about function: heavy-duty steel, high-cycle springs, and durability to handle constant use. But every so often, a project comes along where style is just as important as performance. That’s where full view commercial garage doors shine.
Why Full View Doors Are Different
Full view commercial doors feature large glass panels set in aluminum frames. They’re a popular choice for restaurants, breweries, and retail spaces where the door isn’t just an access point – it’s part of the customer experience. These doors provide:
- A clean, modern look that fits open-concept designs
- Natural light to brighten the interior during the day
- Indoor-outdoor flow for spaces that want to open up to patios or sidewalks
- Showroom appeal for businesses that want customers to see inside
A Recent Installation in Apex, NC
We recently installed two full view commercial garage doors at a pizza-and-brewery location in Apex, North Carolina. This wasn’t our first time working with this customer – they specifically requested Garage Door Specialist again after a previous positive service experience.
This project was part of a new construction build, which meant we coordinated directly with the builder to ensure the doors were installed at just the right stage in the construction process.
The Technical Side of Installing Full View Doors
Installing full view doors isn’t like installing standard steel commercial doors. Here’s why:
1. Glass Handling
The panels are glass, not steel, so every step requires extra care to avoid chips, cracks, or scratches. We use protective padding during transport and keep a clean work area to prevent debris from scratching the surfaces.
2. Custom Bracket and Hinge Alignment
Unlike most commercial doors, full view doors don’t come with pre-drilled holes for brackets and hinges. Every hole must be measured, marked, and drilled on-site with precision to ensure proper alignment and smooth operation.
3. Protecting Painted Finishes
Many full view doors come with powder-coated or painted frames to match the building’s design. We take extra steps to protect these finishes during installation, including wrapping parts and avoiding contact with abrasive surfaces.
4. Opener Setup for Glass Doors
Because full view doors are lighter than solid steel ones, opener force settings need to be adjusted carefully. Too much force can damage the glass or hardware over time.
When Businesses Choose Full View
While they cost more than standard steel doors, full view commercial doors are a smart investment for businesses that rely on atmosphere and visual appeal to attract customers. We most often install them in:
- Breweries and restaurants with patio seating
- Auto showrooms and service centers
- Retail spaces looking for a modern storefront
Our Approach to Full View Door Installations
For every full view project, we:
- Coordinate with builders early to ensure framing and clearance are correct
- Bring the right equipment and protective gear for glass handling
- Take extra time during alignment to ensure long-term smooth operation
- Test the doors thoroughly before sign-off to confirm both safety and appearance standards are met
The Bottom Line
Full view commercial garage doors deliver both style and functionality. For businesses that want to stand out, they’re an ideal way to make a strong first impression while still enjoying the reliability of a professionally installed commercial door.