Consisting of multiple slats of glass operated by a crank, jalousie windows - or louvered windows - were a common sight along porches in the 1950s and ‘60s. The popularity of this type of window resulted from its design. When the lever was pulled and the slots opened partially or fully, a breeze could enter the room, even if it was raining outside. Because the thin panels of glass opened outward and at a slant, one above the other, rain would cascade over the tips and not enter into the house. A screen placed behind the windows kept bugs out. The windows are still popular in warm-climate states such as Florida and Hawaii, but through the years they have lost favor in states that experience cold seasons, such as New Jersey. With energy prices continually rising, the fact that it’s impossible to get a tight seal around the slats of glass became a drawback - jalousie windows allowed for costly energy loss. If you still have jalousie windows or a jalousie storm door, there are things you can do to keep them operating smoothly.
When problems do arise, though, it may be difficult finding parts, which is why homeowners tend to replace them completely. Contractor Fred Hirsch said that, in their heyday, jalousie windows were popular because they allowed for a nice breeze to enter a space, typically an open porch."Of all the windows made in the ‘60s and ‘70s, by today’s standards jalousie windows were the least energy-efficient." Hirsch said it’s rare now to come across a porch or house with any jalousie windows left - "They have all been replaced 20 years ago." This generally came about because of certain problems: * The side mechanisms stuck or became * The aluminum pitted and corroded, * Even when closed, the glass panels leaked energy from the home. "The frames and everything were made of aluminum, and aluminum is a conductor of heat and cold," Hirsch explained. "When people were paying $0.17 for oil back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, they didn’t care about energy loss.
But, now with the price of oil and energy up so high, jalousies are a total energy-waster. There are some homes yet that have them, but over the years, I’ve replaced thousands of jalousie windows with much more energy-efficient windows." ), said he used to have jalousie windows on his house. He since has replaced them with insulated double-hung and awning windows, as have many of his customers. * added value to the home. Cangialosi said you still can purchase individual jalousie glass panels for about $20, but there aren’t too many manufacturers offering them these days. If homeowners want to swap out their old jalousie windows with something more energy-efficient, awning windows offer a slightly similar design at a similar price. "A nice choice or upgrade would be going to an awning window, because it still kicks out," he said. "If it’s raining, the water isn’t going to go into the house because the window has a little roof to it when you open it up.""Today’s double or triple-pane insulating glass also helps reduce the fading of interior furnishings, as compared with the single-pane clear glass often used in older windows."
Harkema also suggested replacing jalousies with awning or casement windows. "They allow in fresh air in as desired, yet crank shut to help keep out heat or cold, depending on the season," she said. "Plus, with awning or casement windows you can maximize your view, without multiple panes of glass cutting through it, as in the case of jalousie-style windows." To get optimum ventilation while still keeping out insects, she recommended the "virtually invisible" Pella Vivid View screen or the Pella Rolscreen, which rolls out of sight when the window is closed. Homeowners can stack their awning windows, which creates a less-obstructed view than with jalousie windows and their multiple panels. Today’s manufacturers also offer vinyl and wood framing around the windows that can be adapted to match your home’s décor. "If you stack the awnings to make up a bigger height, the place where they join together is right at eye level, so you may not have a clear view outside," Matthews noted.
"That’s why a picture window on top with the awning window lower may be a good choice. It still allows you to have ventilation, but instead of looking at the rail where the two units are joined together, the clear glass above gives you a nice view into the yard." KEEP JALOUSIES IN TOP FORMIf you love your jalousie windows and want them to last:* Lubricate the mechanical parts on the frame when they begin to stick* Keep an eye on the clips that hold the glass in place, and repair them when necessary* Replace broken glass panels by visiting a window supply company.John Matthews, sales manager for United Window & Door in Springfield, said customers often ask him where to find parts for their older windows. He recently had someone inquire about finding clips that hold the screen in place on jalousie windows. "It’s been 30-plus years since we’ve done anything with jalousie windows, so any parts we had are long gone," he explained. "), located in Pennsylvania. I’ve sent a couple of people there in the past."
Compare Latest Design Double Glass Jalousie Doors and Windows for House Guangzhou Mingqi Door And Window Co., Ltd. US $30-50 5 Sets Transaction LevelHome / Product Showcase / Doors Jalousie Doors: Charming Air Jalousie doors have a certain old-style charm. They're also practical, providing full-door ventilation with the twist of a crank.This jalousie door is made with extruded aluminum with 4" glass louvers. Glass retainer clips (for louvers) are rounded on the ends, not squared, to prevent snags and cuts.A full-length piano hinge provides sturdy support and the door's bottom has a built-in kickplate.The door can be custom ordered in "any color of the rainbow," as well as custom sizes, says the manufacturer. Other options include a tempered glass insert (screen is standard).Jalousie Door shown measures 32" x 80" (custom sizes an option).Price for a standard white door is $309 (October 2006). Learn More About The Burch Company Get The Burch Companycontact information, plus see product reviews we've published about the company.