Should You Repair Or Replace Your Old Jalousie Windows?
If you live in an older home with jalousie windows, you probably either love them or hate them. They're not very energy-efficient and they have several metal parts that can break or bend and cause the window to stop opening or closing. If your windows won't operate properly, or if there are panels of cracked glass, you may wonder if you should repair the windows or just have them replaced. Here's a look at your choices.
Repairing Jalousie Windows
If some of the glass panels are cracked or damaged, they can be replaced fairly easily. It just requires flipping out the end piece of metal that holds the glass in place. Since these windows aren't too common any longer, you may need to have the replacement glass special ordered if you can't find them in stock at your local home improvement store. The glass slats come in different lengths, so be sure you measure the slats you have before you buy replacements. Once the glass is in hand, it can be slipped into place after the old panel is removed. You can probably change out glass slats yourself, but repairing metal parts usually isn't as easy.
Jalousie windows open with a crank and the crank can get stuck or stripped. When that happens the window won't close all the way and it won't open fully either. You can try lubricating the crank, but if that doesn't work, you can hire a window repair company to replace it. Other problems that can happen is the thin metal arms or other metal pieces can be bent and interfere with the window operation. This requires careful straightening and aligning of the pieces so the window operates without sticking again. While old jalousie windows may look like lost causes if they haven't been maintained properly, they can usually be repaired with a little work and help from a window repair company.
Replacing Jalousie Windows
If you don't like the look of jalousie windows or worry about them being a danger in case of a fire since you can't escape through them, then you may want to have them replaced rather than wasting time on repairs. You can replace them with any type of window you like. When the jalousie windows are removed, the opening in the wall is suitable for double hung or casement windows that can give your home a more modern appearance.
If your budget is a factor or if you love the vintage look of jalousie windows, then talk to a repair company about restoring the windows so they look attractive and function properly. However, if you want to get rid of the windows anyway, then replacing them with something you like could be the best option since you can upgrade to something more energy efficient.