jalousie windows

Jalousie Windows Five Simple Steps to Repair

Jalousie Windows

If your windows are comprised of parallel glass louvers that are set into a frame then they would be considered Jalousie windows. The glass louvers are joined on a tract enabling them to be tilted open or shut in unison with a cranking device. This process allows for superior airflow. These types of windows are typically found homes located in warmer climates, and are usually installed in rooms that need improved light and ventilation. They were an extremely popular window choice in the mid century. This is due to the fact that central air conditioning was not readily available to most people, and jalousie windows allow cool breezes to pass through the house in an unobstructed manner. Many of the existing ones are well over fifty years old. Due to their age, and the mechanical nature of the cranking system window repairs are often needed. Often times the repairs are fairly easy to do yourself.

The following step-by-step window repair guide will provide you with all the information you need in order to repair jalousie windows yourself. With some basic skills and knowledge you will save yourself a lot of money fixing your windows rather then replacing them.

Step One: Replace The Crank Handle

The crank handle is one of the most common problems regarding jalousie window hardware. Often times the handle itself will fall off each and every time that you crank the window open or shut. This problem is due to the fact that the inside of the crank itself has been stripped through use, and it will no longer sit correctly on the gear mechanism. There is a simple solution. Replace the existing handle with a brand new one. You can purchase them at any hardware store and the good news is they are fairly inexpensive.

Step Two: Replace The Arm Mechanism If It is Bent

It is easy to crank jalousie windows too hard. Often times this will cause the metal arm to bend, and it is necessary to replace it with a new one. Although this may sound like a daunting task, it is fairly simple. The metal arm is attached to the assembly unit by a few screws. The screws are easy to remove with a basic screwdriver. Unscrew the old bent arm, remove it, and install the new are by screwing it back into the assembly. You will find that the window will now open much farther.

Step Three: Replace The Broken Rivet

Rivets are by and large used to hold the opening mechanism in place. Many units use a single rivet to accomplish this. When the window has been in use for many years the rivet head tends to break off. If this happens the window will not open. In order to fix this issue you need to drill out the broken rivet and then replace it with a brand new one. Pay careful attention when drilling out the old rivet in order to avoid making the hole larger or longer then it needs to be. If that happens putty the hole back to the original size so the rivet can fit.

Step Four: Move The Window Stops Back Into Their Proper Placement

After long periods of usage, jalousie windows have a propensity to move the stops out further than they need to be set at. The stops are typically metal and are secured with a setscrew located along the window tract. The stops are pushed out of their proper setting when the metal arm bangs against them. When the stops are pushed out too far the crank will stop working. This issue can be easily fixed. First, give the window a slight push from the outside while someone else is cranking from the inside. When the crank is closed, remove the screen and then crank out the window slightly until the stop is accessible. Simply set the stop back into its original place. Your window should now be working properly.

Step Five: If Your Window Is Sticking Apply Some Oil

This is perhaps the easiest repair, which is why we saved it for last. Jalousie windows contain many metal parts that are exposed to the weather when they are left in the open position. They tend to rust and build up grime and dirt over time causing the mechanism to stick. When this occurs the window naturally becomes difficult to open and close and may not work at all. All you need to do is spray a silicone lubricant on the mechanism in order to un- stick it.

If you follow the five steps as listed above your jalousie windows will work like new, if you need window parts or any type of jalousie window hardware submit the request option below and we will identify the window parts for free that you require, we ship to all 50 states!