Jalousie windows are a standard characteristic of modern-day homes of the mid-century, and at the peak of their popularity, they provided many advantages over conventional windows. With the advent of homes with modern cooling and heating but certain benefits were squandered.
These days, jalousies are only available in areas that do not have air cooling.
Jalousies: The Rising as well as the Fall of Jalousies
Jalousie windows are also known as louvered window, comprise in horizontal plastic, or wood panels that are placed on tracks in frames for windows. By using a knob or crack operator, the windows are able to be opened and closed as slats in Venetian blinds.
Although they were first introduced in 1901 but it wasn’t until into the 1940s that the windows really began to take off. Between the time of their invention and the end of the 1960s, they were a regular appearance in the south where ventilation in the summer is essential as well as winters that are relatively mild.
In cooler climates, they could be seen on enclosed porches, gazebos and sunrooms. They also were often found on mobile houses.
In the 1970s, more homes had electric air conditioning. Eventually, the windows that were slushy became an issue because they squander the air conditioning inside. In 1973, when the energy crisis was a reality and cooling costs were rising, the appeal of jalousie windows went into a rapid decline.
Pros include Cooling Breezes, and Convenient Privacy
Although they aren’t as well-known as they were in the past Jalousie windows remain practical ways to let air flow and privacy with your family.
Convenient Ventilation
Jalousie windows are commonly utilized in warmer climates since they let in air while keeping the rain and sun out. When fully opened they have an angle that window blocks rain and sunlight and reduces the airflow to stop things inside the room from bouncing around. The panels can be adjusted to control the flow of air and sunlight that is able to enter.
In humid, hot climates prior to air conditioning becoming commonplace, cooling breezes were vital to comfort. While they’re not so useful in homes with A/C, they’re still useful for enclosed porches as well as other places that aren’t cooled.
If you open the jalousies and the jalousies open, you can take in some cool air without being soaked on. You can also read without wind or glare.
Flexible Privacy
Jalousie windows allow you to have the window open to let in air while blocking the view of the space. If the windows are tilted downwards, air can get in from underneath and you’ll be able to look out, but people passing by cannot see in.
This is one of the reasons this kind of window is frequently employed in bathrooms. However you still have the option of getting an unobstructed, but more private, views by opening them completely.
Multiple Upgrade Options
If you find that your window’s style no longer is a good fit for your needs or the aesthetics of your home You can alter the entire look of your window by replacing the windows.
Change from transparent glass panels to tinted or frosted glass for greater security and better control over light. Consider aluminum windows for those who want to completely block out light. Switch to wood panels to create a unique, premium appearance or windows that blend with the wood siding you have installed.
Cons Cons: Air Leaks and vulnerability to damage
Apart from their inefficiency, jalousie windows draw burglars and require greater upkeep than traditional windows.
Poor Energy-Efficiency
While these windows are fantastic for controlling humidity and temperature in a home that is not air-conditioned but once you’ve got cooling, these windows can become the main source of energy consumption.
The window panels don’t shut completely enough to make an airtight seal, which is why they release air. The cool air conditioning escapes , while humid, hot outside air enters. Your air conditioner then needs to perform harder to keep your temperature cool.
When it’s cold outside, the jalousies create cold drafts. Modern models are made with superior air sealing than previous versions, but even so they’re not among the most efficient window designs on the market.
If your home isn’t equipped with air conditioning or natural airflow, then jalousie windows could be a good option for certain rooms. Make sure you remember to put up a screen on your windows as bugs could get through the holes in the windows regardless of whether the windows are shut. If winter is approaching, put in the shrink film or inside storm windows to block drafts.
If you are using your AC frequently, however the windows with jalousie glass will increase your cooling costs.
Weak Security
Jalousies are notoriously difficult for someone to enter. An aspiring burglar could remove the panels easily and quietly by prying away the clips made of metal which hold them in place. There won’t be any noise of glass breaking to alarm neighbors or you. Due to their popularity simply the presence of windows like these on your home can make it a prime target for burglars.
It is possible to increase a jalousie’s security with an aluminum window grille on the exterior of the window, however it can affect the appearance of your house.
The need for frequent maintenance
Because the jalousie window panels are opened horizontally, they accumulate more pollen, dust, and other particles than standard windows. Because the window’s surface is uneven, that you aren’t able to wipe it clean like you would with other windows. In order to truly get your jalousie spotless, you’ll need remove each of the panels by removing the clips that hold the panels.
The windows also feature more moving parts and are exposed to elements more frequently than other windows, making them more likely to experience mechanical issues. Operators and tracks are susceptible to forming the rust that makes them stick. The panels can break since they lack reinforcement.
The good news is that the majority of repairs are easy enough to complete yourself. It’s typically just a matter of taking off the damaged component and replacing it with an entirely new one.
When they first appeared on the scene, the jalousie windows proved to be a blessing for anyone living in a hotand humid climate. Today, with the modern air conditioning however they usually cause more than good when it comes to comfort and energy efficiency.
They’re an excellent option for enclosed porches, sunrooms and other areas that you’d like to experience the natural breezes. They can also provide a distinctive design to a mid-century modern home however they’re not at all other styles of architecture.
