October marks the start of Hawaii’s wet season, which the National Weather Service in Honolulu says runs from October through April. It is also when a lot of Oahu homeowners notice puddles on the sill, a draft that won’t quit, or a crank that finally snapped off in their hand. If your home still has jalousie windows, this is the time of year they show their age.
Jalousie windows are an island classic, and for good reason. But many of the ones still in use are decades old. Here is an honest look at how they work, their pros and cons, whether repair still makes sense, and what to replace them with when it doesn’t.
Reviewed by Mario Garcia, General Manager at Windows Hawaii
What Is a Jalousie Window?
A jalousie window is made of parallel glass slats (sometimes wood or acrylic) held in metal clips on a track. Turn the crank and every slat tilts open or shut at the same time, a bit like a set of blinds made of glass. You may also hear them called louvered windows or louvre windows.
They became common in mid-century homes in warm, humid places like Hawaii and Florida, back before most houses had air conditioning. When almost the whole window opens to the breeze, a home can stay comfortable on trade winds alone. That is why so many plantation-style homes, older Honolulu walk-ups and 1950s and 1960s houses across Oahu still have them.
Types of Jalousie Windows
Most people picture clear glass slats, but jalousies come in a few versions:
- Clear glass louvers. The most common type. They let in the most light and the best view.
- Obscure or frosted glass louvers. Used in bathrooms and bedrooms where you want air and light without people seeing in.
- Aluminum louvers. Solid metal slats that block light and add some security, often on utility rooms and older storage areas.
- Wood louvers. Found on older plantation-style homes. They look great but need regular painting and can rot or attract termites.
- Acrylic louvers. Lighter and harder to break than glass, but they scratch and can yellow in strong sun.
You’ll also see jalousie doors and screened porch enclosures, especially on Florida rooms and covered lanais. They work the same way, with louvers set into a door frame or a wall of windows.
Jalousie Windows Pros and Cons
The Pros
- Maximum airflow. Nearly the entire window opening lets air through, more than a typical sliding window that only opens halfway.
- Adjustable ventilation. You can tilt the slats just a little to catch a breeze or open them all the way on a still day.
- Light rain protection. When slightly open, the angled slats can shed a passing shower better than an open sliding window.
- Low cost per part. Individual slats and clips are inexpensive to replace when one breaks.
The Cons
- They leak. The slats overlap but never truly seal, so wind-driven rain from a winter storm can blow straight through.
- They let the cool air out. Gaps between slats mean air-conditioned air escapes and hot, humid air gets in, which drives up cooling costs.
- Weak security. Glass slats in older clips can often be slid out quietly from the outside.
- Corrosion. Salt air and humidity are hard on the cranks, gears and clips, leading to stuck or broken operators.
- Noise and dust. Gaps let in traffic noise, vog, dust and insects.
- Hard to clean. Every slat has two sides, and screens make the inside ones hard to reach.
Why Jalousie Windows Struggle During Hawaii’s Wet Season
Most of the year, Oahu’s trade winds blow from the northeast. During the wet season, though, storm systems called Kona lows can flip the wind around so it comes from the south or southwest, hitting the leeward sides of homes that rarely see heavy weather. Windows on those walls often get the least attention, and older jalousies there are usually the first to let water in.
Rain that gets past the slats can soak sills, swell wood trim, stain drywall and create the damp conditions mold loves. And because hurricane season in the Central Pacific doesn’t end until November 30, fall is a good time to think about how your windows would hold up in high winds, too.
Jalousie Window Repair vs. Replacement
Not every jalousie window needs to go. A quick repair can make sense if the problem is small and the rest of the window is in good shape. Here is a simple way to decide.
When Jalousie Window Repair Makes Sense
- One or two cracked slats in an otherwise solid window
- A loose clip or a crank handle that just needs tightening
- Windows in a covered lanai or other space you don’t air-condition
When Jalousie Window Replacement Is the Better Choice
- The frame or operator is corroded. Once the gears and track rust, new slats won’t fix the problem.
- Water gets in every time it storms. Repeated leaks can damage walls and floors, which costs more than the window.
- Your A/C runs constantly. If you cool your home, leaky jalousies work against you all day.
- Security is a concern. Removable slats are an easy way in, especially on ground-floor windows.
- Parts are hard to match. Older slat sizes and clips can be tough to find, so repairs drag on.
- You’re already updating the home. Replacing several windows at once is usually more efficient than patching them one at a time.
If several of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting a professional opinion. Our window replacement FAQ covers common questions about timing, frame types and what to expect.
How to Fix Common Jalousie Window Problems
A few problems are simple enough to handle yourself. Always wear heavy gloves when you handle glass louvers, and work with the window open so the slats are easy to reach.
Replacing a broken glass slat
- Crank the window fully open.
- Find the metal clips that hold each end of the broken slat. On most windows the clip has small tabs crimped over the glass.
- Gently bend the tabs open with pliers and slide the broken slat out. Pick up every piece of glass.
- Measure the length, width and thickness of a good slat and buy a matching replacement from a glass shop or window parts supplier.
- Slide the new slat into both clips and bend the tabs back down so it can’t slip out.
Fixing a stiff or stuck crank
Most stiff cranks are just dirty or dry. Clean sand and salt out of the track and gears, then spray them with a silicone lubricant (not oil, which collects dirt). If the crank spins but the louvers don’t move, the gears inside the operator are probably stripped and the operator needs to be replaced.
Louvers that won’t close tight
Check for bent clips or a slat that has slipped out of line. Straighten the clip or reseat the slat. If the louvers still leave gaps, the linkage or frame is likely worn or corroded, and that’s usually a sign it’s time to replace the window rather than keep patching it.
What to Replace Jalousie Windows With
The good news is that you don’t have to give up the breeze to get a window that seals. Modern replacement windows come in styles that open wide and close tight. A few features matter most in Hawaii:
- Vinyl frames. Vinyl won’t rust, pit or corrode in salt air the way old aluminum frames and hardware do, and it never needs painting.
- Low-E glass. A low-emissivity coating reflects much of the sun’s heat and blocks UV rays, so rooms stay cooler and furniture fades less.
- Tight weatherstripping. Multi-fin weatherstripping and welded frame corners keep wind-driven rain and humid air outside.
- Impact resistance. For homes exposed to strong winds, impact-rated glass adds protection against flying debris.
- Retrofit installation. In many homes, new windows can be installed within the existing frame opening, which keeps the project quicker and cleaner. If the old frame is damaged, a full-frame install is the better route. Here is how to tell retrofit vs. full-frame apart.
Windows Hawaii installs energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows designed for the islands’ sun, salt and humidity. If storm protection is a priority, take a look at our impact-resistant hurricane windows, which are impact-tested at 40 feet per second and built for winds up to 120 MPH. And if you’re replacing jalousie doors or want more protection at the entry, our security doors let the breeze in while keeping intruders out.
Jalousie Windows vs. Other Window Styles
If you’re replacing jalousies, these are the styles most homeowners compare:
| Style | How much opens | Rain and wind sealing | Security | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalousie | Nearly the whole opening | Poor, louvers never seal tight | Low, slats can be removed from outside | Lanais, porches and unconditioned rooms |
| Casement | Nearly the whole opening | Excellent, sash presses against the seal | High, multi-point locks | Catching trade winds in living areas and bedrooms |
| Awning | Most of the opening | Very good, can stay open in light rain | High | Bathrooms, kitchens and high walls |
| Sliding | About half | Good | Good with quality locks | Wide openings and budget-friendly projects |
| Single-hung | About half | Good | Good | Standard bedroom and living room windows |
For most rooms, casement windows are the closest match to the airflow you’re used to, with a much tighter seal when they’re closed. Our casement vs. sliding windows guide goes deeper on the tradeoffs.
How Much Does Jalousie Window Replacement Cost?
It depends on what you’re replacing them with. Swapping an old jalousie for a new jalousie is the cheapest route. LawnStarter puts the national average at about $285 per window installed, with most jobs between $165 and $400. Replacing a jalousie with a modern window costs more. Angi reports that vinyl replacement windows typically run $100 to $900 per window and casement windows $150 to $1,000, with the average window replacement around $750 per window including installation. Expect Hawaii prices to come in above mainland averages because of shipping and labor costs. Our Hawaii window replacement cost guide has Oahu price ranges and a calculator.
What moves the price for your home:
- The number and size of the windows being replaced
- The style you choose and the glass package (standard Low-E or impact-resistant)
- Whether a retrofit installation works or the frame needs more work
- The condition of the surrounding wood, trim and sill
- Access, such as second-story or hard-to-reach windows
The best way to get a real number is an in-home estimate, where an expert measures each opening and walks you through your options. Be sure to check our current specials before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jalousie Windows
Why are they called jalousie windows?
Jalousie is the French word for jealousy. The name comes from the way slatted screens let people inside see out while keeping prying eyes from seeing in.
What is the difference between jalousie windows and louvered windows?
There is no real difference. Jalousie windows and louvered windows are two names for the same design: parallel slats that tilt open and closed together. In Hawaii you will hear both terms.
Are jalousie windows still available?
Yes. Replacement glass slats, clips and cranks are still sold, and newer louvered designs with better seals exist. For most homes, though, a modern replacement window gives better weather protection, security and efficiency.
Do you need a permit to replace jalousie windows in Honolulu?
The City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting lists window replacement among the types of work that generally do not need a building permit, though the work must still meet applicable codes. Enlarging an opening or changing wall framing is a bigger project, so confirm the scope with your installer.
Are jalousie windows safe in a hurricane?
Traditional jalousie windows were not designed to stop wind-driven rain or flying debris. Narrow glass slats in light clips can break or pop out in high winds, which is why many Oahu homeowners replace them with impact-resistant windows.
Are jalousie windows energy efficient?
No. Even closed, the gaps between louvers let air pass through. That’s fine for a home that runs on trade winds, but if you use air conditioning, jalousies let a lot of that cool air escape.
Can a jalousie window be used as a bedroom emergency exit?
Generally not. Building codes require bedrooms to have an escape opening of a minimum clear size, and with a jalousie the louvers stay in the opening even when they’re fully open. If you’re replacing bedroom windows, a casement or sliding window that meets egress rules is the safer choice. Check with your local building department for exact requirements.
Can you put a screen on a jalousie window?
Yes. Most jalousies have a screen mounted on the inside, because the crank sits on the inside and the louvers swing outward. If yours is torn, the screen frame can usually be rescreened or replaced on its own.
Ready to Retire Your Old Jalousie Windows?
Windows Hawaii is a local, Oahu-based team that has helped homeowners from Kapolei to Kailua, Honolulu and the North Shore trade drafty jalousies for windows that seal out rain, heat and noise. We serve all of Oahu, and our in-home estimates are free. Call (808) 671-0808 or request your free estimate today.
Product availability and specifications may vary. Contact Windows Hawaii for details about your home.
