Jealousy versus Jalousie

Mar 12

If you had no idea how to spell Jalousie as in the type of window you have, you’re not alone. Also, nothing sparks a little neighbor "jealousy" like when you finally trade in your rattling jalousies for whisper-quiet, AC-friendly vinyl slider windows.

If you grew up in Hawaii, you probably know the sound: the crank or clash of jalousie windows opening and closing. For decades, these louvered windows were the gold standard. They offer 100% ventilation—something no other window can do—and they have that unmistakable old Hawaii aesthetic.

However, as our lifestyles change (and our electricity bills rise), those classic louvers can start to feel more like a liability than a breeze-catcher.

Not Airtight

The biggest challenge with jalousies is their lack of a seal. By design, they are a series of overlapping glass slats. Even when cranked all the way shut, they aren't airtight.

The AC Drain: If you’ve recently installed a split-system AC, jalousies are your biggest enemy. Trying to cool a room with jalousie windows is like trying to keep a screened-in lanai at 70 degrees—the cold air escapes through the gaps, making your AC unit work double-time.
Noise & Dust: Because they don't seal, they don't block sound or dust. If your neighbor is mowing the lawn or the street noise is picking up, you're going to hear it and see dust coming in.
Security: From a security standpoint, standard jalousies are a weak point. Most older glass slats can be slid out of their metal tracks from the outside with very little effort.

Safety: Older jalousies often use "annealed" glass, which breaks into sharp, dangerous shards. Modern building codes often require tempered safety glass, especially near floors or doors.
Critters: As the metal hardware ages and bends, gaps form at the top and bottom of the window, giving mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other fun friends a VIP pass into your bedroom.

The FIXIT Approach: Repair or Replace?

At FIXIT, we believe in giving you options that fit your budget and your home’s character.

1. Restore

If you love your jalousies and just want them to work like they used to, we can help.

New Operators: If your handle is stripped or spinning, we can replace the internal crank mechanism.
Hardware & Slats: We can replace bent metal strips, install new glass slats, or upgrade you to tempered safety glass.
The Benefit: You keep the Plantation look and that maximum airflow.

2. Replace

If you’re ready for silence, security, and a lower GE bill, we offer full replacements.

Vinyl Sliding Windows: These are the #1 choice for Hawaii homeowners. They are incredibly energy-efficient, salt-resistant, and—most importantly—they seal tight. When you close a vinyl slider, the room goes quiet and the AC stays in.
Single-Wall Specialists: Replacing windows in a single-wall T&G home can be tricky because there are no studs. We specialize in the retro-fit method, ensuring a watertight seal without damaging your redwood walls.

Which is Right for You?

Choose Repair if: You don't use AC, you live in a quiet area, and you want to preserve the original 1960s island vibe.
Choose Replacement if: You just installed AC, you live near a busy road, or you’re worried about security and bugs.