One of the reactions that I never seem to lose is my eyes opening wide upon first seeing jalousie windows on a porch at someone’s home.
Literally, I think every time I have ever looked at one of these window setups, I have just shook my head, as to me they have always come across as a safety disaster waiting to happen.
You may not see them as often in homes built today, but at one point in time, they certainly were quite prevalent.
Jalousie windows are a special kind of window made up of many narrow glass slats, or panels, that sit in a metal frame. These slats are set in a row, one on top of the other, kind of like blinds. They can be opened and closed using a crank or lever. When you turn the crank, the slats tilt open to let in air or close to keep out the wind and rain.
The word “jalousie” comes from a French word that means “jealousy.” The name may have come from the idea that these windows let in air and light, but also help keep people from looking inside. This gives privacy while still allowing for ventilation.
Jalousie windows are most often found in parts of the house where people want lots of fresh air. For example:
· Sunrooms or enclosed porches – These rooms are meant to feel like part of the outdoors, so jalousie windows are great here. They let in a breeze without having to open a big window or door.
· Basements – Some homes use jalousie windows in the basement to allow fresh air to flow through, even when the main windows are small.
· Bathrooms – Since bathrooms can get hot and humid, jalousie windows help by letting out moisture while still keeping the room private.
Jalousie windows were very popular in the 1940s through the 1970s, they are not used as often in new homes today. There are a few reasons for this…
1. Energy Efficiency – Jalousie windows don’t seal tightly. That means air can leak in or out even when the window is closed. In colder weather, warm air from inside the house can escape. In hot weather, air conditioning can leak out. Today, people overall tend to be fairly focused on saving energy, so better-sealed windows are preferred.
2. Security – Because the glass slats are thin and easy to remove, jalousie windows are not very secure. Burglars can pull out the slats to get inside, which makes them risky for ground-level windows.
3. Weather Protection – Jalousie windows don’t always keep out rain, wind, or dust very well, especially during storms. This can be a big problem in strong weather.
4. Maintenance – With many moving parts and lots of individual slats, jalousie windows can be hard to clean and repair. If one slat breaks, it’s tricky to fix just that part.
Even though jalousie windows are not used as much in new construction today, some people still like them. They give homes a vintage look and can be great for airflow.
Some homeowners with older houses still keep their jalousie windows because they fit the style of the home. Others may replace them with more modern windows that look similar but work more efficiently.
Although I definitely appreciate the retro look and associated benefits that jalousie windows provide, maybe I have seen one too many action movies in the 80s & 90s where someone was getting thrown through a glass window – which is probably (fair or not) EXACTLY where my mind goes nearly every time I initially see them on a Client’s porch!
