Getting new windows installed and replacing old windows can be very exciting. The challenge is deciding what type of windows to go with. If you’ve lived in Hawaii for any amount of time you’ve probably experienced having jalousie windows. This is because jalousie style windows have been the most popular style in Hawaii for decades.
The reason jalousie windows have been used in Hawaii for so long is because of the ventilation they offer. With the trade winds and beautiful climate our islands offer, these windows have the best ventilation at an affordable rate. Traditionally, these type of windows were made completely of wood and the blades needed replaced quite regularly due to woods natural aversion to rain.
However, with modern jalousie window slats wood is hardly used and instead glass and vinyl are seen more frequently and need replaced less often. Compared to glass hung windows and sliding glass windows, jalousie windows are easy to maintain, affordable to replace and offer great airflow.
How Do Louver Windows Work?
The horizontal slat design layered one on top of the next open when manually cranked to the outside winds. One benefit to these windows is when opened during a light rain, the slats can repel the rain from entering into your home while still letting in the cool air. Even though jalousie windows have been popular in the past, they are no longer the best window type of choice for Hawaiian residents.
Jalousie manufactures have continued to innovate using glass and aluminum oppose to the original wood slats. This has helped the durability of jalousie windows, however, they are still vulnerable to heavy storms and are less secure than single and double pane windows.
Hawaii jalousie windows are great for ventilating your home but are less secure than glass pane windows. While louver windows have been innovated with mechanical clips, and levers oppose to old cranks, the gaps left in between the slats still can let in rain during heavy storms.
To combat leaks and fight rain from entering through these gaps, manufacturers of louver windows have added weather stripping at each of the blades and individual grooves. While helpful in preventing storm damage, sliding glass windows are still more secure. If you’re looking for security, sliding glass or double pane hung windows might be the best choice for you. With sliding glass windows you don’t get as much airflow as louvers, but unlike jalousie windows, you do prevent against heavy rains during tropical storms.
Glass pane windows are also more secure than jalousie windows and offer better insulation. With better insulation, you can count on better energy bills and cooler temperatures overall.
What’s The Difference Between Louver & Jalousie Windows?
In Hawaii, louver windows are often used in conversation in exchange for jalousie. However, jalousie windows and louvers are different from each other. The big difference between these two is that louvers are fixed slats whereas jalousie windows have blades that are adjustable in parallel with each other. So if you’re looking at other window replacement or installation websites in Oahu, you may see them use louver and jalousie interchangeably since it is commonplace. However, you now know the difference and can explain properly to your window specialist what type of replacement window you are looking for.
How To Replace Jalousie Windows
If you live on the island of Oahu in the Honolulu or the surrounding area and want to replace your windows, we want to help you! With over 10 years of experience replacing and installing jalousie windows, we know what it takes to provide a quality product and customer service.
You can call our office at (808) 380-1516 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation. One of our Diamond Head Windows and Doors experts will then meet with you to discuss your wants and needs for your jalousie window installation or replacement.
After speaking with you and viewing your current windows, we will then make a recommendation and go over the different styles, colors and designs we have, custom to your specifications.
Our consultations usually last 30 to 90 minutes and we will help you answer all of your questions without an obligation to replace your windows. If you decide right now isn’t the best time to complete your installation, we understand. There is 100% no obligation and we are more than happy to help you find the best solution.
Leave a Reply