How To Winterize Jalousie Windows (Effective Thermal Insulation)

Winterizing your home is essential to keep the cold air out and maintain a cozy, energy-efficient indoor environment. One crucial aspect of this process that often goes overlooked is preparing your jalousie windows for the chilly season. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top ways to winterize jalousie windows effectively.

Jalousie windows, while charming in their own right, have unique characteristics that make them prone to drafts and heat loss during winter. If you want to stay warm and save on energy bills, it’s crucial to address these issues.

What Are Jalousie Windows?

Before we dive into the specifics of winterizing, let’s understand what jalousie windows are. These windows, also known as louvered windows, consist of multiple horizontal glass slats that open and close like Venetian blinds. Their design allows for excellent ventilation during warmer months, but it can pose challenges when the temperatures drop.

Jalousie windows are typically constructed using glass panes but can also be made with wood, acrylic, or metal slats. These windows utilize a crank mechanism to adjust the slats to different angles, allowing for efficient airflow while effectively preventing rain from entering.

Why You Should Winterize Jalousie Windows

Now, you might be wondering why it’s important to winterize your jalousie windows. The reasons are:

• Energy Efficiency: Properly sealed and insulated windows help retain heat, reducing the load on your heating system. This translates to energy savings and a more comfortable home.
• Comfort: Winterizing your windows ensures that your living spaces remain warm and draft-free. No more chilly drafts disrupting your cozy evenings.
• Longevity: Taking care of your jalousie windows in the winter helps extend their lifespan. It prevents potential damage caused by extreme temperatures and moisture infiltration.

Best Way to Winterize Jalousie Windows

Winterizing your jalousie windows is a multi-faceted task, but the rewards in terms of comfort and energy savings are well worth it. In this section, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to seal your jalousie windows effectively. By following these steps, you can ensure that your home remains cozy throughout the winter season.

Use Jalousie and Louver Slat Vinyl

If you’re looking to seal those pesky gaps in your jalousie windows to save on energy bills and reduce dust infiltration, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, using clear jalousie and louver slat vinyl. This cost-effective solution will not only enhance insulation but also maintain the aesthetic appeal of your windows.

• Step 1: Prepare the Jalousie Slats. Begin by washing your jalousie slats one at a time. A soapy grout sponge in your kitchen sink works well for this task. To prevent any scratches on the sink, rest one end of the jalousie glass on another grout sponge. It’s important to handle the glass jalousies with care during this process to avoid chipping.
• Step 2: Dry the Slats. Place the washed glass slat on a towel on your counter and use another hand towel to dry it off. Pay special attention to the short sides or unfinished edges, as they can be quite sharp.
• Step 3: Cut the Vinyl Now, it’s time to cut the vinyl from the roll. Pull a length of vinyl that matches the slat’s length, ensuring it’s taut but not excessively stretched. Leaving a small 1/8” extra on either side is advisable. Carefully use sharp scissors to cut.
• Step 4: Apply the Vinyl. Slide the rectangle end of the vinyl onto one long end of the slat. If your slats are frosted or have privacy features, make sure the “V” pattern faces outward when installed in the window. Continue pushing the vinyl along the length of the slat.
• Step 5: Repeat for Each Slat Repeat the process for all the slats in your jalousie window. Reinstall them as you go along until you’ve sealed all the gaps.

One of the advantages of using these clear vinyl pieces is that they seamlessly blend with the glass, giving the impression that they were always meant to be there. By following these steps, you’ll effectively close those gaps and reduce dust infiltration, resulting in improved insulation and potentially lower energy bills.

Other Methods for Insulating Jalousie Windows

The vinyl edging method above is a very effective option for winterizing jalousie windows. To ensure maximum insulation, I highly suggest combining it with these other options, which will not only insulate the windows but also offer soundproofing benefits.

1. Seal with Weather Strips

One of the most effective ways to seal jalousie windows is by using weather strips. These adhesive strips are designed to fill gaps and cracks around the window frame, preventing cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping.

Pro Tip: Before applying weather strips, thoroughly clean the window frame to ensure a secure bond. Measure and cut the strips to fit the dimensions of your jalousie windows. Then, simply peel off the backing and press them into place. Make sure to press firmly to create a tight seal.

2. Install Storm Window Inserts

Storm window inserts are a type of window covering or addition designed to enhance the energy efficiency and weather resistance of existing windows. They are typically used in colder climates or areas prone to extreme weather conditions to provide an extra layer of insulation and protection against drafts, rain, snow, and wind.

To install storm window inserts, carefully measure your window dimensions and purchase inserts that fit snugly. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to secure them in place. This added layer provides extra protection against drafts and heat loss.

3. Use Soundproof Curtains

Soundproof curtains serve a dual purpose when it comes to jalousie windows. Not only do they help reduce noise pollution, but they also provide insulation against cold drafts. These heavy, insulated curtains can be a stylish addition to your decor while keeping your home cozy during the winter.

Hang soundproof curtains over your jalousie windows, ensuring they cover the entire window area. When drawn closed, they create a barrier that minimizes heat transfer and drafts.

4. Soundproof Windows

If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to not only winterize but also improve the overall insulation and window noise reduction in your home, consider replacing your existing jalousie windows with soundproof windows.

Soundproof windows are specially designed to provide exceptional thermal insulation and noise reduction.

These acoustic windows reduce noise levels by 75-95%, something which is not possible with dual pane windows. The best part is that a soundproof window is a second window that is installed behind the existing window and opens and closes like standard windows.

They come in various styles and designs, allowing you to choose options that align with your aesthetic preferences. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings, comfort, and noise reduction can make them a valuable addition to your home.

5. Install Insulated Cellular Shades

Insulated cellular shades are window coverings made from pleated materials that can fold up in an accordion-like fashion, usually at the top of the jalousie window, though sometimes at the bottom as well. These shades have a honeycomb cross-section that contains one or more air layers acting as insulators.

These shades are highly regarded for their exceptional insulation properties, often having the highest R-values among window coverings. The air pockets in their honeycomb design serve as effective insulators, reducing heat conduction through the window.

Insulated cellular shades are an excellent choice if you seek high energy savings, increased comfort, enhanced privacy, and a boost in your home’s resale value. During the summer season, properly installed insulated cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by over 40%, resulting in around 10% energy savings for heating. In cooling seasons, they can cut unwanted solar heat by up to 60%, reducing total solar gain to 20% when they fit snugly.

For maximum R-value enhancement, cellular shades with side tracks are the most effective, and those that can open from both the top and bottom offer optimal control over daylight.

Some of these shades even come with automation options, allowing them to open and close on a set schedule that can be optimized seasonally to reduce heating and cooling demands while maximizing natural light and home comfort.

6. Install Roman Shades Over Jalousie Window

Roller shades are affordable window coverings that can be easily raised or lowered using a roller bar installed at the window’s top. Roman shades, on the other hand, are fabric window shades that create evenly stacked folds when raised or lowered. These shades are typically designed to fit inside or just outside the window casing, offering a range of choices in terms of fabrics, colors, and weaves.

While heavier fabrics used in roller and roman shades can provide slightly improved thermal performance, it’s important to note that these shades offer only minimal insulation. They are most effective in enhancing privacy, darkening a room, and blocking out sunlight rather than providing significant insulation benefits.

What Won’t Work in Winterizing Jalousie Windows

Vertical and horizontal slat-type window blinds, also known as Venetian blinds, are particularly effective in reducing heat gain during summer and minimizing glare while maintaining a well-lit interior.

The design of these blinds, with their many openings between slats, makes them less suitable for controlling heat loss during the winter. However, they are effective when it comes to adapting to summer conditions. Unlike other window coverings like shades, blinds allow you to fine-tune your environment. You can adjust the slats to manage glare, control the amount of natural light, and regulate solar heat gain.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, winterizing your jalousie windows is a simple yet effective way to make your home cozier and more energy-efficient during the colder months. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seal out drafts, reduce heat loss, and enhance the comfort of your living spaces.

Remember to inspect your windows regularly and consider replacement if they’re in poor condition.

Taking these measures will not only keep you warm and comfortable but also save you money on heating bills. So, don’t hesitate to winterize your jalousie windows – your home will thank you for it this winter.