Screwing jalousie windows shut?

Question

My Florida home was built in the late 1950's and has the original jalousie windows. The house gets a bit warm inside on summer evenings when it doesn't rain. The central AC system was serviced two months ago and I was told it's working fine. I have a low-slope roof with no real attic.

A representative from the power company came to do an energy check. He said that many of the windows would not close all the way and suggested screwing them shut to keep the cold air in (or to buy new windows, but this is a cheaper fix). According to him this is a not uncommon thing to do on older homes here, but I haven't been able to find anything about it on the web.

I never open the windows and wouldn't mind permanently sealing them. I estimate the bottom corner metal is about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. Is it possible to do this, and if so, what kind of screws and tools would I need?

Answer 1

Screwing shut a jalousie window is decidedly quick-and-dirty — the result will appear dilapidated while semi-permanently defeating the function of the windows (possibly jamming window operators by cranking mechanical components). On the other hand, it's easy, cheap, and possibly effective.

How to screw down jalousie windows

We can screw plywood onto the edges to press down the windows that won't close. The metal siding on the edges of the jalousie window is likely aluminum, easily penetrated by general purpose drill bits.

Tools Needed

1. handsaw
2. screwdriver
3. measuring tape
4. pencil
5. drill
6. general purpose drill bits

Opt for 3/8 inch or 1/4 inch standard spruce plywood on the external face of the window. Thicker plywood will be more conspicuous.

Non-tapered head screws will push down the plywood better than tapered or bulge-head screws, but ultimately any kind of exterior wood screws will work. I circled those I think would work best:

Use four, narrow pieces of plywood arranged in a frame-like rectangle measured to the width and height dimensions of the target window.

You can prepare holes in the window and the plywood frame using a strip of paper as a drilling template. If the window is not square (width is not the same as height), you'll need a template for the sides and a separate template for the top and bottom.

Draw lines at the top and bottom of the window, then choose where the screw holes will go by drawing the intended hole marks on the template. Align the top/bottom of your template with your plywood frame so that the holes on the plywood will line-up with the window's holes, then drill the same hole spacings on the plywood.

Consider fixing jalousie windows

If you are repairing your own home, semi-permanently disabling the windows (making them even more difficult to replace) could negatively affect your resell value. Window mechanisms also deserve better!

This is why, if you have the time and the tools (and skills), you might consider fixing or restoring the windows so they close properly. The fix might be as easy as putting a little WD40 in the window operator mechanism or it might require a more careful approach.

Cannedhamtrailers.com shows how to restore jalousie windows in this video: Restoring A Jalousie Window

Also, a FamilyHandyman.com article suggests several diagnostic steps to identify the problem precisely: How to Repair Jalousie Windows

Answer 2

I once bought a home in which some DIY genius had nailed windows shut. I hate him.
Do not under any circumstances foul up your windows that way. If they are truly that warped, then you're gonna have to replace them (heck, you will be lucky if screwing the frame down doesn't shatter the glass). If they aren't warped, Get some foam-strip insulation and apply that to the inside edges of the frame. Pick out a thickness sufficient to cover whatever gaps you have.

If you screw or nail the frames I will make sure all subsequent owners know who you are and where you are (not really but you get my point).

One other thing - take some time to clean all around the frame, especially near the hinges, to make sure it isn't just dirt that is preventing a good closing seal.