How to Repair Jalousie Windows

Updated: Jun. 30, 2017

How to fix broken glass and a worn out operator

FH08DJA_FIXJAL_01-2Family Handyman
Jalousie window and operator replacement is easy. Special order the glass and buy replacement hardware online or at hardware stores.

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Replace broken glass

Photo 1: Remove the old glass

Hold the glass in place and carefully slide the metal wedge out of the way so the glass will slip out.

Photo 2: Install the new glass

Set the new glass into place, push the wedges back in, then lock them into place with the setscrews.

Putting in a new piece of jalousie window glass is an easy, straight forward fix. However, because the glass is thicker than standard glass and has polished edges, it usually has to be special-ordered (from glass companies or hardware stores). Bring exact glass dimensions and a chunk of the broken glass to get the right thickness.

Remove the setscrews in the metal housing at each end of the glass, then take out the metal wedges that hold the glass (Photo 1). Hold on to the setscrews—they’re tiny and disappear instantly if dropped. Carefully pull the broken glass out when the wedges are out.

Clean any dirt and corrosion out of the metal housing at the ends, then slide in the new glass (Photo 2).

Install a new window operator

Photo 1: Remove the old operator

Push the stay bar pivot pin out of the operator arm by pushing a screwdriver through the hole in the stay bar.

Photo 2: Install the new operator

Guide the pivot pin back into the new operator arm, then screw the operator to the frame.

Jalousie window operators can fail because of worn-out gears, corrosion or lack of lubrication. First try cleaning and applying silicone lubricant to all the moving parts. If that doesn’t help, the only fix is to replace them. Jalousie windows and doors are no longer being made, but replacement hardware for most types is still available, either at hardware stores or on the Internet.

For easier access, first take out the glass pane by the broken operator. Remove the screws that hold the operator in place, then disengage the stay bar (the bar that controls the window movement) and the operator arm (Photo 1).

Fit the new operator back into place, reattach it to the stay bar (Photo 2) and put the glass pane back in.

To keep the window working smoothly, periodically clean out dirt and debris from the track and pivots with compressed air or a vacuum and spray all moving parts with silicone lubricant.

Here are two sources for jalousie window parts: BLAINE WINDOW; blainewindow.com and SWISCO INC.; swisco.com

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
You’ll also need gloves.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

  • New window operator
  • Silicone lubricant
  • Window glass