You have endless options for selecting the best window for your home. But which is the best choice for your home? Among the popular choices are louvre windows and jalousie windows. Both are often compared due to their similar style and functionality, but one may be the better choice.
Although both window types have the same horizontal slats that can regulate airflow and light, there are more important differences you have to consider. Let’s explore both windows to help you decide which type suits your needs and preferences. Whether you are building a new home or replacing your existing windows, understanding these window types helps you make an informed decision.
Louvre Windows: Characteristics and Pros and Cons
Louvre windows have a frame and minimal horizontal slats that you can open and close to regulate airflow and deflect direct sunlight. Some of it has slats made of wood, glass, or metals that you can manually or electronically operate.
The main characteristic of louvre windows to provide excellent ventilation makes it the best choice for homes and buildings in tropical and subtropical climates. It helps defy the hot and humid climate, and some louvre windows have insect screens that keep the bugs out while you open the slats for fresh air to circulate.
Pros of Having Louvre Windows
- Ventilation. As mentioned, louvre windows are ideal for hot and humid climates because of their excellent ventilation.
- Energy efficiency. It reduces the need for artificial lighting as natural light can come in. You do not have to turn on air conditioning, as you can deflect direct sunlight and slightly open the slats to allow air—these lower energy costs.
- Aesthetics. It adds a unique touch to the architectural design of your home.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance. It is easy to clean and maintain.
Possible Cons of Having Louvre Windows
- Security. Vulnerable to break-ins as the slats are easily removed.
- Noise. It does not reduce noise; it lets in more outside noise.
- Weather resistance. Rain can penetrate through the slats if they are not fully closed.
Jalousie Windows: Characteristics and Pros and Cons
The same with louvre windows, the jalousie has horizontal slats that you can open and close to regular airflow and light, but it has more slats and is more closely installed than the louvre. Jalousie windows can be made of glass, wood, or metal slats, which can be opened or closed by a crank or lever mechanism.
You can often see jalousie windows in homes in tropical and subtropical climates with warmer temperatures. The slats can be opened to welcome fresh air, but it has to be fully shut to keep the rain and debris out.
Pros of Having Jalousie Windows
- Ventilation. Ideal for hot and humid environments as it brings excellent ventilation to the room.
- Energy efficiency. You can angle the jalousie windows to deflect direct sunlight, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs.
- Aesthetics. Adds a unique aesthetic to your home.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance. It is easy to clean and maintain but may be more challenging than the louvre because it is difficult to reach on certain surfaces because of how close its slats are.
Possible Cons of Having Jalousie Windows
- Security. Like the louvre, the slats of jalousie windows are easy to remove, making them susceptible to break-ins.
- Noise. It lets in outside noise.
- Weather resistance. You have to fully close the windows to ensure rain cannot penetrate through them.
You might have realised that the louvre and jalousie windows are similar. The next section will walk you through its slight differences.
Window Comparison: Louvre vs. Jalousie – Which Reigns Supreme for Your Home?
Louvre and jalousie windows are the two popular windows installed for homes. Both have multiple horizontal slats to close or open to regular airflow and light. Let’s take a closer look at their features to know which reigns supreme for your home.
Blinds Compatibility
Most blinds are not compatible with jalousie windows. Its multiple horizontal slats make it challenging for the blinds to be installed. Even if they can be installed, the blinds may not function effectively. Louvre windows are more compatible with most types of blinds; their slats are adjustable, allowing the blinds to fit correctly.
Installation Difficulties
Jalousie windows are more challenging to install than louvre windows. Its unique design has several slats that need a precise alignment for its mechanism to work properly. Meanwhile, louvre windows are easier to install with their simple design with fewer moving parts.
Light Control
The slats of jalousie and louvre windows can block direct sunlight while allowing fresh air to circulate. But between the two windows, the louvre provides better light control. You can angle its slats to deflect light in a specific direction.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both window types are easy to clean and maintain. You can wipe the slats with a clean cloth and remove trapped debris in the frame with a brush or vacuum. But, there is a little challenge in cleaning jalousie windows as its slats are closer together and require more attention to detail.
Customisation Options
You do not have to choose between both in terms of customisation. Jalousie and louvre windows have a wide range of customisation options. They can be made from different materials and be painted to match the design of your home. Louvre and jalousie windows can be customised to fit the specific measurements of the room, such as its size and the number of window slats.
Final Takeaway
Louvre windows and jalousie windows have a wide range of similar features, but if you look closely into them, they have slight differences that may make or break your decision on which is better for your home. When choosing between the two, it is essential to consider factors that fit your needs and preferences.