Replacing a broken jalousie window: a handy how to

You don't have to go to a pro to fix your jalousie window, try the following handy how to for replacing a broken jalousie window to save big bucks.

• Putting in a new piece of jalousie window glass is an easy, straightforward 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.
• You should place your order in person so you can bring in 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.
• 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.

• You might have to deal with other issues with your window.
• 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 when you're ready to replace broken parts, first take out the glass pane near the broken operator.
• Then, remove the screws that hold the operator in place, and disengage the stay bar (the bar that controls the window movement) and the operator arm.
• Fit the new operator back into place, reattach it to the stay bar 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.

Keep these DIY fixes in mind next time you find yourself replacing a broken jalousie window and the job will go that much more smoothly.