Louvre Window Replacement for Healthy Homes in Hoon Hay
A Hoon Hay rental did not meet the Healthy Homes draught stopping standard because of an old louvre window. We built a new window frame in our yard, had it glazed, installed it and finished it with a three-coat paint system.
Service: Healthy Homes | Property type: Residential rental | Area: Hoon Hay
5 November 2026
Reviewed by Matt Cossey, MR Property Services
The problem
A Healthy Homes assessment at a rental property in Hoon Hay identified a problem with one window: an old louvre window.
Louvre windows are made up of separate glass blades that overlap when they are closed. Even when the window is shut, there are gaps between the blades and around the frame that let outside air through.
Because this window could not be draught-stopped, it did not meet the Healthy Homes draught stopping standard, and the landlord needed a practical fix.
What we found
The louvre window could not be effectively sealed. Air could pass between the glass blades and around the metal louvre clips even with the window fully closed.
Because the gaps are part of how this style of window is built, adding seals or draught strips would not have been a reliable solution. The louvre unit needed to be replaced.
The existing timber surround and trim were also showing their age, with flaking paint around the opening.
How we approached the repair
We removed the louvre glass panes and the old louvre hardware from the opening.
A new window frame was fabricated in our yard to suit the existing opening. The new window was then glazed and installed.
The replacement is a top-hung opening window that closes against its frame, so it can still be opened for ventilation.
Once installed, the new window was finished with a three-coat paint system.
Before and after
Before: the original louvre window with frosted glass blades, which could not be draught-stopped.
After: the new top-hung window installed in the existing opening and finished with a three-coat paint system.
The result
The louvre window was replaced with a new window that closes against its frame, addressing the draught stopping issue identified in the Healthy Homes assessment for that window.
The room still has an opening window for ventilation, and the fresh paintwork leaves the opening tidy and finished.
MRPS managed the job from removal through to final paint, so the landlord had one point of contact throughout.
Practical takeaway
Louvre windows are found in many older homes, and the gaps between the blades make them difficult to draught-stop.
If your rental has louvre windows, check whether you can see daylight or feel air moving around the blades when they are fully closed.
Replacing the window, rather than trying to seal the louvres, can be the more practical long-term fix. A Healthy Homes assessment will identify which windows need attention before you plan any work.