Replacing your mobile home’s windows is more or less an easy task to do. You can do it by yourself or you can hire a professional expert to replace your windows for you. Whether you want your windows to be replaced because you want your mobile home to have a new look (the interior and exterior) or you want to save on energy costs, window replacement is always a good idea and can be worth every dime you spend on it.

In this article, you’re going to learn how to replace your mobile home’s windows in just a few easy steps!

So sit back and enjoy the guide. So before we move on to replacing your windows, we need to check the windows first if they’re already in need of replacement or not. Let’s say your mobile home is 30 years old or older and still has the original windows on it, you’ll probably want to replace them soon. There are also key signs to check whether your windows are in need of replacing.

Key signs you need new windows:

• Your windows let in a strong draft on windy days. Drafts can cause a number of things to your mobile home. They can let in allergens. Drafts can also mean that insects, pests, and other small critters can enter your home. Drafty windows can also cause a spike on your energy costs.
• If the windows are hard to open or stuck. This can indicate that your mobile home is not level or your windows are in need of proper lubrication.
• During rain or snowstorms, your windows are constantly letting in water to your home. Leaky windows can also lead to mold build-up which can damage both the window and your home.
• Before proceeding with the replacement, you also first need to know what type of window you’re going to use for the replacement.

The most commonly types of mobile home windows:

Jalousie, Slider, Awning, Single-Hung, Double-Hung, Picture, Casement, Custom.

These are the most popularly used window types for mobile homes. Each one of them serves a different purpose. It’s still up to you on what type of window you’ll use to replace your old ones.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Replace Your Mobile Home’s Windows

Step 1: Measure the Window

The first thing you need to do before replacing/installing your new windows is to measure the current windows. Measuring the old windows first will give you the exact size you need for your new windows. To do this, you need to take out your measuring tape and measure the current window on all four sides, including its diagonal measurement. It’s important to get your measurements right since you’ll be using this once you purchase the new window for your mobile home. If you didn’t get the measurements right, you might end up with either a bigger or smaller window. If it’s a bigger window, it might not fit the window opening. If it’s a smaller one, it might fall right through. So be sure to get the exact measurements of your current window.

Step 2: Remove the Window

Before you can start removing your windows, you need to check on how your windows are mounted. There are two common ways in which mobile home windows are mounted:

• Flush-Mounted: The frame is screwed on over the siding.
• Lap-Siding Mounted: The frame’s screws are covered by the siding.

If this is how your frame is mounted, then you will have an added step of removing the siding that covers the window. Installation would be much easier if you’re using the same way your old window is mounted. If you’re not sure what type of window to get, you can always ask your local supplier or the mobile home’s manufacturer on what they can recommend for your mobile home. After figuring that out, you then proceed to remove your old windows. To do this, remove (unscrew) all the screws surrounding the window frame. Once you’ve removed the screws, make sure to either keep a screw or write down the diameter of the screws you took out. Be sure to use new screws for your new windows and don’t reuse the old ones. It’s also best that your new screws are longer than the old ones, so that it can fit well once you install your new windows. Once you’ve taken out all the screws, carefully remove the old window from the opening.

Step 3: Remove Old Putty and Caulk

The next thing to do is to clean out the opening of your window. You can use a steel/wire brush to remove all the old putty, caulk, or sealant surrounding the window opening. You need to remove them so that a new sealant can be used on the opening. If you don’t remove them, you might find it difficult to install the new window or the new sealant won’t be as effective once you’ve applied it on the window.

Step 4: Apply New Putty

Once you’ve completely removed the old putty, it’s now time to apply the new putty on the window frame. Be sure to apply two layers of putty onto the opening side of the frame. The two layers of putty can serve as protection against moisture. A very important step which can help you in the long run.

Step 5: Insert Your New Window

One of the most critical steps is installing the new window. Put the new window in the window frame. On each side of the frame, insert each screw and make sure each screw goes in straight. Don’t tighten all of the screws until each and every one of them are in place. Once all of them are in place and are straight, you can now continue to screw all of them in place. Just make sure that they are straight and in place, take your time and don’t rush.

Step 5: Check if the Window is Square

After inserting the new window, you then check to see if your window is square. To do this, you’ll have to use a carpenter’s square. Use the square to make sure all the corners of your window are in the range of 90 degrees. If the window is square, you can now drill the corner screws into the frame. Make sure that they are tightly screwed in place. You can tell if you’ve installed them correctly if the window opens or closes without any bending.

Step 6: Seal the Window

Finally, it’s time to seal your windows! Run a line of silicone sealant around the exterior of the window frame. The sealant will protect your windows, frames, and walls against moisture and keep the hot or cold temperature inside of your mobile home, saving you on energy costs. You can either use silicone or siliconized latex as your sealant. Silicone is mold-resistant, it’s also waterproof, and they won’t damage your window’s siding. Siliconized latex is an easier sealant to use. Whichever sealant you choose, either one will work properly on your newly installed windows.

That’s it! You have now learned how to replace your mobile home’s windows. It’s now time to do it by yourself or with someone to help you. It’s more or less an easy task to do, you can grab all your tools and start working on your windows. You’ll not only save on the cost of hiring a professional but you’ll also get to experience firsthand how to replace them by yourself. Be sure to also ask for help whenever you’re having a difficult time on doing each step, it’s never a bad idea to ask for help from a professional. Call us at 323-985-3130.