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Mobile Home Window Replacement

Well, as you all have probably heard by now, single-pane windows are not energy efficient.
Most mobile homes are built very quickly and with the lowest-cost materials around. Until recently, they were very inefficient and used only single-pane windows that had major air gaps.

The goal of this project was to replace the two living-room windows on my parents' house with more energy-efficient, double-pane, vinyl windows that we purchased at Home Depot. We chose American Craftsman as their cost for custom-sized windows was rather good.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a before shot, so here is a shot from just after removing the trim around one window.
Note the roll up blind on the left window. This really helps to shade the window and keep the inside cool.
Also, you can see through the window on the right, I have placed some foil insulation on the inside to seal the opening while the window is being replaced. You could use plastic sheet, a tarp, cardboard or anything you have available to close up the opening to keep the house cool while you work.

 

 

This shot is with the window removed. It was fairly difficult to dislodge it as there were nails all the way round and a very sticky putty on the nail fin of the old window.
Be sure to tape up the window before you remove it, in case you smash the glass in the process.

 

 

New window in place and screwed in. To make it easier on yourself, remove the panes of glass and install the frame without them. Be sure to check that you are square and level when you put the screws in, or you may have a hard time opening and closing the windows.

 

A view from the inside. I should have used the flash, but this gives you an idea.
The new window does look a lot smaller, but it fits perfectly in the opening, and the newer replacement windows usually have a larger border, which does make the actual glass area smaller.

 

 

Left window prepped for removal. No tape yet ... will take the trim off for now.

 

Trim removed... Most of it was rotten and crumbled away. Windows are taped. Next is the removal of the nails and pulling the window out of the opening.
Opening, with the window removed. Needs some cleaning around the opening to remove the old putty. I used a putty knife to do this.
New window in place. Again, it is best to install the frame first with the panes removed as they do weigh a lot. Be sure to check the square and level of the frame.
A close-up of a corner
Primed the surrounding window area ready for trim ... then paint.
Inside view. You can see that I have used expanding window foam to seal and insulate the window.
When purchasing the foam, be sure to get the kind that will be flexible when it is dry... You don't want to damage your windows when the foam expands and dries.
Making the trim to go around the outside of the windows.
Laying out the pieces to ensure that I have all I need.
Using a router, I cut a channel into the back of the trim to provide enough clearance over the nail fin and screws.
With the right setup, a table saw could have been used to do this, but at the time I did not have one.
Window trim added to the first window. Edges have been routed to frame the window nicely.
Inside view
I ended up buying a table saw as I needed to do some long straight rips for the inside trim work.
Inside framing added to the windows.
Window sills in place
Starting to add the trim to the windows.
Corner piece added to the window trim.
Both windows framed.
Several coats of paint were needed to get the final glossy look.
Corner detail. I used a very small brush to clean up the paint later.
Windows from the inside; one with the new wooden blinds and one without.
With the curtains back in place.
I thought I had a picture of the windows completed from the outside, but I am not able to locate it at this time.
I'll put one up here next time I'm out there.

The next job was to paint the house.