Most mobile homes are built very quickly and with the lowest-cost materials around. Until recently they where very inefficient and only used 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. The window was fairly difficult to remove as they had 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 just in case you smash a window in the process of removing it.
New window in place and screwed in. To make it easier on yourself, remove the panes of glass and install the frame with them removed. Just 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 ... just going to take the trim off for now.
Trim removed... Most of it was rotten and just 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. Just 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. Just 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.
When purchasing the foam, be sure the get the foam that dries flexible... 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 the pieces 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 was going to need 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
Both windows framed in
Several coats of paint where 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.
