Mobile home windows are by far the biggest source of leaks, drafts and loss of heat and cool air in mobile homes. They are much more prone to water and air leaks than regular home windows for several reasons including how they are attached to the home and because the homes themselves tend to shift more. New mobile home replacement windows will alleviate this, are more durable and more energy efficient.
Mobile home windows attach to the outside of the home and rely on caulk or a similar adhesive to create a water and air tight seal between the home and the window. The caulk dries out over time which can cause leaks. Complicating the matter is the fact that exterior of most mobile homes is not smooth (the most common exterior material is vertical vinyl siding) which makes it more difficult to have an air tight seal. Mobile homes shift more because they are not attached to a foundation. When they shift the window openings can get “out of square”, aluminum windows can bend and vinyl windows can crack which all lead to leaks. Shifting can also lead to cracks in the caulk.
Mobile home window options
There are less options when shopping for mobile home windows. Both in style, construction material and energy efficient features.Mobile home windows are similar to commercial windows in that their are more standardized and less style choices are available.
One thing that makes shopping for mobile home replacement windows easier is that they come in standard size whereas regular home windows are often custom sizes. Another specification of mobile home windows is wall thickness. Popular accessories for mobile home windows include: storm windows and screens.
Although there are fewer choices there are still plenty of good options that will improve the look of your home and the comfort. Newer mobile windows are much improved from windows made just 10 years ago and with double pane windows and other energy efficient options available you will save money on utility bills and stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
The most popular types of mobile home replacement windows are vinyl and aluminum. In recent years vinyl windows have replaced aluminum windows as the most popular choice, primarily for their durability, attractive looks and energy efficiency. Horizontal and vertical sliding windows have replaced jalousie style windows that opened with a crank. Sliding windows have less parts to maintain and wear out and are expected to last longer.
Measuring mobile home windows
Mobile home windows are sold based on the size of the opening in the home, not the window, or glass size. The ideal way to get an accurate measurement is with the window removed but since this is often not feasible you can generally get an accurate measurement by measuring the glass only. Do not include the frame, flange or trim. If you have the paperwork that came with your home the window dimensions should be included in it which is the best way to get the measurements.
Installing mobile home windows
Installing mobile home windows is not that difficult. Installing them so that they do not leak and are air tight is the trickiest part. The windows attach to the outside of the home so the exterior home construction impacts how the windows are installed. Common exterior materials include: T1-11 siding, horizontal siding, wood siding and white vinyl vertical siding which is often uneven making it more difficult to get a good seal.
The windows are screwed into the home. Some modular homes have a cover which must be removed to access the screws. It is a good idea to replace the screws when you replace your windows. They can weaken over time, especially if they were over tightened, and are cheap so don’t scrimp. Not all windows come with screws so be sure to ask. Look for windows with pre-drilled holes to save a lot of time and so you don’t risk damaging your new window when you drill holes. You will also need caulk to ensure an air and water tight seal. Be sure to remove the old caulk completely so the new caulk has a clean surface to adhere to.
Popular mobile home window manufacturer include:
- Atwood
- Kinro
- Pocahantas
Some newer models, especially high end versions of mobile homes, modular homes, pre-fab homes and manufactured homes use regular home windows instead of windows made specifically for mobile homes.