Change old mobile home windows in a snap.
You may be able to increase the energy efficiency of your mobile home by changing out its windows. Older windows or windows that have been broken let cooled air escape in summer and warm air to escape in winter, just throwing away the money you spend to cool or heat the air. With the correct tools, replacement windows, and weather-proofing materials such as putty tape, you can change out the windows in your mobile home and begin reaping the rewards. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the window opening from corner to corner with a measuring tape. Make sure the new replacement window is the right size before you remove the old window from its frame.
2. Place a stepladder or full-sized ladder under the window. Climb the ladder so you are at an easy position to work on the window. Pry off any wood trim surrounding the window frame with a pry bar. Unscrew the screws in the window trim with a power drill by attaching the appropriate-sized screw head and running the drill in reverse.
3. Remove the window from the frame. If the window is difficult to remove, use the pry bar gently to release the window from its frame.
4. Scrape away any old caulk or putty tape around the window opening and frame, using a paint scraper or putty knife.
5. Apply putty tape in straight lines on the outline of the window frame. Peel back a couple inches of adhesive backing on the putty tape, and start applying at the top corner. Attach the putty tape in this same fashion, working a few inches at a time, until the entire window frame is outlined with putty tape.
6. Set the replacement window on the bottom edge of the frame, and slide it into place in the window opening. Screw replacement screws into each predrilled hole on the window edges, using the drill.
7. Reattach the wood trim, if any, around the window edges using wood screws and the power drill.
8. Caulk around the entire perimeter of the window frame with clear silicone caulk. This caulk helps to seal the window to protect the interior from the outside elements.
Tags: putty tape, window frame, from frame, mobile home, window from, window from frame, window opening