Replacing windows in a mobile home will add to its value.
Mobile homes are a very viable option for housing. The mass production of homes, however, has its drawbacks. The windows are usually very flimsy and do not last, nor are they energy efficient. Far better windows exist, though, and someone who is willing to do the work can save considerable sums of money in labor costs by changing out the windows himself. Does this Spark an idea?
Same Size
The new window should have the same outside dimensions as the old window. By having windows the same size, you do not have to do any heavy carpentry work, such as framing or expanding. To find out the sizes of the window, contact the mobile home's manufacturer. Inquire about the rough opening dimensions for your model of home. After that, purchase new energy-efficient windows that have the same dimensions. Since the windows may not fit perfectly, you may have to use shims (small pieces of wood found at any home improvement store) to increase the size, or shave down the wood to make the frame smaller.
Smaller Size
You will need to make adjustments for a window that is smaller than the opening. For example, if you have a rough opening of 32 inches by 40 inches and obtain a window that has an outside dimension of 30 inches by 30 inches. The solution is to add in one inch of wood on each side of the opening, and five inches of wood on the top and bottom. Cut either plywood or framing lumber. Once a rough opening is acquired, install the new window. You will have to cover up the extra wood with drywall and trim. If done correctly, it will look like no work had been done.
Larger Opening
Most windows are on outside walls, which are load-bearing, important to the structure's stability. Simply removing framing lumber to make a larger opening will collapse your roof. As the roof collapses, it will collapse your walls as well. You have to support your roof line while tearing out lumber to reframe a larger opening. The job of re-framing a load-bearing wall is best left to a professional carpenter, who uses support jacks and heavy temporary framing while the opening is being worked on. Bob Vila states that a window frame in a simple shed contains a header (top lumber), two king studs (four studs to support the header, two on each side), a sill plate (lower lumber on the window frame), and all the frame is supported by jack studs (lower studs that support the house). Once the opening is framed in, you can install the new windows accordingly.
Tags: rough opening, collapse your, each side, framing lumber, have same, inches inches, larger opening
