Replacing Mobile Home Windows

Replacing mobile home windows will save on energy costs and give your home a whole new look. If you want to spend your remodeling dollars wisely you cannot go wrong with new windows. You get better heating and cooling control and update the appearance of both your interior and exterior. That’s a decent bang for your buck.

Replacing mobile home windows isn’t difficult if you don’t have to retrofit a different sized window. Unfortunately, because mobile home windows have a “non-standard” size. If you are a seasoned DIYer with moderate construction knowledge and experience replacing a window of the same size should be no problem. If you are installing a smaller or larger window the difficulty factor increases quite a bit.

In this article, we share the types of windows found in mobile homes, how to choose the right replacement windows for your mobile home, and share a step by step guide on how to replace mobile home windows.

6 Most Popular Types of Mobile Home Windows

Main Topics of this Article:

Mobile and manufactured homes typically have 7 different types of windows:

Awning windows are like Jalousie windows but with 2 or 4 larger panes of glass. Panes open and close via a crank mechanism and torsion rod. Awning windows were popular between 1976 and 1985. Think of them as the ‘new and improved’ Jalousie window.

Casement windows have cranks that open the framed pane. Casement are like awning windows but they are vertical instead of horizontal.

Double Hung and Single Hung: Double hung windows are now the most popular window type. Single hung are a bit cheaper.

Jalousie windows were installed in mobile homes built before 1976. Several panes of glass are installed horizontally and the panes are opened and closed with a torsion rod and crank. Jalousie and awning windows are not very good at stopping drafts so they should really only be used in the south.

Slider windows (horizontal and vertical): Slider windows were popular in mobile homes between 1986 and the late 1990s. One example of a horizontal slider window is in most mobile home bathrooms. Horizontal sliding windows are affordable and often used as replacements to the original mobile home window.

Custom windows can be any unique shape such as the half or full circular.

I’m including the Picture window as the 7th most popular window but these are typically one of the 6 window types above but in a larger size or placed together. These fixed windows are the large bay windows you see on the end of mobile homes.

Why Replace Mobile Home Windows?

If your home is more than 30 years old and still has the original windows you will probably want to replace them soon. While it is a large upfront investment the long-term savings on your energy costs and the updated appearance will make it worth every dime.

Replacing windows is a smart mobile home remodeling project that will affect both the interior and exterior of your home and give you better control over your temperature and energy consumption. It’s a win, win, win!

Mobile Homes Have Non-Standard Window Sizes

In most older mobile and manufactured homes, you cannot buy a standard window at Lowe’s and expect it to fit the opening in a mobile home unless you plan on retrofitting it.

Unless retrofitting sounds like your idea of a good time, you will want to order the exact size you need from a mobile home supply store. Keep in mind that if you order the windows online the shipping increases the price per window significantly so try to find a local mobile home supplier first.

Single Hung Vs Double-Hung

A single-hung window is fairly self-explaining: In a single-hung window the bottom panel, or sash, moves vertically, while the upper sash remains stationary. When opened, the bottom sash partially obstructs the upper sash. While single-hung is cheaper than double-hung, you get the same appearance. However, you are losing R-value and insulating properties compared to double-hung windows.

A double-hung window offers the homeowner the ability to open each sash, rather than just the bottom sash. This allows for better airflow and ventilation. The ability to open and tilt each sash makes cleaning easier, too.

Vinyl or Aluminum?

The two most common window frame materials for mobile and manufactured homes are vinyl and aluminum. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Vinyl is the most popular window frame material because it is cheap, has good energy efficiency abilities, and a long lifespan. It’s available in several colors but white is the top pick.

An average vinyl framed window for mobile homes, measuring 14″ x 27″ with double-hung glass, was found online for around $85 without shipping costs added.

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows have been used on mobile and manufactured homes for decades. It is strong and cheap to produce and does very well at creating an airtight seal. Most will agree that aluminum windows aren’t the prettiest but they get the job done and that’s all that matters.

Aluminum windows are cheaper than vinyl. What you lose in appearance you gain in value. A 14″ x 27″ aluminum window can be found online for around $45 without shipping.

Guide to Replacing Mobile Home Windows

Step 1: Remove the Window

The type of window and siding on your home will determine how easy it will be to remove the old window. If the window’s frame is over the siding just unscrew the numerous screws.

If you cannot see the frame and screws around your window you’ll need to find them. For vinyl or metal siding, you will need to remove the siding sections that surround the window.

Step 2: Measure the Opening

Your measurements will make or break your entire project. You need to get it right!

Most importantly, when replacing mobile home windows, you don’t measure the window, you measure the opening after the old window has been removed.

Next, you’ll need to check to see if the opening is square. If it’s a bit off you can use shims to adjust the difference. If it’s off by a lot you may want to use a smaller window so you can create a square opening yourself.

One expert recommends that the rough opening of the window sill should be square to the sill within 1/8″ across the full width.

Step 3: Prepare for the New Window

Old putty or caulk will need to be removed around the opening of the window so that new sealant can be used.

When you install the new window you’ll want to use new screws. Assuming the opening is square, you’ll create a line of caulk and install the new window into the opening and then screw it in.

Mobile homes are not uniform when it comes to exterior wall thickness. Some homes are built with 2 x 4’s and some with 2 x 3’s. The width of your home and of the old window will need to be given to your window supplier. They can give you the best advice about the sashes for your thickness. Sometimes it’s best to order windows without a sash.

Step 4: Seal the Frame and Replace the Siding

Finally, run a line of silicone sealant around the entire outside of the window frame. Then simply return the siding over the edges of the frame.

I hope these steps will help to work as a guide to replace mobile home windows and giving your manufactured home a fresh look!

As always, thank you so much for reading Mobile Home Living!

50 Small and Efficient Home Office Ideas and Designs

Technology has shrunk offices and phased out most office machines. Cloud storage and computing mean that we no longer need filing cabinets and space for chunky office machines like printers and scanners. The internet ended our reliance on printed books, journals and magazines. Technology advancements also shrunk our devices, and thus our need for huge office space. Here are some small home office ideas and designs for today’s homes;

1. Wall Office

This sleek and modern home office doesn’t need a room or even a desk. Free up a wall in your home, add shelves for storage and a wide floating desk. Perfect for smaller homes and apartments.

2. Ultra-Minimalist

Neutral colours, clean lines and efficiency. Set up your office anywhere in the house. This minimalist office nook is modern and can be in your bedroom, the hallway or in the kitchen. You’ll just need the space, add shelves and a desk.

3. A Black Niche

Small in size, big in style. Urbane and modish, this black home office design will fit right into any modern home or apartment. Matte black walls and bare wood shelves and desk. The black ergonomic office chair completes the look and the office.

4. Creative Storage

Turn that odd corner in your house into a functional home office. With creative storage designs, you can make the most of awkward nooks. This small home office is built next to the bedroom closets and took advantage of the available vertical space.

5. Frame a Window

A window office is one of the most popular amongst small home office ideas and designs. It minimises foot traffic and takes advantage of the natural light. This small office frames the window, with storage on both sides and the desk under.

6. Painted Wall

Cool, modern, colourful. Put in a creative vibe to your workspace by dressing up a wall with art – doddles, murals or painting. The ashy blue of the wall cools the white glare of the interiors. You can find amazing wallpapers with creative designs or put your artistic visions to it.

7. The Corner Office

This apartment-sized home office has all the storage and functionality you need in a modern home office. Shelves on the wall, a triangle floating desk to make the most out of space and strategic power outlets! Well-planned efficiency.

8. Office in a Cabinet

This is a fully functional office in a cabinet. Storage shelves occupy the top and bottom parts and a corkboard is installed in the middle. The desk is a flat drawer shelf that you can hide when you need to close the office. Adding wheels to the closet will allow you to set up your office anywhere in the house.

9. Rustic Industrial

Rustic, industrial, functional. This space-saving multi-user office set up only needs a wall and few chairs. The floating wood shelves and wood slab desk give the rustic vibe while the black steel framing and support are definitely industrial.

10. Hallway Office

This classic hallway home office is compact yet spacious, modern yet traditional. Create the look by keeping the walls in neutral tones, the shelves clear of clutter and décors to a minimal.

11. Grey Necessities

The elegance of grey is on display in this classy and utilitarian home office. No frills, just the necessities – a desk, a few shelves and a comfy chair. To get that posh look, make sure to pick only the best quality pieces.

12. The Ladder Desk

Space-efficient, functional and practical. This tiny home office is also mobile as you can easily set it up in any room in the house. The ‘ladders’ serve as the storage and desk. This is just perfect for a single user in this electronic age, where we really don’t need that much desk space.

13. Royal Blue Wall

Cool as it is bright. Elegant and eye-catching. Get out of the bland and boring neutrals and paint your space with impressive royal blue. Add some creative storage and organisers and you got yourself an amazing home office.

14. Desk Organiser

Keep the clutter at bay with the help of this multi-purpose desk organiser. It holds pens, notepads and even your coffee mug. Perfectly positioned between the monitor and keyboard, it keeps everything out of the way and organised, while still accessible.

15. Lakehouse Inspired

Cool, bright and beautiful. This lake house inspired home office keeps the interiors spacious with its white walls and minimal décor. The reed rug and wood plank walls bring in the country charm.

16. Cozy Corner

You only need a square metre of floor space for a complete home office. Among our top favourite small home office ideas and designs is this cozy office by the window. It has enough desk space, storage and a great view! Perfect for city apartments or smaller homes.

17. Working View

Create an illusion of space by opening up your walls. A glass window wall dominates one side of this home office, letting in natural light while giving you gorgeous views of the outdoors. Black steel frames give an industrial vibe, while the bare wood table adds in a touch of rustic charm.

18. Home Cubicle

Nothing shouts office like a cubicle. For added privacy and setting up boundaries, setting up your own office cubicle at home is not a bad idea. This helps when the office is situated in heavy traffic rooms or open floor layouts.

19. Floating Shelves

Setting up home offices in the living room, kitchen or the hallways is not uncommon. It is a practical solution to fit in a new necessity without disturbing much of the home’s plan and design. Using floating shelves helps the home office become more cohesive with the rest of the house. You can use as storage for your office and/or as a display area with décor and knickknacks.

20. Farmhouse Charm

Cozy and organised. This farmhouse inspired home office is efficient as it is charming. The wire wall pockets can hold magazines, recipe books, record books and other knickknacks. Wooden table smooth with use, a vintage table lamp and a nostalgic chalkboard. It can’t get any delightful than this.

21. A Yellow Corner

Define space without putting up walls by painting it a different colour. This bright yellow nook is a mini home office set up in the living room area. The black pieces and touches bring out the colour and add a trendy vibe to the space.

22. Off the Kitchen Nook

Put that awkward space in the kitchen into good use by turning it into this miniature home office. Turn a two-feet nook into a home office by adding a couple of floating shelves, a desk, power outlets and a chair. The stool in this home office makes the space appear more fluid and upbeat.

23. Managed Wires and Outlets

A mishmash of wires is not only unsightly, but is also a hazard to your home. In today’s electronic world, we are hampered by multiple devices with their chargers, connectors and adapters. Manage wires and power outlets with this hidden desk pocket. It keeps wires safely stashed and out of sight.

24. Table and Chair

Your home office can be as little as a basic table and chair setup. This sophisticated mini home office comes with a plain table, a comfortable wire mesh chair, a desk lamp and a desk organiser. It’s all you need.

25. Work with Plants

Indoor plants provide a lot of benefits – they freshen the air, brightens the room and neutralises impurities and odour. Working with plants inspires growth and positivity. Attractive and hardy indoor plants include the snake plant, philodendrons, ivy, bromeliads, and dumb canes.

26. A Roomy Corner

A view is a must in most home office ideas and designs. This white window office looks airy and spacious without taking up too much floor space, thanks to its white overall scheme, the wide glass window and the minimalist interiors. A bright picture, wooden baskets and a potted orchid plant add in tasteful pops of colour.

27. White and Bright

White and light interiors give the illusion of space. This rather narrow home office looks wider and roomier than it really is because of its clean white walls, clear desks and ample lighting. Break the monotony of white by adding colourful plants, golden touches and black accents.

28. Cable and Charge Hub

This small implement is a big help in managing your wires and cables. Cleverly designed to hold frequently used cables and wires, this discreet office wire hub is small enough to hide and can also be attached anywhere.

29. Glam Computer Station

Let your home office resonate your glam personality. This small home office is huge in glamour and chic. The gold-framed table that matches the wall feature frame, the glass chair and the fuzzy white rug and pillow are statements of luxurious taste and style.

30. Bare Necessities

This small home office means business. Bare and minimalist, it comes with all the necessities of a modern and functional work station. A wide desk, storage shelves, drawers, power outlets, a comfortable chair and ample lighting.

31. Wall-Mounted Desk

When you really need a home office but do not have a square metre of floor space for it, this wall-mounted desk is your best solution. It is a mounted box, one side of which can be flipped down and serve as the desk and flipped up to close and secure the work station. Smart design.

32. City Views

City apartments don’t come with ample space. This creative home office uses the outer windows of the flat and takes advantage of the views and natural lighting. You won’t need much space if two sides of your office are wide open.

33. Burnt Orange Modern

Stylish, well-appointed and modern. The burnt orange wall defines the space and gives it a bright positive vibe. Cleverly designed shelves and storage system provides ample space.

34. Under the Stairs Nook

Make the most of your under-the-stairs space by turning it into this functional, space-efficient and well-designed home office. Floating shelves line the walls, a board for the centre wall and a utilitarian desk for your work.

35. Hidden Files

Office files are important, and some documents are irreplaceable that keeping them safe is of paramount importance. This office file cabinet and safe is ideal for the home office. Its sleek design can fit right in any home design and interiors.

36. Cottage Charms

Quaint lovely design, big modern functionality. This white cottage inspired home office setup comes with a charming L-shaped office desk with a curve, a matching display cabinet and a white spindle back chair.

37. Repurposed Palette Wall Desk

Great home office idea that doesn’t break the bank. You’ll just need a palette, cleaned and sanded smooth and a day to work on your home office. Add a shelve that will serve as your desk and a couple more for storage or office machines. Then install to a wall in a quiet corner in the house.

38. Corked Wall

Who needs a corkboard if you can have a wall of cork? The cork wall is unique, striking and functional. The use of natural wood tones on the walls and floor of the room seals in the modern rustic feel of the interiors.

39. Wise Browns

The many shades of brown in this home office give a sophisticated urbane and modern look. From the warm umber and tan walls to the wood patterned cabinets and chocolate felt lined chair. Pops of green complete the earthy theme of the design.

40. Closet Works

The closet is one of the most common small home office ideas and designs. It is easy to set up and a sensible idea. Just choose a section of your closet to be used as an office, add shelves as needed, power outlets and just pull a chair and get to work!

41. Charging Drawer

Another smart idea to control clutter is by assigning and outfitting one of the drawers to be the charging hub. It keeps your devices safe and keeps the chargers in one place. Ask a certified electrician to set up a drawer for you.

42. Chic Pink

Feminine, delicate and elegant. Rose gold frames to highlight the delicate marble. A chair in a wild orchid shade of pink, a delicately patterned rose rug and a healthy amount of gold and accents. Graceful, beautiful, luxurious.

43. Balcony Office

Turn one end of your apartment balcony into your home office. Add a small table or office desk, install two or three shelves and finish with some power outlets. You take advantage of that awkward space, get the best view and enjoy ample lighting.

44. Office and Shelves

A home office doesn’t even have to look like one, thanks to cloud computing and storage and portable office machines. While the grey wall defines the space, this wall and shelves office can double as your display wall when you’re not working. Just grab a chair and hook up your computer to start working.

45. Modern Industrial

A sleek modern home office setup for your modern industrial home interiors. This black and dark wood desk and shelves combi is functional, trendy and is already a complete home office package.

46. Stripped Down Simple

This home office exudes a cool, collected and creative ambience. Bare concrete floor and walls, a panel of shelves, a small desk and a chair. The stripped-down simplicity of the interiors gives a no-nonsense feel.

47. The Office Bar

Technology made home office ideas and designs kept getting smaller and more basic. Just install a bar table against a wall or under windows, add accessible power outlets and pull a chair! This home office bar enjoys ample natural lighting and has enough space for more than two users.

48. Living Room Station

Sleek and elegant. Set up your home office right in the middle of your living room. This home office with a narrow desk and a comfy bucket chair is positioned behind the sofa, giving the user a good view of the room, more access to natural lighting and keeps away from major foot traffic.

49. Black and White Minimalist

Clean, bright and timeless. This black and white home office design is an upgrade from the all-white minimalist interiors. Patterned black and white tiles are added to the office wall, giving the space a modern bohemian feel.

50. Hole in the Wall

Smart cabinetry and a hidden home office. These beautiful cedar wood cabinet panels hide a home office. Great idea for a bedroom office. Use a couple of the cabinets for your office and the rest for your wardrobe.

Do you have any small and efficient home office ideas and designs that we haven’t covered? Why not discuss it on our RenoForum!