Replacing mobile home storm windows..need bottom windows for int + ext. Help?

A

adam y

New member
Last storm season my living room window got busted out, they are vertical sliding storm windows, from what I understand trailers only use standard size windows, the whole window is 30 x 52 1/2. Buuut, I only need the bottom windows, the frames from the old ones are busted up pretty bad, so getting glass cut just to fill them isn't an option. All I could find from parts shops on the net were full window sets, and I'd really hate to have to do all the extra work taking the whole window out and getting it weather ready when all I need is to replace the windows that easily come out and go in. Help, anyone?
Like i said, original frames are too busted up, so cutting glass to size won't work. Thanks for your answer, top contributor.
WHAT THE FUCK. I said clearly that I cannot use the frames from the old windows, so I not only need the GLASS that you "top contributors" are referring to, but also the frames. Do you guys read the questions or just post half ass answers?
 
If I understand you correctly, you've got an interior metal frame window, AND an exterior metal frame window. The interior frame is probably white, or brown, while the exterior frame is 'silver' metal.

Many times, yes, those windows would be a common size across the board for various manufacturers, but not always. Some would even change size from one model year to the next, so it would be really helpful, if you knew the size of the sash you need to replace - not just the overall window size.

I've done a lot of work on mobile homes, including replacing these types of windows. I realize you said the frames were 'busted up' and unusable, but you might - I repeat 'might' be able to get new frames from a glass shop - especially if you live in an area with a lot of older mobile homes. They may not carry the parts in stock, but they may be able to order them. These old window units were made of extruded metal (aluminum or steel), and were pinned at the corners, using a small "L" bracket that fit inside the extruded metal. (The top corners of the sash would actually be a "T" shape, and would fit into the slot of the frame.)

As for finding replacement lower sashes, you might have some decent luck if you find a place that is taking the old trailers apart for salvage, or - maybe you can find someone who is remodeling and changing out their original windows. Again - that doesn't necessarily mean they will match your existing frames. Another option is to post "In Search Of" ads in your local newspaper, or online at Craig's List, or Ebay.

Replacing the whole window unit really isn't that difficult, either inside or outside.
Outside windows along the side with the entry door, will often have a small piece of trim on either side of the window - remove it, and take the screws out around the metal window frame. These exterior window units were usually installed with a 'rope' type caulk, so a little work with a stiff putty knife is typically in order to get the frames out of the wall. You can either use more of the 'rope' caulk, or switch to a tube caulk (I'd recommend the Dap 3.0). Just be sure you install the new window units squarely, so it will operate easily.
The interior windows were often tacked in place with a pin nailer real quick, and then screws would be run in around the frame - there's no caulk behind the interior window unit. I could usually replace an exterior window unit in about 30 minutes, and 10 minutes for the interior.
Something to think about - if you do end up replacing the windows with new units - you may want to just switch to vinyl double hung windows. It would mean a little extra trim work on the interior, where you would no longer have that interior metal frame, but again, it's really not that difficult.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, as I said, I've had a lot of practice, hehehe.

Good Luck
 
If I understand you correctly, you've got an interior metal frame window, AND an exterior metal frame window. The interior frame is probably white, or brown, while the exterior frame is 'silver' metal.

Many times, yes, those windows would be a common size across the board for various manufacturers, but not always. Some would even change size from one model year to the next, so it would be really helpful, if you knew the size of the sash you need to replace - not just the overall window size.

I've done a lot of work on mobile homes, including replacing these types of windows. I realize you said the frames were 'busted up' and unusable, but you might - I repeat 'might' be able to get new frames from a glass shop - especially if you live in an area with a lot of older mobile homes. They may not carry the parts in stock, but they may be able to order them. These old window units were made of extruded metal (aluminum or steel), and were pinned at the corners, using a small "L" bracket that fit inside the extruded metal. (The top corners of the sash would actually be a "T" shape, and would fit into the slot of the frame.)

As for finding replacement lower sashes, you might have some decent luck if you find a place that is taking the old trailers apart for salvage, or - maybe you can find someone who is remodeling and changing out their original windows. Again - that doesn't necessarily mean they will match your existing frames. Another option is to post "In Search Of" ads in your local newspaper, or online at Craig's List, or Ebay.

Replacing the whole window unit really isn't that difficult, either inside or outside.
Outside windows along the side with the entry door, will often have a small piece of trim on either side of the window - remove it, and take the screws out around the metal window frame. These exterior window units were usually installed with a 'rope' type caulk, so a little work with a stiff putty knife is typically in order to get the frames out of the wall. You can either use more of the 'rope' caulk, or switch to a tube caulk (I'd recommend the Dap 3.0). Just be sure you install the new window units squarely, so it will operate easily.
The interior windows were often tacked in place with a pin nailer real quick, and then screws would be run in around the frame - there's no caulk behind the interior window unit. I could usually replace an exterior window unit in about 30 minutes, and 10 minutes for the interior.
Something to think about - if you do end up replacing the windows with new units - you may want to just switch to vinyl double hung windows. It would mean a little extra trim work on the interior, where you would no longer have that interior metal frame, but again, it's really not that difficult.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, as I said, I've had a lot of practice, hehehe.

Good Luck
 
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