| Question from Janet: Can you install regular windows (like the ones sold at “Big Box Stores”) in a manufactured home? |
Well, you know what? I am not exactly sure of the answer to that question. That’s why I rely on my website AskTheContractors.com for reliable subcontractors and contractors.
…like Mark Cherry of Cherry Home Improvement. That’s all Mark does in life.
Mark puts Windows in, and he does a great job.
So Mark, what does someone do when it comes to a manufactured home?
What is the difference between a regular home and a manufactured home?
It is installed differently?
What’s going on with this?
Mark: There’re different types of manufactured homes but one of the things that we’ve found when we’ve put in retrofit Windows is, you’re better off selecting a retrofit style of window. Retrofits are custom size to fit the existing windows in the home, as it is now.
One of the things you must be concerned about with a manufactured home is the wall thickness.
Mark Cherry, Owner of Cherry Home Improvement
Also, another thing to look for is the framing techniques that they’ve used to get those windows secured to the framing of the existing house. So, getting something off the shelf at a big box store, it’s not likely to fit.
Custom-sized windows would be the better way to go with a mobile home.
Todd: Explain what retrofit windows are, and what’s the time frame because those would be custom-made.
Mark: Correct. And depending on the manufacturer, most of them in the summer times will have anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks lead time to get the product to you. It depends on what you’re looking for.
In a retrofit application, you leave the existing perimeter frame of the window in. So, what you do is take out the vent and the fixed side of the window, so that that perimeter frame alone is remaining. Then a new window is custom-made to fit inside that opening.
That completes and covers that frame as its installed.
Todd: And that makes it so you’re not taking off siding because a manufactured home usually has metal siding. You’re not ripping into that siding. The inside of the home will not be destroyed, because you’re putting it into the same hole that the old windows coming out of.
Mark: So in terms of your exterior, you’re not removing any type of wood trim wrap, or again cutting into any of the existing metal sidings. The flange of the newer retrofit windows will completely cover that old frame, or it can be inset into the existing window frame. Each house is a little different.
The chances of finding a window at a big box store that will fit perfectly into that space are next to zero.
Mark: Actually, some of the big box stores, you can order special order windows, but as far as walking into a store and purchasing a window that day that would work for your situation. It’s very unlikely.
Todd: But also as a contractor, and you and I are both contractors, I would highly suggest with something this technical… you should have someone do the install that really knows what they’re doing. Hire someone who has done it for quite a long time, like Mark Cherry from Cherry Home Improvement.
The Weather Sealing is the Priority
Mark: Find someone who has a lot of experience installing weather sealing. Winterizing the window can cause you the biggest problems down the road.
Todd: And you come with a warranty. I mean when you install your own retrofit windows, something can go wrong. The homeowners will have you to rely on, and that’s an insurance policy when it comes to Windows.
Mark: We like to think so.
Todd: Yeah, absolutely.
Are you doing a home improvement project? Go to AskTheContractors.com. You can trust and rely on the people that have made me successful in the construction business.
Hey, I’ve been talking to Cherry Home Improvement’s Mark Cherry. He does custom windows. Go to my website. Mark is right there. AskTheContractors.com.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,
When in Doubt Hire It Out.
Janet, you did not say what part of the country you’re from, but if you’re not in the greater Sacramento area reach out to a window company to custom fit those windows and make sure it’s done correctly. Alright? If you’re in the Sacramento area, give Mark a call at Cherry Home Improvement.
If you have a question for me, send it to me.
I want to be your source for information about your home and your home improvement projects. Request an estimate or just communicate with me. I will answer your questions and again, if I don’t know the answer, I’m going to ask someone who has the answers so we can figure out this together.
You’ve been listening to AskTheContractors.com. I’ve been your Host Todd Bird. Thank you so much for listening and I’ll catch you on the next one.
Past Questions, Answered Here:
- Question: Where Do I Start When Renovating a Historic Home?
- Question: Wood Split on a new Load-Bearing Wall. What can I do?
- Question: My Contractor says “no” to a Self-Leveling Floor Base. Should I?
- Question: Can you Suggest the Best Stone Backing Above a Fireplace?
- Question: Can I specify Retrofit Windows for an Existing Mobile Home?
