Windows and doors bring you light and ventilation, and make the outside world accessible both physically and psychologically. You’ll find many types of windows in mobile homes—bay windows, jalousies, and full-panel sliding glass doors.
Except for needing occasional lubrication, windows are relatively trouble-free. Doors, on the other hand, harbor a variety of problems from sticky locks to warped panels. This chapter explains quick, effective repair for doors and windows. (And if your traverse rods won’t pull evenly, you’ll find an answer on page 106.)
Attractive windows add to the beauty of your home. Browse through your local glazier’s. Explore such things as reflective solar film. It’s quick and easy to apply. It cools your mobile home noticeably without air conditioning. Investigate other new window products. Mobile homes blossom from home improvements every bit as much as any other type of dwelling.
June 3, 2009
Caring for Windows and Doors
Mobile-home
Some mobile-home manufacturers still use jalousie windows because they’re attractive and functional. The louvered nature of partially open jalousies allows ventilation even when it’s raining.
Occasionally you’ll need to lubricate the lever and movable hardware, maybe twice a year. Using a conventional oil can rather than the newer aerosol lubricants will eliminate some extra cleaning.
When lubricating the jalousie mechanism no longer keeps the window operating, remove the glass slats. Unscrew the old jalousie hardware. Measure the frame. Replace the old assembly with a new one of the same size, but use your old slats.
To replace broken slats, take out the remaining glass with gloved Measure an unbroken slat to find the correct size—or measure the space from one clip to the other, plus the clip widths. Slide new glass slat into the clips.