RV Replacement Windows
This page about RV replacement windows is submitted by Thomas Alan Gray, an authority, and noted author, on Recreational Vehicles. What are the Different Kinds of Windows in Recreational Vehicles?
Mr Gray examines coach windows only. For our purposes, he is not concerned with windows in the cab or driving area of a motor home.
Fixed pane windows have no moving parts. They are for visibility or lighting only and do not open for ventilation. They may be double-pane thermal units, which offer the highest energy conservation. Various tints and levels of shading are available as well as various grades of thermal efficiency.
Other RV replacement windows include the Fixed Picture Window – Any fixed windows in larger-than-standard widths may be called "picture windows", the same as in a home.
Like most RV windows, the picture window and other fixed-pane types will have rounded corners (radius corners). Its main advantage is low cost.
Probably the most common type of RV replacement windows are Sliding windows. There are various configurations available. But they all have at least one movable pane that slides in a track; opening the slider permits ventilation of the unit. The direction of the motion of the sliding panel determines the window type. •Horizontal Slider – one or more panels slides horizontally. The sliding pane may be on the left or on the right. Horizontal sliders come in square, rectangular, angle (trapezoid) or double angle (parallelogram) shapes. •Vertical Slider – One or more panels slides vertically. The sliding pane is most often on the bottom for convenient access. •Picture Slider – This is a wide window with a short horizontal slider at each end. •T-Bar Slider – A vertically oriented RV window that has a fixed pane on top with one or two horizontal sliders at the bottom. Some manufacturers offer a T-Bar with the fixed pane on the left or right with a smaller fixed pane/vertical slider on the opposite side.
Jalousie windows – Used in the '50s and '60s, they provided good ventilation and would shed rain because of their slope, making them popular in verandas in warm climates, the lack of a seal between panes meant that weather tightness and energy efficiency were low.
Another option when looking at RV replacement windows, are the Crank Windows, also known as louver windows, slated windows (because the panes overlap like slates on a roof), and glass crankout windows.
Hehr, one of the leading American manufacturers of RV replacement windows, calls these "Torque" windows, though this does not appear to be a brand name. A modern refinement of the jalousie.
The benefit of a crank window is that it permits a larger ventilation opening, and because the glass vents have no banding or frame, they are said to offer superior lighting and viewing. The number, location, and size of the louvre panels will vary with the size and type of the window.
An egress window is any RV window that opens to permit occupants to vacate the unit in the event of a fire or other emergency. Egress windows are available for slider, crank, and fixed pane windows. The part that opens for egress is generally hinged at the top and secured firmly by lock levers. The opening may be the entire window or one particular section. For RV replacement windows, the owner is not restricted to an exact OEM (original equipment manufacturer). Another type of window that might offer greater energy efficiency, improved ventilation, or more safety can be considered.
Thanks to Mr. Gray for sharing his knowledge with my readers. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions about RV replacement windows by clicking here.
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