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RetiredBob · 09-05-2013, 10:46 AM

In our living/dining room slide, we have two sliding windows that open by sliding the movable portion to the right. We also have a single large awning that covers both windows, which allows us to keep the windows open when it rains. The problem is that the left (from the inside) window is open at the end of the awning, so that if the wind is blowing from that direction rain comes in. This isn't a problem with the right window, since the open portion is in the middle of the awning.

To solve this, I'm thinking of pulling the window and turning it upside down, so that the open portion would also be in the middle of the awning. As far as I can tell, there is no difference between the top and bottom of the window, so it shouldn't be a problem. My question is, does anyone see any problems in doing this and, for those of you who have pulled/replaced a window, is this a difficult job? I assume it's a matter of pulling the screws, removing the trim, flipping the window, using new butyl tape and reinserting it. Thanks in advance for any comments/suggestions.

Skip426 · 09-05-2013, 10:57 AM

Take a close look for , slide trough drain holes in the, current outside bottom, of the frame. Most times the windows will not turn over.

JohnT · 09-05-2013, 12:49 PM

What "skip" mentioned will require new drain holes to be drilled. You can fill the old ones with RTV.

Give it a go and if successful, they are a lot of us that will be rotating that window.

ShapeShifter · 09-05-2013, 01:43 PM

Another consideration with sliding windows is the overlap. Normally they are installed such that the fixed window is outside, and ahead of the sliding inner window. (Ahead of in relation to the normal direction of travel.)

What this will mean is that the point of contact between the two panes (sliding and fixed) will be on the leeward side of the prevailing wind while traveling. If you rotate the widow, then the prevailing winds while traveling will be blowing directly on this joint between the panes. The little bit of weatherstripping that is on this overlap might not be enough to always prevent wind and water infiltration while traveling at highway speeds.

This isn't a problem where the rear edge of the window meets the frame, as the sliding glass usually seats in a "U" shaped weatherstip that bears against the glass on three sides. But the sliding weatherstip between the two pieces of glass usually only contacts one surface.

Just an extra data point to consider...

"007" · 09-05-2013, 01:54 PM

Bob seeing as your retired why not try to shape a thin metal baffle to fit in the screen slot vertically to prevent the wind blown water, it will drip off baffle and can be removed when sunny out, screen will hold it.
As mentioned driving in a rain will be forced rain into coach with reverse window mounted.

RetiredBob · 09-05-2013, 05:03 PM

Well, it was a good idea for a while, but ShapeShifter's post made me rethink things. Guess I'll drop it and look for another solution--maybe something like 007's suggestion. Thanks for the replies.