IMPORTANT TIPS FOR MOBILE HOME MAINTENANCE

Mobile homes have many advantages over site built homes, the primary being affordability and mobility. However, mobile homes require regular maintenance just like any other home. But because they are constructed in a factory, the designs and materials vary slightly from site built homes. Thus, mobile homes have entirely different maintenance concerns. Read on for important mobile home maintenance tips from Wholesale Mobile Homes.

5 TIPS FOR MOBILE HOME MAINTENANCE

Just like any other piece of property, mobile homes require regular inspection and repair to protect your family and investment.

KEEP YOUR HOME PROPERLY LEVELED

One essential concern when it comes to mobile home maintenance is making sure your home is leveled properly. Though mobile homes are leveled during installation, over time, they need to be adjusted.

Keep an eye out for doors that don’t close well or windows that don’t seem to fit right – either of those can mean your mobile home is not level. If your floors are creaking or you notice cracks in walls or ceilings, that is another indication that your mobile home needs to be re-leveled. Use a long carpenters level to check areas of your home to ensure they are level.

While there are some do-it-yourself kits available, a lot is riding on a level home, and it may be best to call a professional. We recommend contacting your dealer to see who the recommend to re-level your home.

MAINTAIN YOUR MOBILE HOME SKIRTING

Your mobile home’s skirting, or perimeter enclosure, insulates the whole residence, protects the belly of the structure, adds curb appeal, and helps save energy. If you notice holes in the skirting, repair them immediately so they don’t cause further damage.

The skirting needs to be secure, but it also requires plenty of vents so  that humidity and mold don’t damage the home. Adequate ventilation is a must! There is even a formula to determine if your mobile home has proper skirting ventilation – The formula (1:150) is based on the square footage of your home. For every 150 square foot of space under your home, you need one square foot of venting.

KNOW YOUR PIPES

Understand that plumbing systems in mobile homes differ slightly from that in traditional homes, but the overall concept is mostly the same. In mobile homes, the plumbing pipes are located under the structure and are stubbed up through the floor, as opposed to within the walls, where they are located in conventional homes.

Frequently, mobile home plumbing systems are equipped with plastic or cross-linked polyethylene (pex) waterlines and PVC piping. In conventional homes, the system is likely to be made of galvanized pipe or copper waterlines.

In many areas, codes for site-built houses are quite strict and have changed very little over the years. Whereas manufacturers of modular and mobile are often the first to test and apply new technology.

Familiarize yourself with the system’s ventilation pipes and the main stop valve so you can shut off your water in the event of an emergency.

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR ROOF

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against bad weather. Mobile homeowners need to prioritize proper roof care to keep their homes property safe and sound. Due to the design of mobile homes, though, certain areas require particular attention.

Many mobile homes have flat roofs. Flat roofs—or nearly flat roofs—have special needs, especially in cold winter climates. Heavy snow can lead to property damage, and significant accumulations must be removed quickly. Repair and replace damaged roofing materials to mitigate problems.

You can extend the life of your roof by sealing it annually. Regular sealing can also prevent other issues from becoming worse. The type of roofing on your home will determine how often you need to seal it. Metal roofs, for example, require more frequent sealing than those with shingles.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) urges homeowners to inspect their roofs at least two times each year, both in the spring and the fall.

INSPECT OFTEN AND THOROUGHLY

As with any type of house, performing regular inspections—both inside and out—is a crucial responsibility of being a homeowner. By taking the time to check these key points of your home, you’ll be able to catch potential problems before they become costly headaches.

• Masonry piers
• I-beams
• Wood floor framing
• Anchors and straps
• Windows and doors
• Roof
  
  
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