Mobile Home Doors: What You Need to Know

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Hey readers and followers, welcome back to Southern Builders Perma-Roof Blog. Let’s talk about doors. They might not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of your home, but doors play a huge role in how your mobile home feels, functions, and looks. Whether it’s the front door you open every day or the interior doors that keep your rooms private, keeping them in good shape makes a difference.

In this post, we’ll cover some key things you need to know about mobile home doors—what makes them unique, how to keep them working their best, and when it’s time to consider replacements.

Exterior Doors: The Gateway to Your Home

Most exterior doors in mobile homes—especially older ones—are lightweight and not very insulated. If your home was built before 1980, chances are your exterior doors are hollow, filled with cardboard or paper honeycomb, and have an R-value of about 2. While they don’t lose a ton of heat because of their small size, they aren’t the most energy-efficient part of your home.

Types of Exterior Doors

You’ll typically find two kinds of exterior doors on a mobile home.

Inward-opening doors, often called house-type doors, are mounted in wood frames with standard hinges. These usually include weatherstripping and are sometimes paired with storm doors for added protection.
Outward-opening doors are shorter and often used as secondary doors or fire exits. These are mounted in metal frames and are designed to open outward for safety and convenience.

When to Repair or Replace Your Doors

Doors take a beating. Between daily use and constant exposure to weather, it’s no surprise that exterior doors can show wear over time.

Drafts and Poor Seals: If you feel air sneaking in, it’s time to replace the weatherstripping or even the whole door.
Warping or Damage: Exposure to rain, sun, and temperature changes can cause your door to warp or degrade.
Outdated Appearance: A fresh, modern door can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal.

Newer doors, insulated with fiberglass or foam, can offer better durability and energy efficiency, with R-values ranging from 4 to 7 or even higher.

Interior Doors: Don’t Forget About Airflow

Interior doors usually don’t cause too many headaches, but they can affect airflow. Mobile homes rely on proper air circulation to keep heating and cooling systems working efficiently.

If your interior doors don’t have at least an inch of clearance at the bottom, they might be blocking airflow. Adding a louvered vent or checking for other ventilation options can solve this issue easily.

Quick Tips for Maintaining Your Doors

Whether your doors are brand new or have been around for years, regular maintenance helps them last longer.

Check the weatherstripping and replace it when it’s worn.
Inspect thresholds to ensure they seal properly.
Clean and lubricate hinges to keep doors opening smoothly.

While we’re on the topic of upgrades, don’t forget about your roof. At Southern Builders, we specialize in installing the Perma-Roof system for mobile homes. It’s a tough, leak-resistant roofing solution designed to last, giving your home the protection it needs from the elements. If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, give us a call. We’re here to help your home stay strong and weather-ready.

Takeaways

Whether you’re repairing a drafty exterior door, upgrading to an insulated replacement, or tweaking your interior doors for better airflow, keeping your doors in good shape is easier than you think. And if you’re looking to make bigger improvements, a Perma-Roof is a great way to protect your home and your investment.

For more tips and advice on mobile home maintenance, check out the other posts on our blog. Happy door fixing!

Note: We only install the Perma-Roof system on mobile homes. This blog is for informational purposes only.

Reference: Krigger, John. Your Mobile Home: Energy and Repair Guide for Manufactured Housing.