Foundations for Mobile Homes

When it comes to mobile home ownership, understanding the foundation on which your home rests is not just a matter of construction, but of comfort, safety, and long-term satisfaction.  This blog post will explore the critical aspects of mobile home foundations, emphasizing the necessity of a stable and secure base for your residence.

Understanding the Basics: Types of Mobile Home Foundations

Mobile homes typically utilize two main types of foundation systems. The first and most common is the Pier and Anchor Foundation, which has been the traditional choice for many homeowners. This system involves placing the mobile home on concrete or steel piers anchored securely to the ground. It’s designed to keep the home elevated and prevent moisture-related issues.

For those seeking to finance their mobile home purchase through real estate mortgages, a more substantial foundation may be required. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) refers to these as Permanent Foundations. These are designed not only to meet safety standards but also to ensure the home is considered a fixed entity, akin to a traditional site-built home. This designation can affect financing, insurance, and even the resale value of the mobile home.

Priority of Foundation Repairs

For existing mobile homes, the foundation's integrity should always be the priority over other repairs and modifications. If issues such as poor drainage or inadequate foundational support are not addressed, they can undermine the benefits of other home improvements. Effective foundations should protect the home from movement in two crucial ways:

1. Stability Against Soil Conditions: The foundation must support the home reliably without risk of settling or upheaval due to varying soil conditions.
2. Security Against External Forces: It should be securely fastened to the home to prevent displacement or overturning during windstorms, seismic activities, or other external pressures.

Common Foundation Problems

Several prevalent issues can threaten the structural integrity of mobile home foundations, including:

1. Inadequate Footing Areas: If the footings are not proportionate to the home's size and weight, it can lead to settling and structural instability.
2. Incorrect Placement and Spacing of Piers: Misaligned or overly spaced piers can cause the floors to sag or feel springy, indicating potential structural failure.
3. Unsuitable Soil Conditions: Footings placed on poor soils can shift due to frost heave, heavy rains, or clay expansion, compromising the foundation's effectiveness.
4. Lack of Tie-Downs: Without proper tie-downs, a mobile home can slide off its foundation or overturn in adverse weather conditions.
5. Compromised Tie-Down Integrity: Tie-downs failing to perform due to soil upheaval can lead to significant risks, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Enhancing Your Mobile Home with Perma-Roof

While Southern Builders does not handle foundation installations, we proudly offer solutions that enhance and protect your mobile home's top structure—specifically, our Perma-Roof system. Designed for mobile homes, the Perma-Roof offers architect-certified #1 Commercial Grade Heavy Duty 29 Ga Steel roofing, installed without the need for wood, featuring Polystyrene Foil Back insulation. This roofing system not only boosts your home’s energy efficiency but also comes with a lifetime workmanship warranty against leaks, ensuring that your home remains secure, dry, and comfortable in any weather.

Conclusion

A reliable foundation and a secure roof are crucial for the longevity and safety of your mobile home. While ensuring your foundation is sound, don’t overlook the importance of a quality roofing system. Discover the benefits of the Perma-Roof by Southern Builders and ensure your home is protected from the top down. Contact us today to learn more about how our Perma-Roof system can enhance the value and comfort of your mobile home.

Reference:  John Krigger's "Your Mobile Home".  

Picture from:  https://islandhomeinspectors.com/foundation-inspections

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