Code Compliance And Safety Standards Inspections
Since 1974, all mobile homes have been built to standards developed specifically for manufactured housing by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Known as the HUD code, it is the only federally-mandated building code that exists. All manufactured homes must comply with stringent codes that address building safety and construction practices. In addition, third-party inspectors validate building procedures before the home is delivered. Each mobile home bears a permanent-affixed certification seal.
Wondering how long do mobile homes last? When installed properly, following mobile home insulation standards, a manufactured or modular home can last just as long as a regular home built directly on a construction site. Throughout the building process, quality is maintained not only by staff supervisors, but also by third-party inspectors, and any potential problems are immediately addressed. As the home nears completion, various tests are performed to ensure that all plumbing and electrical lines are working properly, that the entire building is code-compliant, and that specifications have been followed completely.
How To Roof Over Your Mobile Home
Step 1 Assess the damages
If youre not sure whether your mobile home needs a roof over, there are some common signs you should be looking for. You can tell a roof is damaged from the inside of your mobile home. Look around for light showing through cracks, dark spots on your ceiling or walls, peeling wallpaper or paint, and/or sagging in the ceiling, walls, gutters, or siding.
You cant roof over your mobile home without fixing damages first. Remember, its not like youre putting a band-aid over an open wound. Please contact a professional if repairs go beyond your skillset.
Step 2 Determine your materials
Now that youve seen the pros and cons of the most popular roof over materials, its time you choose a method that works within your budget and skill set. Many roof over kits come with an instruction kit that can guide you accordingly. While coming up with the money for repairs can be difficult for some, please dont let your budget be the ultimate decision maker. Those will less experience should hire a professional if needed.
Step 3 Research and consult a local expert
The roof over process is going to vary widely depending on the size of your mobile home, the materials you use, and the current state of your roof. With that said, we cannot provide a step-by-step guide for each method as it wouldnt fit in a single article. Thats why we highly recommend consulting with a local expert who can assess your individual needs and budget first.
External Sources & References For Roof Construction Details
1. General: Various roof-related construction details can be found on the Thermal and Moisture Protection CAD Drawings page on the ARCAT website.
2. Asphalt Shingle Roof Construction Details: This page leads to a comprehensive selection of asphalt shingle details. Available at the GAF website.
3. Built-up Roof Construction Details: A selection of general flashing details for built-up roofs is provided on the Fields Company website.
4. Cedar Shake and Shingle Roof Construction Details: This New Roof Construction Manual contains a large number of construction details. Available on the website of the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau.
5. Cedar Shingle Roof Construction Details: Also see Technical Information > Installation at the Waska website for basic details.
6. Copper Roof Construction Details: This Architectural Details page provides access to a number of well-put-together details for copper roofs and the copper components of shingled roofs. On the website of the Copper Development Association.
7. Drains: Roof Drain Construction Details: An extensive list of easy-to-view details is provided on the Hy-Tech Products website.
8. EIFS Construction Details: Access EIFS details on the Senergy EIFS website.
9. EPDM Roof Construction Details: An extensive list of easy-to-view EPDM details is provided on the GenFlex website.
11. Expansion Joints: Some good construction details for roof-to-wall expansion joints are available on the Copper Development Association website.
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Tpo Roofs Vs Competitors Roofs
Our roof over system is specifically designed and engineered for manufactured homes and low sloped roofs. There are no exposed screws anywhere on top of the roof. Even our vents have no exposed screws they are hot air welded to the roof. Our Roof Over is a true 1 piece blanket of Protection that is hot air welded to ensure no areas for water to leak into your home. We use double foil faced insulation to provide maximum energy efficiency and reflect the radiant heat so our roofs NEVER get hot under any temperature. Our roofs also reduce noise up to 75%.
Aluminum/metal Roof Overs DO NOT COME IN 1 PIECE, they are crimped either every 4 feet or every foot. Aluminum roof over systems are not recommended for manufactured homes or low slope roofs. Theyre recommended for 3/12 pitch or steeper due to the fact that they have screws and adhesives on top of the roof exposed to the harsh Florida environment that will crack, rust and fail which creates leaks. Aluminum/metal roofs also tend to get extremely hot in Florida due to the environment. Aluminum/metal roofs are significantly louder.
When TPO is not installed properly it will ripple therefore causing problems with your roof in the future. TPO roof installation is very important and needs to be done properly.
TPO Flashing is a 1 piece flashing with no seams, caulks, or adhesives. Metal flashing is caulked and seamed ever 10 feet which is bound to fail in Florida’s harsh environment.
Our Roofs
Things To Consider Before Starting A Mobile Home Addition
Adding on to an existing house may seem less expensive than buying a new one, but the truth is that it could cost just as much or even more. The best part is that you wont have to move from home when making the addition. A reasonable budget will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
Also, remember that an addition should be a separate structure from the main home. Its foundation maintains stability and is easy to dismantle when relocating. Now, lets get into the details of a mobile home addition plan.
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Mobile Home Zone Ratings For Wind Damage Uplift And Damage
Wind Zones & Manufactured Home Regulations:
Details about wind zones and wind zone ratings, required labeling and specifications for manufactured homes and mobile homes built after 1976, as well as structural requirements and tie-down requirements for manufactured homes are found
- NY is all Wind Zone 1 , minimal requirements vs. hurricanes or other coastal storms
- Andrew destroyed almost ALL of the mobile homes in So. Dade County by contrast 28% of contractor-built homes were destroyed.
Leaks at the windows of this mobile home led to water entry in its wall below the window.
The photograph shows severe structural rot to the floor frame structure below the leaky window.
Only a “do it yourself” repair was economically feasible in this case.
If you were not sure of the difference between modular construction and a mobile home, notice the presence of a steel frame chassis and even wheels or wheel mounting frames located beneath your mobile home, doublewide, or static caravan.
Also notice that oil line on the crawl space floor. Is it leaking or vulnerable to damage or cold temperatures?
Also see the following critical details for protecting manufactured homes and mobile homes or doublewides from wind damage
Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roof Overs
When it comes to roofing a flat roof or low slope roof for a residential home such as manufactured, modular or mobile home, we highly recommend a TPO membrane roof over. Why? Because TPO roof overs are affordable, durable, energy efficient and last longer than any other flat roof material we’ve seen on the market. We only use the highest quality thermoplastic polyolefin insulated membrane materials which allows us to offer a limited lifetime warranty. Not only will our roof over products stand the test of time, but you’ll also notice huge savings in your energy bill.
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Characteristics Of Modular Homes Or Modular Housing
A modular home is constructed in a factory of one or more sections which are carried to the building site ona trailer and lifted by a crane to be set upon a foundation which has been prepared ahead of time . Modular homescan be quite large, involving four or quite a few more individual sections which are lifted and “set” into placeat the site.
Modular homes, earlier in their conception, enjoyed a less than stellar reputation several decades ago, having the reputation offlimsy construction. That is certainly no longer the case.
Definitions: If you are not sure if your home is a mobile home, trailer, double-wide, caravan, or a modular or panelized-built or factory built home, please
Final Touches To The Walls And Interior
After the bulk of the structural work is complete, our team will get started on the final touches. Well tile your roof, place sliding onto the walls, install doors within the inside of your home and wrap the walls ready for delivery.
At the same time as this, another team will be working hard on your mobile homes interior design, transforming it from a shell into a comfortable living space. During this phase, your property will look and feel as if it were a site-built house under construction.
Although your mobile home will be transported to you in several core pieces, its assembled fully as one in our warehouse to make sure each piece fits together seamlessly. This removes the chance of delays upon delivery, meaning your mobile home can be delivered and put together promptly.
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How Are Mobile Homes Built
When you think about a home being built, most people picture a group of construction workers slaving away around a pit of concrete. However, mobile homes take a different route altogether one that may surprise you if you havent seen it before.
So, how exactly are mobile homes built? In this article, were going to talk you through each step, giving you an exclusive look behind the scenes into the back-end processes so you know what youre getting for your money before you make a purchase. Read on to find out more.
What Is Considered A Permanent Foundation For A Mobile Home
The permanent foundation for a mobile or manufactured home is made of durable construction materials such as the following:
- Mortared masonry
The foundation has attachment points to anchor to assure stability against the movement of underground soil or rock. All new foundations must be approved by a local certified inspector.
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How Manufactured Homes Are Constructed
Understanding how manufactured homes are constructed can help you remodel or modify a home. This is especially true when you have to replace the flooring or move walls in a mobile home. Knowing the construction methods that are involved, and the order of construction, can help you plan your project better and save money.
Why Should You Consider A Manufactured Home
Todays manufactured homes are built with a high level of detail toward construction integrity. Builders begin and end the process of mobile home construction with the daily comforts of the new homeowner in mind. Each home is expertly constructed, shielded from the inclement weather that is a burden for site-built structures, and brought to you with practical accommodations and a very friendly price tag.
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Mobile Modular Manufactured Whats Different
The terms are related, but there are distinct differences. The term “mobile home” is used to refer to what used to be known as “trailers,” typically small, inexpensive homes that were on wheels and could be moved from one site to another without a lot of trouble. They were built in great numbers in the years following World War II because they could be produced quickly to meet a real need for affordable housing. Their construction was largely unregulated.
Manufactured homes today are highly regulated, and although they may arrive at their permanent sites with wheels still attached, the wheels are typically removed and the homes are attached permanently to an in-ground foundation. They may consist of a single module, or two or more can be joined together to form a larger house. With skirting and landscaping, they are virtually indistinguishable from site-built homes. Structuring and building a mobile home is a very interesting process.
Modular construction is just what it sounds like. Factory-built modules that may be single rooms can be combined in many ways at a physical site. They might be stacked or joined in sequence to serve as offices, retail spaces, hotel and motel rooms, and schools as well as homes. Size limitations exist only in terms of transporting modules to a permanent site.
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Technical Reviewers & References
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Reader Question: How Do I Establish That My Modular Office Meets My Local State Building Code
I bought a 12’x56′ modular office building from a government auction in sc and got it hauled to my business in NC.
But to my surprise I was told by the city code inspector, since the modular was built in the state of SC and has codes and approval of that state I won’t be allowed to get the permits until it is certified to the NC building codes. Please suggest what are my options and how can I take care of this issue.
This modular office building was built in 1998 by AAA modular based in SC or GA at the time, unfortunately seems like they are not in business anymore, it has sc stamps etc, let me take some photographs and send them over. – Anonymous by private email 2016/07/23
Reply: how to find and check the labels affixed to the structure, check with the labeling agency
Virtually every modular building construction company in North America builds their products to meet all of the state codes where they can imagine their building will end-up. Take a look at the data tags on your building. Send me some sharp photos of the data tag and a couple of the whole building and I can comment further.
Check for one or more industry / agency / manufacturing certifying labels that for any modular home or office will identify at least:
- The manufacturer of the modular office or home
- The modular home or office model, manufacturing date, and serial number
- A building code compliance certification agency
http://www.astm.org/LABS/filtrexx40.cgi?+-P+ACCTNO+87150+template.frm
Opt For More Natural Light
Its worth replacing the windows if your single-wide mobile home cant access more natural light. Replacing older window models with a modern taste is also ideal for the overall aesthetic appeal. You can also choose to add a sunroom.
For a growing family, choosing energy-efficient windows makes a solid difference. You can block the heat that comes in during the summer and trap the heat in the winter. As a result, you get to save on heating bills.
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Get A Free Quote For Manufactured Home Insurance
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are less common in the mobile home world for a few reasons, the most obvious being the weight of the material. While asphalt shingles significantly improve the overall look of your mobile home, you might be limited to adding a single layer as the weight may prove to be too much.
However, installing a single layer of shingles isnt recommended as your roof will be more susceptible to leaks and weathering. With issues like these, you may find yourself spending more hours maintaining your home if you dont have a proper warranty.
Despite these downsides, asphalt shingles still have some great benefits. Theyre very easy to install and can be quite cheap. Expect to pay anywhere from $700 $2,000 for single-wides or $1,200 $4,000 for double-wides.
Good Luck With Your Diy Mobile Home Roof Over
As previously mentioned, a DIY mobile home roof over has both immediate and long-term benefits. Depending on the damage thats already been done, you could save thousands in heating and cooling bills while also upping the resale value of your mobile home. We hope this guide has pointed you in the right direction!
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A Brief Look At Mobile Home Roofing And The Required Materials
Mobile home roofing was once quite different from roofs on traditional homes.
Mobile home builders these days offer the same types of protection and the same kind of construction techniques. Its now possible to live in a mobile home and enjoy the same feeling of security because youre underneath a solid structure. The frames that support the roofs of mobile homes use 2-by-4 jousts that are overlaid with either chipboard or plywood, just like a standard home.
Be aware that those supports hold the weight of the roof. They dont make a mobile home secure from the weather. If you let those panels become exposed to moisture, they will eventually deteriorate. The insides of the home will be damaged and otherwise victimized by deteriorating panels.
Shingled Mobile Home Roof Overs
A real shingle roof for mobile homes is absolutely possible for most models. They can have a higher pitch or gables too. Shingle roof overs are also installed right over your existing roof, as long as you have not already had a roof over previously.
The subject of whether its a good idea to add a second layer of shingles is much debated in the roofing industry. Be sure to get an experts opinion on your home before you make a decision. There seems to be a split in opinion on layering the new shingles over the old. Some roofing experts say you can do on manufactured homes that have 2×4 studs 12-16 OC and roof trusses that are 16 OC or less. Others roofing experts have told me they wont do it on any manufactured home.
If youre set on a shingle roof you come in a few different options and styles for roof overs, as well as several different colors and textures.
The main benefit of a shingle roof is the appearance. Shingles can dramatically improve the curb appeal of your property. Installing shingles is typically more costly than a TPO or metal roof but can improve the value a little more so you may recoup the costs.
Its not unusual to see asphalt shingles on a mobile home, particularly on homes with pitched roofs. Because asphalt is frequently used on site-built homes, many people are drawn to their appearance. Asphalt has a class A fire-rating and its available in a wide array of styles and colors.
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