Affordability, flexibility, mobility and affordability have made mobile homes a popular alternative to traditional housing. Like any other dwelling type, mobile home require periodic maintenance to keep them structurally sound. A critical component of mobile-home maintenance is foundation repairs. We’ll explore in this article the importance and common issues of mobile home foundation repair.
Understanding Mobile Home Foundations
A mobile home typically rests on one of two types of foundations – a concrete slab or pier and beam. The foundation acts as the basis for the entire building, providing stability and protecting the structure. Over time various factors, such as soil movements, water damages, and improper installations can lead to issues with foundations.
Common foundation problems
Moving and Settling: The soil underneath the foundation may cause mobile homes or other structures to move. The result can be uneven floors and walls with cracks. Doors and windows may also not align properly.
Moisture-related damage: Too much moisture will weaken a foundation and cause it to become weakened, which can result in rot or mold, or deterioration. This happens more frequently in regions with high humidities or bad drainage.
Installing a mobile house incorrectly can cause an unstable base. The foundation may be unstable if the house is not levelled, the piers not spaced properly, or the feet are not anchored correctly.
Mobile Home Foundations Repair:
Inspection: A thorough foundation inspection should be conducted as the first step to addressing any problems. A professional contractor who has experience with mobile homes can be hired to do this. They’ll assess the damage to the home and find the root causes.
Repair Plan: The contractor develops a specific repair plan based upon the findings of the inspection. You may need to fix moisture problems, level your home or reinforce its foundation.
This will be necessary if the mobile has settled, or moved. This involves lifting the home using hydraulic jacks. Adjusting the footings is also part of the process.
Moisture control: It’s important to deal with any problems that may be related to moisture. Improve drainage, fix leaks and/or install vapor-barriers.
Support for the Foundation: Additional support is sometimes required to improve the stability of a foundation. The foundation can be strengthened by using methods like installing concrete footings and steel piers.