how to repair a mobile home

How to Repair a Mobile Home Belly Board

1. Remove the torn insulation and black belly board. First, everything has to be removed. ...
2. Reseal or Replace the Ductwork. Next, you will replace or reseal the ductwork. ...
3. Inspect Plumbing. Next, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing is healthy. ...
4. Install Insulation. Next, you’ll want to install new insulation. ...
5. Install the New Belly Board. ...

Full Answer

How to approach a mobile home repair?

• Are you licensed and insured? Don’t hire a contractor that’s not licensed and insured. ...
• Do you subcontract out any work? ...
• What’s your workload right now? ...
• Do you offer any warranties? ...
• What payment methods do you accept? ...
• Do you provide written estimates? ...

How do you repair a mobile home?

When is a mobile IV helpful?

• Cancer treatment. ...
• Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) When patients have a severe dysphagia disorder, they are often advised to stick to a diet of thickened fluids or modified solids to keep their swallowing issues ...
• Fibromyalgia. ...

How to repair roof rust on a mobile home?

Self-Adhering Tape is Step 1 in a 3-step process.

• Step 1a: Clean surface with a non-residue cleaner such as One-Step Roof Prep
• Step 1b: Place Self-Adhering Tape over leak area
• Step 2: Spray repair area with Roof Repair Flexible Sealant
• Step 3: Topcoat roof with Roof Repair Silicone Coating

How to remodel an old mobile home?

• Adds curb appeal and value to a mobile home.
• Acts as a deterrent for many critters and vermin that may damage air conditioning vents, ducts, wires, and even insulation underneath your property.
• Help keeps snow and water out from under the mobile home.
• Camouflages the foundation.

More items...

How do you repair a rotten floor in a mobile home?

6:4914:44How to repair a rotted mobile home floor Single Wide Mobile ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou see this 1 by 8 runs down that side there so we don't have to do a bunch of framing over hereMoreYou see this 1 by 8 runs down that side there so we don't have to do a bunch of framing over here which is a good thing. All we need is to make sure that our plywood breaks.

How do you fix a soft floor in a mobile home?

0:232:49How to Repair a Mobile Home Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTools then remove the carpet to reveal the damage particleboard is a poor building material forMoreTools then remove the carpet to reveal the damage particleboard is a poor building material for floors as it disintegrates with water. Contact. Use a shopvac to clear out the breeze.

How do you fix mobile home walls?

0:171:30How To Replace A Wall Panel In Your Manufactured Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply the panel adhesive on the exposed wood. And place the new panel on top amer in the finishingMoreApply the panel adhesive on the exposed wood. And place the new panel on top amer in the finishing nails to secure the panel. Step 4 add the finishing touches replace.

How do you redo the outside of a mobile home?

Basic home updates can make your mobile home look brand new!14 Great Mobile Home Exterior Makeover Ideas for Every Budget.Paint. ... Install Awnings. ... New Trim Around the Doors and Windows. ... Install New Skirting. ... Install New Windows and Doors. ... Install a Bay Window. ... Install Wooden Interior Shades.More items...•

Can I put new subfloor over old subfloor in a mobile home?

This is not always the case in a mobile home, however, where subfloors may be made of lesser-quality particleboard. Mobile home subfloor thickness may be of some concern, and installing plywood over this subfloor can give you a stronger base for your hardwood, laminate or carpeting.

What causes soft spots in mobile home floors?

Mobile Home Floor Problems. Soft spots are a big problem in homes with particle board floors. They occur when the subfloor gets wet, causing the sub floor material to fail. Soft spots frequently occur in bathrooms, under flower pots, below windows, and behind washing machines.

Can you replace walls in a mobile home?

Single-wide mobile homes are designed to be light, but the walls of most of them still contain wooden studs. Manufacturers often cover the walls with 1/4-inch paneling, but the studs can support drywall, so there's nothing preventing you from removing the paneling and replacing it.

Can you patch mobile home walls?

Mobile Home Wall Repair Patch Spread spackling compound on edge of the steel square and place the patch over the damaged portion of wall. Finally cover the patch with compound, smoothing or adding texture to match the rest of your wall.

What is under siding on a mobile home?

The sheathing is typically plywood or oriented-strand board, also known as OSB. OSB consists of wood chips that have been glued together to make a thin sheet of wood. Though not as resilient as plywood, it is durable material. It should be noted that some mobile homes with metal siding do not have sheathing.

What is the best siding for a mobile home?

Vinyl Siding Vinyl is installed on over 30% of all new homes making it the most popular siding choice for both mobile homes and site-built homes. It's a favorite siding choice because it's longlasting, affordable, and looks great.

Can you put siding on a mobile home?

Vinyl siding provides durability and protection on a mobile home. Many mobile homes will eventually need vinyl siding replacement over their lifespan. The first mobile homes were framed from cheap wood material instead of today's vinyl.

How do you remodel a mobile home to look like a house?

However, if you'd like to make your manufactured home look more like a site-built home these ideas may help.Construction Upgrades That Make Your Manufactured Home Look More like a Site-Built Home. ... Upgrade to a Higher Roof Pitch. ... Extend the Eaves. ... Install Larger Doors (Exterior and Interior) ... Install Crown Molding and Trim.More items...•

How do you fix soft spots on a trailer floor?

8:2412:15Soft floor repaired in RV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPressure tree of plywood the right thickness of course that we can put in there. I have cleaned upMorePressure tree of plywood the right thickness of course that we can put in there. I have cleaned up the edges. Of our cutout already and i have cut the piece of plywood already so we're going to lay.

How do you fix a soft floor?

Fix bouncy floors by adding bridging, adding a layer of plywood or adding a wall or beam. We'll show you three ways to stiffen up your bouncy floor—by adding bridging, installing plywood along the joists and adding a wall or beam under the floor. Any one of the three can solve your problem, depending on your situation.

What causes soft spots in subfloor?

Three major causes of soft spots include excessive moisture, an expansion gap, an unbalanced subfloor, and pests.

How do you fix a soft spot on a floor?

0:457:59Laminate flooring repair to fix soft spot for uneven underlayment - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo as you can see we now have one single hole. So now that it was crimped at the end we're gonna useMoreSo as you can see we now have one single hole. So now that it was crimped at the end we're gonna use a small screw just bring it back open so we have a nice flow coming out of the tip.

What happens if your mobile home is not in good shape?

If it isn’t in tip-top shape, you’ll lose heat in the winter and AC in the summer. That means higher energy bills.

What is the cheapest flooring for a mobile home?

Under carpet and other materials, many older mobile homes have the cheapest flooring imaginable: particle board. This stuff is easily damaged by moisture. Once it gets wet, it will retain that water, and the water spreads easily throughout it.

What to do if your door knob is stuck?

In that case, no amount of door repair is going to help. If your knob is getting stuck, or if you’re having trouble unlocking and locking your door, try lubricating it first.

Can you seal the underside of a house?

It’s critical that you leave the underside of your home well-ventilated. Yes, you want skirting to block wind and keep critters out—but you shouldn’t attempt to seal the underside completely. That will lead to mold growth.

Can you replace a roof that has a leak?

If you have multiple small leaks, you can probably address each one with our techniques below. However, if your roof is leaking in many places and showing signs of sagging and deformation, you should consider replacing it.

Who won the 2016 Mobile Home Makeover Contest?

Image courtesy of Patricia Pacheco, winner of the 2016 Mobile Home Makeover Contest.

Can you repair a vinyl skirting?

If your skirting is only mildly damaged in a few places, you may be able to repair it without replacing it. If you have a few holes in your vinyl skirting, you should absolutely patch them up before winter. Remember, your plumbing runs under your mobile home. If you don’t protect it properly, your pipes could freeze in the winter. Definitely patch those holes!

How to find a contractor for a mobile home?

We’d recommend doing a fair amount of searching online and trying to generate some leads via word of mouth. The Internet is a treasure trove of information, and while it can be a great asset in your search for a quality contractor, we’d strongly advise that you stick to the trusted, reputable sites. Look at sources likeAngie’s List,Home Advisor and even the message boards ofmobile home-specific sites, such as MobileHomeRepair.com (this site). Furthermore, we’d also strongly suggest asking around to get a lead on a good contractor or two. Talk to your neighbors, your park manager or even with your local mobile home dealer/part supplier for a list of quality candidates. You might even check with your insurance agent to see if there’s anyone that they recommend.

Why is it so hard to work on a mobile home?

Misconception: Another reason why it can be tough to work on a mobile home is the misconception that mobile homes are poorly made or constructed differently than single-family homes. In reality, while there are some differences, they’re typically minor in nature. In fact, it’s often easier for contractors to work on a mobile home in many ways. Yet, this misconception can be a big influencer for contractors.

Can a contractor work on a mobile home?

The good news is that there are plenty of contractors out there who don’t just work on mobile homes but specialize in working on them. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at how to find them.

What happens if your mobile home is not in tip top shape?

If it isn’t in tip-top shape, you’ll lose heat in the winter and AC in the summer. It will also mean higher energy costs.

Who won the 2016 Mobile Home Makeover Contest?

Image courtesy of Patricia Pacheco, winner of the 2016 Mobile Home Makeover Contest.

How to tell if door is shifted?

It’s fairly easy to tell if your door needs some love. If it doesn’t fit into the door jamb like it used to, then something has probably shifted. It is possible that the hinges no longer hold the door at the correct angle. You can simply tighten the hinge screws that are starting to pull away from your wall or door. Alternately you might need to replace your hinges.

What happens if you adjust your hinges and the door doesn't fit?

If you adjust and/or replace your hinges, and the door still doesn’t fit, you may have a more serious problem with your wall shifting. This is where door repair will not help.

How wide is a single wide home?

Consider a single-wide home that is 16 feet wide by 70 feet long.

Can you repair a vinyl skirting?

Your plumbing runs underneath your mobile home. If you don’t protect it properly, your pipes could freeze in the winter. Repair those cracks immediately!

Do you have to follow instructions for installing a mobile home door?

For most mobile home doors, installation will be similar to the instructions here. You should always follow the instructions provided with your door.

What to do if your mobile home looks like the photo below?

Does your mobile home look like the photo below? If it does, you need to get it repaired as soon as possible.

Why is my mobile home underbelly damaged?

Damage to a mobile home underbelly is most commonly caused by animals and people making repairs. That’s why it’s important to make sure any person that works on your home repairs the underbelly after they finish. This needs to be mentioned while the job is being negotiated. Make sure they repair it properly with the correct material.

How Does a Belly Board Get Damaged?

Damage to a mobile home underbelly is most commonly caused by animals and people making repairs. That’s why it’s important to make sure any person that works on your home repairs the underbelly after they finish. This needs to be mentioned while the job is being negotiated. Make sure they repair it properly with the correct material.

Why do mobile homes need a vapor barrier?

The vapor barrier lays on the ground and helps keep the moisture that rises from the ground away from your mobile home. A vapor barrier is another item that is much more important than many mobile homeowners realize. It should be installed if the home doesn’t have one.

Why is the underbelly of a mobile home important?

The underbelly of a mobile home is vital to the entire structure. In fact, the underbelly is so important to a mobile home that a buyer can accurately gauge the home’s overall health by the condition of the underbelly. It’s as important as the roof. We recommend you look under the home before you even go inside.

How to repair a mobile home belly board?

Here are their steps to repair a mobile home belly board with Tyvek: To repair large holes in the belly board (generally in the central part of the belly between the two main steel beams) use the following procedure: First, measure the space needed to be covered.

Why lay down a moisture barrier?

Before you begin you will want to lay down the ground moisture/vapor barrier. This helps protect you from getting nasty while under the home.

How much does it cost to replace a mobile home roof?

With that said, most DIY homeowners can expect to pay between $1,500-$3500 for a standard metal or asphalt roof job on a manufactured home. It’s also been suggested that a slightly peaked single wide mobile home can get a new asphalt shingle roof for about $3,000.

What is a roof over on a mobile home?

Roof overs are a very popular solution to mobile home roofing problems. In general, this means you simply build a new roof on top of your old roof. But, as ever, there are caveats.

What do I do with my pitched or peaked roof?

Ok, we’ve covered the lion’s share of mobile home roof repair in talking about flat or bowed roofs, which are more prevalent on older homes.

Who is the general manager of roof wrap?

Bill Burnside is the general manager for RoofWrap, a Seattle-based company that markets a product of the same name nationwide. RoofWrap is a EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber that comes off a roll that is wide enough to cover an entire single-section home. It’s like inner-tube rubber in a vehicle tire, but thicker.

Can you put synthetic membranes on a pitched roof?

Synthetic membranes can be applied to a pitched roof, and perform very well. But, the look is less than pleasing for most. On a flat or slightly bowed mobile home roof, most of the time there’s no vantage point to see the rooftop or consider how good or bad it looks.

Who owns Hamilton Home Builders?

Jeff Hood is co-owner of Hamilton Home Builders, a new independent builder in northwest Alabama. The company focuses on single-section homes with many unique features, not the least of which is the roofing system.

Do mobile homes have a flat roof?

There is a very simple reason for this distinction. Mobile homes, constructed prior to the 1976 implementation of HUD code, mostly have flat or bowed roofs. Manufactured homes, the coded homes built after ’76, tend to have more pitched or peaked roofs. Many homeowners who have a flat or bowed roof are in need of a roof repair or replacement.

What material is needed to repair a mobile home under the belly?

By Mark Bower. To repair a mobile home under belly and/or replacemobile home insulation you will likely need somepolyethylene underbelly material (a black tarp-like material),belly repair tape, or both. This material is found on the bottom of most manufactured homes built since the 1980’s.

Why is it so hard to replace underbelly on a manufactured home?

Replacing an underbelly is probably one of the most difficult repairs on a manufactured home, mostly because of the lack of working room. Most underbelly’s have to be tacked at the edges and allowed to hang in the middle. Pipes and ductwork tend to hang down on most mobile homes, which must be covered by the underbelly material.

How to attach insulation to polyethylene?

When attaching insulation to the polyethylene, use insulation with a paper (kraft) backing and attach with silicone.

How wide is a polyethylene underbelly?

Polyethylene underbelly material comes 192 inches wide and can be custom ordered to any length. To install: First cut a piece of polyethylene slightly larger than the hole being patched. Clean around the area to be patched. Add insulation up in the belly, or attach insulation directly to the polyethylene.

Is it easier to patch a mobile home than replacing it?

Pipes and ductwork tend to hang down on most mobile homes, which must be covered by the underbelly material. Patching is always easier than replacing. But if your home is beyond patching , here’s some tips. Keep in mind that all homes are different, so common sense must prevail.

What Is a Mobile Home Wall Panel?

The wall panels of a manufactured home can be made from several different material types, including drywall, porcelain tile, artificial wood and many others. The most common wall panel material in today’s manufactured homes is vinyl on gypsum, or VOG board. VOG panels are a widely used and cost-effective building material used in manufactured homes, and when properly cared for, they can last for decades.

Where is the serial number on a manufactured home?

The serial number is located on your manufactured home data plate, which you’ll typically find inside a cabinet, closet or utility area somewhere in your home.

What is the most common wall panel material in manufactured homes?

The most common wall panel material in today’s manufactured homes is vinyl on gypsum, or VOG board. VOG panels are a widely used and cost-effective building material used in manufactured homes, and when properly cared for, they can last for decades. However, it’s not uncommon for wall panels to become damaged.

How to attach a panel to a wall?

Mount the panel onto the adhesive and fasten it in place using finishing nails.

How to get studs off a wood panel?

Use your fist (or a rubber mallet) to strike the panel until you find the studs. This will also help loosen the glue and batten strips on the panel.

How to get replacement wall panels?

To get a replacement wall panel that matches your home’s current panels, contact the manufacturer of your home. The manufacturer will be able either to provide you with a replacement panel from the same series or the closest available equivalent. Keep the serial number of your home handy during this process so that the manufacturer can track your ...

Is it a good idea to hire a professional for manufactured home repairs?

It’s never a bad idea to hire a professional for manufactured home repairs, but many homeowners choose to go the DIY route, as it can be a substantial money saver. However, not all manufactured home repairs are DIY-friendly, so it’s important to know which ones should be left to the pros. Fortunately, replacing a wall panel is one ...

Why The Challenge?

Tips and Tactics For Finding The Right Professional

Questions to Ask Potential Mobile Home Contractors

Get Started on Finding Your Manufactured Home Contractor

• As you can see, finding a good contractor to perform your next mobile home repair isn’t impossible, but you have to do your due diligence. In fact, you owe it to yourself and your home to do your homework to ensure that the job runs smoothly and gets completed correctly. Make sure you check references, ask the right questions and look for contracto...

See more on mobilehomerepair.com