Repairing Guides

how to repair floors in a mobile home

by Prof. Soledad Langworth II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The process of repairing a bad mobile home subfloor is not difficult, but it should be done with care to achieve the desired result:

  • Determine the area to be repaired
  • Remove the damaged portion of the subfloor
  • Attach floor joist supports for subfloor replacement
  • Replace subfloor with new material
  • Level new subfloor area
  • Replace flooring over the repaired subfloor

Full Answer

How can I replace the subfloor in a mobile home?

  • Determine the area to be repaired
  • Remove the damaged portion of the subfloor
  • Attach floor joist supports for subfloor replacement
  • Replace subfloor with new material
  • Level new subfloor area
  • Replace flooring over the repaired subfloor

How do you repair sagging ceiling in mobile home?

Things Required

  • Staples
  • Staple gun
  • Putty knife
  • Adhesion material

How to replace subflooring in a mobile home?

Mobile home floors are made so you can't just tare up a sub floor completely and replace it, as the walls are placed on top of it. Complete your own mobile home floor replacement. Attach floor joist supports for subfloor replacement. Remove the trim and floor covering. Bathroom floors are the most common floor problem in mobile homes. Replace ...

How to install hardwood floors in a mobile home?

Let’s Get Started!

  1. Strip The Room. Since you will be cutting into the floor in a later step, you will remove anything on top of your floors.
  2. Cutting it up! Next begins the cutting stage. ...
  3. Scope It Out and Protect For The Future. ...
  4. Insulate. ...
  5. A New Floor for Your Weary Ol’ Feet. ...
  6. Tuck In Your New Floor With Some Cover. ...
  7. Use It! ...

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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 replace a subfloor in a manufactured home?

0:398:51Mobile Home Floors Mobile Home Sub Floor Repair. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you want to take your utility knife cut cut cut over and over again take it down to the floor.MoreSo you want to take your utility knife cut cut cut over and over again take it down to the floor. Once you get there just gonna build up a cover back as you go pull it back you see.

Can I put new subfloor over old subfloor in 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.

How do you fix the floor on a trailer?

0:1810:13Best way to fix a Trailer house floor repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm gonna replace the plywood underneath there put new underlayment in and put new linoleum down getMoreI'm gonna replace the plywood underneath there put new underlayment in and put new linoleum down get it ready for the next renter. I just took all the drawers out.

What is the best subfloor for a mobile home?

The most recommended subfloor material is 5/8″ plywood. If you can afford water resistant marine plywood for your kitchen, laundry, and bath that would be a good idea.

What type of subfloor is used in mobile homes?

particleboardMobile homes and manufactured homes, for many years, constructed subflooring consisting of a glue and sawdust combination referred to as particleboard. Unfortunately, when it gets wet, it acts like a sponge.

What is the thickness of the subfloor in a mobile home?

Most subfloors are either 3/4″ or 5/8″ thick. You will use the measurement to set your circular saw to the proper height. One of the most tedious parts of replacing subflooring in mobile homes is the removal of the original sub-flooring.

What is better for subfloor OSB or plywood?

OSB has a lower resale value than plywood due to its lower strength. For this reason, few homeowners prefer OSB in their homes. Apart from costs, plywood is superior in all the other areas, such as the strength of the structure. For this reason, it's a superior material for use on the subfloor.

Why do mobile home floors get soft?

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. Soft spots are less common in newer homes that have plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) subfloors.

How do you fix a rotted floor?

2:237:43How to Remove and Replace a Rotten Subfloor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProblem but now it's time to get to work on the actual rotten floor. There's two ways that we canMoreProblem but now it's time to get to work on the actual rotten floor. There's two ways that we can repair this floor. We could patch the existing hole with plywood.

How do you fix soft spots on a trailer floor?

0:3113:01Soft spots in a RV/motorhome floor Bonded or sandwich floor fixYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm already started injecting epoxy into a portion of the floor. As you can see there I've thoseMoreI'm already started injecting epoxy into a portion of the floor. As you can see there I've those squares are 6 inches square. And then I've drilled the holes into the soft portions of it.

How do you repair a subfloor?

How to Fix a Water-Damaged Subfloor: Your 8-Step DIY GuideStart by Stopping the Water. ... Expose the Subflooring. ... Make Your Mark. ... Carefully Cut Subflooring. ... Remove Damaged Materials. ... Speed Up the Drying Process. ... Reinforce Floor Joists. ... Install Your New Subflooring.

How do you install subfloor in a mobile home?

0:044:43Installing Subflooring In The Mobile Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHey guys welcome back to nature's cadance farm where we're here at the trailer today at the farm andMoreHey guys welcome back to nature's cadance farm where we're here at the trailer today at the farm and we're actually going to be putting down some subflooring.

How thick is the subfloor in a mobile home?

Most subfloors are either 3/4″ or 5/8″ thick. You will use the measurement to set your circular saw to the proper height. One of the most tedious parts of replacing subflooring in mobile homes is the removal of the original sub-flooring.

Can you lay new subfloor over old subfloor?

Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. If you don't respect this thickness of ply, then you're highly likely to see rises and falls in your new flooring.

Which way do floor joists run in a mobile home?

Longitudinal floor joists run parallel to the long side of the mobile home.

What to do with piping and wires in a house?

Where you have piping and wires, make sure that the insulation is underneath them and not on top. It is important that the heat in the home can reach them, especially those pipes when it comes winter time. No one likes burst pipes, or doing another floor replacement! Step 5: A New Floor for Your Weary Ol’ Feet.

Why does water come in contact with my floor?

The most common way for water to get into contact with your floor is a leak. One possible source would be a leak from the roof that goes through the wall and into the floor. The leak in the roof could be caused by damaged shingles or water dams on your roof.

What happens if you have mold in your bathroom?

As an extra tip, if the floor in your bathroom has soft spots, then the water damage most likely has spread underneath the wall into the adjacent bedrooms.

Can you glue plywood without 2x4?

You will need to install another 2×4 between the joists so you can glue and nail the plywood, without the 2×4 there will be nothing to anchor the new sub-flooring to which can lead to the new floor shifting when you walk on it. If you miss this step, it will hurt you in the long run.

Can soft spots on mobile home floor cause damage?

Soft spots on the floor can cause damage to other aspects of your mobile home. So it is important to find them sooner than later and take care of them. Before we cover how to replace the flooring in your mobile home, we should go over exactly how carefully you should watch for soft spots.

Do you need to cut tile in a bathroom?

If you have carpet in your bathroom, you will need the strips of carpet. Tile needs to be ripped up, and if you have vinyl, it will need to be cut around the perimeter of the bathroom and removed.

Do mobile home floors warp?

However, even homes with these newer flooring materials, the floors can still bow, soften, and warp. Regardless of the date your mobile home was manufactured, if you find soft spots, the floors should be replaced before the joists and walls are also damaged.

What does it mean when a subfloor is weak?

When the subfloor is getting weak, it feels very spongy or soft when you walk on it. If you feel a sponginess, or a soft spot, take tiny baby steps all around the area to get a feeling for how unlevel and spongy the area is. When repairing the floor, you will want to remove the entire area that feels spongy, soft or unlevel.

What is subfloor made of?

The subfloors of many older manufactured homes tend to be made of dense particle board. Over the years, this type of subfloor has the tendency to break down in heavy traffic areas within the home.

What causes mold in a house?

When water gets trapped in spaces such as attics, walls, crawl spaces, carpets, wood subfloors, etc. mold can develop. Mold is a common health hazard and causes all types of respiratory issues. Most folks think that water damage inside of a home comes either from leaking plumbing or a leaky roof.

How old is a soft spot on a floor?

Usually, every home more than 10 years old has developed a soft spot or two in the floor. If these are not repaired properly, they will often visually show up in the floor. Even worse is the feeling of sponginess as you walk across them.

What is the final step in replacing carpet?

The final step is to replace the flooring over the repaired area. You may have just pulled up carpet and repaired the floor underneath. If so, then relaying the carpet is an easy task.

How much is water remediation?

In fact, water remediation (restoration) is a $210 BILLION dollar business in the United States. In case you’re wondering, that is A LOT!

Do you need to modify the joist support area before replacing subfloor?

Before replacing the subfloor material, the joist support area underneath will need to be modified. It is necessary that all edges of the new subfloor are supported underneath and can be attached with screws.

What tools are needed to refloor a mobile home?

Depending on the type of floor installed in the mobile home, some of the basic tools needed for mobile home floor repair are: 1. Circular Saw.

How much does it cost to remodel a mobile home?

The cost of remodeling a mobile home with a double-wide is around $650-$800. For a full-fledged triple-wide or multi-section mobile home, the cost goes up to $900 - $1000. Another factor that is taken into consideration while determining the cost of leveling a mobile home is the age of the mobile home.

What is the initial lining of a mobile home?

The initial lining is that of a floor joist, i.e. the horizontal framework spaced according to the shape and builded of the mobile home.

What is a sublayer in a mobile home?

In older used mobile homes, a sub-layer was usually made of particle board or medium-density fibreboard. But over the years, it was deduced that these materials are extremely absorbent in nature and ends up sucking water from the moisture in the air and tend to decay more causing soft spots in the floor.

What is mobile home?

Mobile homes are a large rectangular container type structure pre-fabricated at a manufacturing site in the form of a house. These homes are attached to a steel frame underneath with wheels, which make them easy to move from one location to another. The concept came from residential caravans back in the 1960s and is a practical ...

Is a sandbox weatherproof?

While they are not 100% weatherproof, they are subjected to strong winds and other severe conditions as a test before they are rolled out for usage. Depending on the weather condition and location of parking, some manufacturers have started using wood as well for constructing these homes.

Do mobile homes have a solid base?

In addition, mobile homes don’t have a solid base like a static house. So, with visible signs of cracks and creaks in it, these homes are at a higher risk of sinking at the loose point due to which the entire structure can collapse causing a bigger risk to life and property.

How thick is a subfloor?

Measure Your Subfloor Thickness. Next, you will need to measure your subfloor. Most subfloors are either 3/4″ or 5/8″ thick. You will use the measurement to set your circular saw to the proper height. One of the most tedious parts of replacing subflooring in mobile homes is the removal of the original sub-flooring.

Why is particle board warped?

Even in newer homes, where particle board wasn’t used, flooring can become warped or softened due to a small leak or routine encounters with water. Most newer homes now use a higher grade plywood or OSB because it can withstand water better. Still, if you have a soft spot or bowing in any area it’s best to replace the subflooring in ...

What is subflooring made of?

For many years, mobile homes have been constructed with sub-flooring made of particle board which is made from sawdust and glue that essentially acts like a sponge when it gets wet. Even the least amount of dampness causes bowing, warping, rot, and soft spots. Even in newer homes, where particle board wasn’t used, ...

What to do if a floor leak is rotting?

If a leak caused rotting or flooring warping and bowing you must find it and repair it before moving on to the next step. With the floor covering removed you will be able to trace the leak better. Follow the damage. Most of the time it will be a window or roofing issue and the water is running down the wall.

Can you leave subflooring under the walls?

You may need to use a Dremel tool or knife to get the subflooring out from underneath the walls if the sub-flooring is damaged or rotted. If it’s healthy, you’ll likely want to leave the subflooring under the walls alone. The subfloor and floor covering are installed before the walls when a manufactured home is built.

Do you put subfloors before the walls?

The subfloor and floor covering are installed before the walls when a manufactured home is built. Manufactured home builders construct homes in layers. All the flooring is laid before the walls are installed so chances are your flooring and floor covering will be under the entire wall.

Can you cut subfloor without damaging the wall?

Remember to keep the saw set to the same thickness of the flooring to keep so you do not damage the joists. If you can cut out an inch or so under the wall without damaging the wall you can slide the new sub-floor under the wall. This is the ideal method in the subflooring is rotted or weakened in any way.

What size is the most common flooring?

The most common type is plywood and we will focus on it. Measure its thickness, the most common sizes are ¾” and ⅝”.

Do mobile homes have a foundation?

As you can imagine a mobile home’s floor comes under a lot of pressure over time. Unlike traditional stick-built homes, mobile homes don’t necessarily have a full foundation that supports the whole underbelly. Although the building standards for mobile homes have increased dramatically and the underbelly should be well supported by horizontal ...

Can you replace a carpet cover?

You can now easily replace the cover . There is a good chance that the cover would’ve been damaged during the removal process so you might want to buy a new one. Carpets are usually fixed in place with glue and an industrial stapler around the edges.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Mobile Home Floors per Square Foot?

On average, repairing your mobile home flooring will cost anywhere between $7 and $30 per square foot. Like other house floors, mobile home floors are built by installing joists, placing a sturdy subfloor on top of the joists, then installing the visible flooring on top of the subfloor.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Mobile Home Floors Near You?

Specific costs for mobile home floor repair projects may vary from one part of the country to another. Depending on the type of flooring you’re repairing, you can expect to pay an average of $1 to $30 per unit for surface floor coverings. Therefore, for a room that measures 120 square feet, you can expect to spend between $120 and $3,600 total.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Mobile Home Floors Yourself?

Tackling your mobile home repair work will definitely save you labor costs, assuming you don’t need to retain the services of an assistant or subcontractor (or bribe your friend with pizza). Labor for this type of repair and construction work averages between $25 and $40 per hour nationally.

What Factors Influence the Cost to Repair Mobile Home Floors?

In addition to the size of the damaged area and your local market and conditions, your cost to repair a mobile home floor will depend on several major factors. The most significant impact on the cost is usually the extent of the damaged layers of your mobile home’s flooring and the kinds of material you use.

Floor Layer

Your mobile home flooring most likely consists of three layers: the joists that provide the underlying support, the subfloor, and the covering floor. That visible layer of flooring may be somewhat easier to swap out and can cost less, while damage to joists is more complex and often expensive to repair.

Type of Surface or Subflooring Material

When you end up replacing an entire room’s flooring to repair the existing damage, you may question which type of flooring material you should use.

Size of the Repair Area

Mobile home floor repairs that only affect a few square feet will typically cost less than a much larger section you need to repair. Additionally, if the damage extends to the subflooring or even to the joists, you’ll typically spend more to get that repair done correctly and thoroughly.

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Why Does The Mobile Home’S Floor Get saggy?

6 Steps How You Can Fix Sagging Floor

  • Whatever the reason, it’s very common to find a saggy floor for a mobile home. And it’s a commonly asked question how to fix them. You can fix them with the help of a professional, which will cost a lot. Whereas, fixing it by yourself will significantly cut the cost of fixing the floor. Fixing a mobile home’s saggy floor can be easy work for you. B...
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FAQs

  • Question: How long does a trailer floor last? Answer:A wooden floor can last many years. If you carefully use and clean it properly then it can last more than 25 to 30 years. Even some people state that it can last more than that. Question: Exactly how much droop on the floor is considered acceptable? Answer:Sagging is allowed in building rules for framed flooring, which is a terrible t…
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Bottom Line

  • That’s all for now. Thanks for catching up with me at the end. Hope now you are sure abouthow to fix a sagging floor in a mobile home. If you find it that troublesome. Then there is always an option of calling a professional. Best of luck!
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