Your home’s foundation is the stable, secure canvas that the beauty of your house is built on – but when trouble begins brewing, it can be a nightmare! Like any house, manufactured homes will start to show their age over time or show signs of improper installation from the start. If you call a mobile home ‘home,’ allow us to shed some truth on the gnarly manufactured home foundation problems and crucial repairs that can make or break your safety!
Are All Manufactured Homes Built On The Same Foundation?
The short answer is, absolutely not. There are multiple manufactured home foundation types, some more common in areas up north, like a slab foundation, and some more common in places down south, like pier and beam. Regardless of the type of foundation your home has, it should be properly inspected by a professional and well-maintained by the homeowners to avoid a troublesome fate.
Slab Foundations
These are the simplest manufactured home foundation types: one large slab of poured concrete on which the home rests. They are sturdy and relatively low-maintenance, but they are not without their issues. The slab may develop home foundation problems, such as cracks, as the ground below shifts, and larger ones could result in additional issues like moisture intrusion, inevitably leading to mold, mildew, and other scary irritant growth.
Pier And Beam Foundations
These cost-effective and practical foundations are typically made from concrete or masonry that acts as tiny yet mighty stilts for your home. Unfortunately, as with slabs, these piers may experience some shifting or sinking that can mess with your homemade balance. They could also begin to tilt, leaving your floors with troublesome dips, or loose tie-down straps that cause your home to shift or sway in rough weather.
Crawl Space Foundations
The allure of crawl space foundations is the great ventilation they provide and how well they work in keeping the bottom of your home dry. However, these spaces can become humid and moist, leaving the door wide open for mold, mildew, & wood rot. Poor ventilation prevents proper airflow, which causes humidity to build up, and the space beneath your home could become a disturbing hotel for critters like mice and insects.
Spotting Foundation Issues
You know your home better than anyone else – so you’ll be the first to notice anything that doesn’t seem quite right. The most obvious thing you may notice is cracks in the floors, walls, or even ceilings; a close second would be concerning gaps between the walls and floors or ceilings. While walking around your home, pay attention to any sagging areas or the sensation of walking “downhill” in a room.
Another common sign of manufactured home foundation problems may be sticking doors and windows. Easy to dismiss as an annoying sign of aging, this could mean your home is no longer level and things aren’t adding up quite right. Additional signs are cracks in the exterior walls, pooling water near the house, or tilting chimneys.
How Can You Help Your Home?
You’re not a contractor, so what can you do on your own to lessen the blow of foundation problems? First, ensure there’s proper drainage leading away from your home to avoid moisture issues. Secondly, seal any small cracks as you see them before they spread, and make note of where they were afterwards. You may also want to level out any minor uneven areas and tighten or replace tie-down straps beneath the home.
Knowing When To Call The Pros For Foundation Problems And Repairs
We don’t want to spook you with these dark possibilities, but it’s important to be prepared for anything. Whether it’s cracks, pests, or sinking beams – any foundation issue warrants immediate action.
It’s wonderful to be proactive about caring for any current manufactured home foundation issues, but it’s just as wonderful to know when you need a helping hand. Let Detail View Home Inspection be your guide towards a safer home that lasts; we have the skills and resources to address any foundation concerns. Continue loving the home you’re in with hauntingly good inspection services!