Is The Roof On A Mobile Home Vulnerable
The roof on a mobile home is very vulnerable to all the same weather elements that affect a regular constructed fixed building without any of the advantages of strength and durability that a standard house roof can have. Oftentimes, they dont have the strongest frame or the heaviest of roof materials and if the mobile home has an old-style flat roof then this will be prone to pooling and ponding water. A pitched roof is less vulnerable but needs a decent slope.
Myth #1 No One Would Put A Roof On A Mobile Home
Fact: Many people in Brevard County are doing it and loving it. Just take a quick drive down through Barefoot Bay and check out all the metal roofs. One of the reasons why people love their metal roof so much is that theyll never have to put another roof on their home again, as metal roofs last practically forever. Another big reason why people love their metal roofs is because they are coated with a high-tech, reflective coating that makes the majority of sunlight bounce right back off. Instead of absorbing all that heat, your roof will deflect it, helping your air conditioner not have to work so hard. Finally, if you ever go to sell your home, having a metal roof will be a big selling point and make your home more attractive to buyers, potentially allowing you to increase the asking price.
So Why Are Manufactured Homes Thought Of As Temporary
There are many reasons why manufactured homes may be thought of as temporary. One is that when there is a modern weather catastrophe, FEMA often uses manufactured homes as temporary housing until stick build homes can be rebuilt. This can give the impression that the homes are only meant for temporary housing.
The way dealers advertise manufactured houses can also play into the homes being perceived as temporary. Many advertise trading in your old homes for a new one. Others put old, destroyed manufactured homes on their lots which makes people think they are disposable products that will wear out over time, even though this is not the case.
So, we can see how the myth of the manufactured home being temporary originated. However, the truth is, these are solidly constructed residences that may even be able to outlast stick-built homes.
In any case, now you can tell you can confidently tell your renters that your houses can withstand the test of time.
Contact us to talk more about Manufactured Homes and their lifespan.
If youre looking to sell your mobile home park, or know someone who is, dont hesitate to contact us today!
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Before And After: Installing A Tpo Roof Over A Pitched Shingle Double Wide Roof
Heres a double wide before the TPO is installed over the shingles:
Heres the same double wide after the TPO membrane mobile home roof over:
TPO membranes come in several different thicknesses ranging from 45 to 90 millimeters. It is a fast and relatively easy installation and often the least expensive option for a mobile home roof over.
How Long Does A Membrane Roof Last In Florida
While flat roofing is used sometimes in residential roofing installations, they are mostly seen on commercial buildings. These roofs have the largest life span variance as depending they last anywhere from 10 to 50 years.
There are several flat roof membrane types, but this article focuses on the three most common ones, which are:
TPO TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. This is a single ply membrane type that is either ballasted, fully adhered, or mechanically fastened. As there are no plasticizers used, TPO membranes offer a greener, yet less durable option. It appears that roofs with these membranes last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, however, this is a newer and more experimental membrane type and, therefore, information on it is not yet conclusive.
PVC This is a vinyl-based membrane type that has the highest price tag of the three. The price tag is well worth it when you consider that these membranes offer both energy efficiency and UV resistance as a result of its reflective property. This means that even in Floridas heat, cooling costs can be reduced and heat damage to the roof is a non-factor. PVC roofs last a minimum of 20 years.
The lifespan of the EPDM membrane roofs is usually 25 years or more, however, this number can fall below 20 in the unique and harsh conditions that are synonymous with the climate of Florida.
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How Long Does A Manufactured Home Last
Manufactured homes, also known as mobile homes and formerly known as trailers, can last for many years.
Heres the bottom line: The question of how long does a manufactured home last depends on several factors. Weather, the level of maintenance a home gets, and whether the home has moved multiple times can all affect the lifespan of a manufactured home.
The older the mobile home, the shorter its lifespan. Manufactured homes built since The Department of Housing and Urban Development instituted the Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act in 1976 have an expected longevity of over 50 years.
Modern manufactured homes may be able to last longer, thanks to newer construction methods and materials.
How Long Does A Mobile Home Roof Last
It all depends on the type of material you have and was it is installed currently the first time.
For example, a three-tab shingle is designed to last 25-years. But if it has experienced high winds as we often see in Florida, the wind may have damaged all the shingles and how they seal together. This means your mobile home roofing system might be compromised and allow wind-driven rain to get into your home.
Its also easy for a roof to not be installed currently, particularly with the nailing pattern. If the previous roofers do not place the nails in the exact location they were designed for, then the shingle can either blow off or allow water to get to the nail hole. Every 3-tab shingle requires 4 nails per shingle in a specific location.
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Build Qualitys Impact On Modular Home Longevity
The build quality of your modular home will have a significant impact on how long it lasts. It determines how well your house can withstand the elements and everyday wear and tear.
Prefabricated, modular homes are built in a controlled environment, which means builders take their time to do a good job. The houses are also built to higher standards than traditional homes, further increasing their longevity.
For example, most modular builders use thick walls and high-quality materials to construct their products, resulting in a well-insulated and sturdy home that can withstand the elements. As a result, you also get reduced energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
In addition to using high-quality materials, the builders of modular homes use special techniques to make sure the homes can withstand transportation and installation. For example, they use steel I-beams to reinforce them against high winds.
A good roof can also be the difference between a long-lasting modular home and one that needs to be replaced regularly. Thats because a well-made roof can withstand the elements.
However, a building is only as strong as the foundation its built on. Thats why its essential to make sure that your home is placed on a level surface. If the house isnt level, it can settle over time and cause problems with the structure.
Are Metal Roofs Good For Mobile Homes
With the prices for house and lot for sale and for rent going up, it is no wonder why more and more people choose to go for mobile homes. Mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes are an inexpensive yet reliable way to get a house of your own. To make the most out of it, you need to ensure that the materials the mobile home has been made of are durable.
As the name suggests, manufactured homes are pre-built and moved to a site. As a purchaser you have fewer options for materials than you do when building a more traditional home. While you wont get to decide on the roof material, there are a few options for you to choose from that can add protection to your roof. Common ones include a Single-ply TPO, shingles, and metal roofs.
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Which Mobile Home Roofing Materials Are Right For You
Of the many types of roofing materials suitable for mobile homes, there are four key materials that are most popular among manufactured homeowners: asphalt shingles, metal roofing, TPO , and rubber roofing. While no material is definitively better than the other, each material has its advantages and disadvantages that make some materials better than others for different types of manufactured homes and mobile homes.
Which Is The Best Roofing Technique For A Mobile Home
The valley weave and California cut are probably the most popular. This image represents a popular roofing technique to handle a mobile home and addition that is lower than the home. Notice how weatherstripping and insulation are flashing are used to create the seal. Do you Have Questions about Mobile Home Roofs?
What should I use to seal the edges of my mobile home roof?
One way to do that is to seal the seams and edges and then coat the entire roof with an elastomeric roof coating. The white acrylic liquid is a popular solution. Pay particular attention to the edge of the roof.
What should I do if my mobile home roof rumbles?
The best way to handle roof rumble is to stop the wind from getting under that metal. One way to do that is to seal the seams and edges and then coat the entire roof with an elastomeric roof coating. The white acrylic liquid is a popular solution. Pay particular attention to the edge of the roof.
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How Long Do Manufactured Homes Last
More often than not, whenever the term mobile home is used, people are more likely to associate it with low quality. It is a misconception that surrounds the mobile home industry due to the quality of the homes manufactured before 1976.
If you are looking to make a living in real estate, it is ideal to choose the right property for your portfolio. Not only should you choose a real estate property with strong rental income potential, but also one that is likely to appreciate its value over time.
If given the same care as any site-built home, manufactured homes should last forever. A report by the Federal Housing Finance Agency indicated that manufactured homes retain value much like stick-built homes.
Needless to say, many real estate investors worry about the quality and lifespan of mobile homes. So the question is, how long will a mobile home last?
Lets dive in and uncover the mystery.
How Long Does A Metal Roof Last In Florida
Metal roofing is an attractive option as it provides a durable, energy efficient solution that does not require much maintenance. Furthermore, there are numerous material options, which include zinc, aluminum, tin, galvanized steel, or copper. Once installed well, metal roofs have one of the higher longevity statistics as they can last between 40 and 70 years. This applies even when they face wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. To ensure you are getting quality metal, it is recommended that you use the ones that are both tested and labeled by FM Global, UL, or an equivalent entity.
Metal roofing is advantageous in a state like Florida as some of its properties are perfect for the harsh climate.
First, there is the durability. Many metals are corrosion resistant and they dont crack. This means certain factors, like tree debris, are not as dangerous to these roofs as they are to tile roofs. Some metal roofs are also impact resistant, which is great when your roof is susceptible to various impact sources such as random objects brought along by hurricane breeze.
Second, there is the safety factor. As stated before, Florida has an unusually high lightning density. One of the huge downsides of this is the sparks created that can result in fires being started. Metals are not conducive to electricity conduction and, therefore, do not spark and/or ignite into flames.
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Interior Walls Of Manufactured Housing Vs A Traditional Built Home
Older manufactured homes before HUDs standards often used artificial wood paneling on interior walls. Today, vinyl-over-gypsum usually forms the walls inside a mobile home instead of the drywall found in most houses. VOG is drywall covered in vinyl to create a smooth, finished surface.
Batten strips wrapped in the same vinyl cover the seams between VOG panels instead of drywall tape that requires mudding and sanding. The visual appearance is similar to drywall, except for the slightly raised batten strips between the panels. VOG is fire-resistant, lightweight, and easy to install, which helps keep your costs down.
Metal Roofing Lasts A Lifetime
One of the best reasons to install metal roofing on your mobile home is because, if you care for it properly, youll probably never need to install another roof in your lifetime! With proper cleaning and upkeep, a metal roof can last whereas most traditional roofs need to be replaced every 20-30 years. Metal roofing stands up stronger against extreme weather like wind and hail so much so that most insurance companies offer a discount to homeowners who have metal roofing.
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What Is The Best Choice Of Roofing Material For A Roof Over On A Mobile Home
Metal roofs are designed to last a lifetime and can be easily installed over an existing roof with or without insulation and they usually come with a lifetime warranty. Aluminium is the most popular choice of metal and many companies supply a whole roof over kit for DIY use or ready for a professional contractor complete with insulation material. Most metal roofs come with a warranty of between 40-60 years and there is virtually no maintenance once it is installed.
Composition shingle roofing is commonly used on a pitched mobile home roof which repels water better than a flat design. The new roof may either be placed directly over the old roof to save costs, or the old roof can be removed in its entirety. Asphalt shingles sometimes get a bit of a bad press for mobile home roof overs as they overlap in design, so they are not always the most watertight. They are also pretty heavy so one roof over layer is possible on a mobile home, a third layer is not an option. Regular maintenance is essential with asphalt shingles and any product warranty from the manufacturer will be closely tied to this.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Roofing Shingles
Whether its a flat metal roof home with aluminum siding or any other type, its critical to understand how to choose the right roofing material for your mobile home, if you plan to purchase one.
Isnt it ideal for getting the best deal possible while staying within your budget?
Here are a few things to think about when selecting a roofing material for your mobile home, or even your site-built home:
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Should You Remodel Your Home
Remodeling an older mobile home can be a great way to extend the serviceable life of the home. This is especially true if some of that budget is going to updating the siding, windows, roofing, floor or insulation. These are things that will make the home tighter and improving its efficiency.
The decision is very dependent upon the mobile home. Let me relate some of our experiences when making the decision of what to do with a mobile home. We have had many mobile homes given to us that were in parks. We have taken them and remodeled them to the nines and sold them for a great profit. The only time we have turned down a home such as this is if the home is a pre-1976 non-HUD home.
Many of these old pre-HUD homes have very little if any insulation. Many only have 60 to 100 amp electrical panels which are inadequate for todays electrical needs. Often,the wiring and plumbing systems are sketchy at best, and most have non-uniform window and door sizes.
We have also purchased older pre-HUD homes that were on their own land. We knowingly purchased the homes understanding that the value of the property was in the land. We actually tore down one of the older homes because the construction of the home was very substandard and it was in very poor condition.
The Best Roof For Your Mobile Home
At the end of the day, how you repair or replace your roof should be suited to your budget, while also taking into consideration the shape and build of your current roof and any existing damage. Consider your long-term needs out of your roof, and what you value most. For many mobile home owners, durability is key, particularly in areas with harsher weather, which makes a metal or TPO roof the ideal option. For other areas, a shingle roof is the way to go if youre looking for reliability and cost-effectiveness. If youre looking to repair or replace your roof to increase your mobile homes resale value, check out these other tips for improving your home. You can also read more on how to best go about the roof over or roof replacement process to ensure that your new roof is the best your manufactured or mobile home deserves.
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