How To Tackle A Mobile Home Roof Over
The idea of adding a roof to your home can be daunting. Dont worry, the process is often much simpler than it seems, and if you are not comfortable doing it, there are always the professionals.
Initial Roofing Stages
Step 1: The most important part of any roof over is to first come to terms with the state of your roof. Use the guide we provided earlier to check for any damage thoroughly. Typical signs your room has leaks or damage include:
- Sagging or Bowing
- Dark spots on Ceiling or Walls
- Peeling Wallpaper or Paint
- Light Showing through Cracks
If you have some roofing and/or carpentering experience, then you might be able to fix these yourself, else call an expert.
Step 2: Once your roof is back in tip-top condition, you can start looking at the various roof over options. Keep in mind that you can either buy the materials/kit and do it yourself, or you can pay a contractor to do it. We know you are probably on a budget, but you do not want to mess up your homes roof, so if you are not comfortable with this kind of work, please hire a professional.
Step 3: The method of installation varies wildly between different types of roof overs, and it is impossible to cover all methods here. Kits come with installation instructions. If you are dedicated and have some help a roof over should only take a full day. So just prepare for the inconvenience. Also, check the weather the day before and only attempt it on a sunny day.
A Normal Looking Mobile Home Roof Over
What Do I Do With My Pitched Or Peaked Roof
Ok, weve covered the lions share of mobile home roof repair in talking about flat or bowed roofs, which are more prevalent on older homes.
So what if you have a pitched roof? This is where some different materials come in, and, in many cases, will be the point where a homeowner might call a contractor to perform the work.
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 theres no vantage point to see the rooftop or consider how good or bad it looks. With pitched and peaked roofs, theyre always looking back at you, so many homeowners prefer more traditional roof materials with added aesthetic appeal.
Myth #4 A Metal Roof On A Mobile Home Would Look Out Of Place
Fact: Metal roofs add to the curb appeal of your home. If you think of metal roofs and picture the old-fashioned corrugated tin with rusty patches around each screw, then yes, we can understand someone not realizing that metal roofs look great. Modern metal roofs use what is called a Standing Seam technology. This is a type of roof that hides all the fasteners so that they cant be seen by anyone once the roof is installed. The benefit of this is that you not only get beautiful, straight, unbroken lines on your roof, you also get extra protection against any water that would want to seep into the screw holes.
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What Are The Additional Costs To Install A Roof Over A Mobile Home
Its always the way that additional costs will find their path into the final bill and here are some common examples of extras:-
Polystyrene insulation can be used under a rubber membrane and this will add between $500 – $700 to the bill for a single wide mobile home and $1,400 – $1,800 for a double wide unit
If you are doing the work yourself then you may need to invest in some specialist tools unless you can borrow them for a buddy or work colleagues. A rubber roofing hammer will set you back between $20 and $30 and for metal roofs, you will need an electric screwdriver which many DIYers have and also a metal cutter which is more costly at between $90 and $200. A hammer and shingle cutter – $120 – $180 are needed for composition roofing installations whilst liquid rubber roofers will need paint rollers and covers, paint trays and an extension pole which can all add up
What Is The Best Thing To Put On A Mobile Home Roof
Your home will be secure within 24 hours of applying aluminum coating, which is both cost-effective and durable. Coatings such as silicone are also available. This is an excellent adhesive that can be used to fill in any holes or gaps in your roof. It has the ability to stop leaks and is simple to use.
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Differences Between Shingles & Other Roofing Options
We have two types of shingles from IB Roofing Systems we general install, they can be found here: Mobile Home Roof Over Systems. Our most energy efficient roof-over system is the TPO Roofing System. By choosing a white single-ply TPO Membrane roof-over youll be saving yourself up to 30% or more on your energy bills every month. TPO is energy efficient, durable and it comes in various styles to suit the needs of the home and the homeowner. Find out why TPO is the number one commercial roofing material today and how it saves money on energy costs.
Attach The Molding Trim And The Lights And Drill Upright Bolt Holes
I used general molding but you can use whatever you want to finish off the edge, quarter round, wide, narrow, etc. Since the lights are so lightweight already you can screw them back into the paneling or ceiling material. Now if you kept one of the old side panels or both, put them back up to the new sides and match up where theupright bolt holes will go. You could also put the roof back on and then drill the holes but I fear theroof might shift and fall. Drill the holes from the TPO to the inside and clean out the hole. I put butyl tape over the hole so it would be sealed against the washer and bolt head upon install. Then get ready to reinstall the roof back on the tent trailer!
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Building A Roof Over A Mobile Home
It is a good idea to determine how you will put your roof together. Do you want a slanted roof or a flat roof? If slanted, how big of a slant do you want? Make a quick drawing of what you want the roof to look like. Remember, the taller the roof, the more 2 x 4’s that will be needed.
Build the rafters on the ground and then lift them onto the roof. The rafters should be in a triangular form with an additional piece of 2 x 4 going straight up the center. The amount of rafters needed will depend upon the size of the roof. The rafters should be placed every 2-4 inches for proper support of the roof.
Once the rafters have been loaded on top of the roof, they are ready to be nailed together. 2 x 4s should be attached to each end of the mobile homes roof. The rafters will be nailed to these 2 x 4s.
A 2 x 4 is then nailed to the top of each rafter after it has been nailed into place. The top 2 x 4 will provide added strength for the plywood roofing material. Attach the plywood to the rafters using nails or screws.
Attach the tiles or shingles on the wood, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Using this method allows for the layering of the tile or shingles to prevent leakage. The final step is to attach the flashing at the top point of the new roof. Flashing can also be used to finish off the end caps around the entire roof.
How Are Mobile Home Roofs Made
Traditional asphalt shingles or metal roofing panels can be found on many of these homes, just like on traditional frame-built homes. The roofs are constructed using standard trusses with a moderate pitch. Half trusses are used in the construction of double-wide roofs, which are combined into a single truss once the home is built.
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Advantages Of Mobile Home Roof Overs
1. Flat roof vs. Pitched roof
Mobile homes with flat roofs were once popular. However, more and more manufacturers are designing homes with pitched roofs, and homeowners themselves have turned to pitched roofs. Whats wrong with flat roofs you might ask? The two primary reasons:
- First, flat roofs require more recoating and maintenance than pitched roofs. Extra maintenance is needed because flat roofs are under more strain from weather and the elements.
- Second, there is a serious lack of drainage on flat roofs. As you can imagine the water has no angle to run off, so water tends to puddle. This leads to leaks or material breakdown, especially at corners and on the walls.
Nowadays pitched roofs are more in style than flat roofs. Installing a pitched roof will almost certainly modernize and improve the look of your home. It also breaks up the boxiness of mobile homes.
Since flat roofs need more maintenance and are more prone to leaks, you will need to make sure to fix all leaks and issues before installing a pitched roof over the flat roof.
Good Luck With Your Diy Mobile Home Roof Over
As previously mentioned, a DIY mobile home roof over has both immediate and long-term benefits. Depending on the damage thats already been done, you could save thousands in heating and cooling bills while also upping the resale value of your mobile home. We hope this guide has pointed you in the right direction!
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Homemade Diy Roof Rack Ideas For Rv Car And Campers
If youre looking for ways to add some extra storage to your car, these 10 easy DIY roof rack ideas are the way to go! An important decision can be choosing between steel, aluminum, and wood. Wood can be the least expensive option to go if youre on a budget. However, steel and aluminum are more durable and stronger, so they will last you a lot longer! Youll need to do some welding and metal cutting for a homemade roof rack, as well. It will be a great way to store some extra things when youre going on a trip or transporting something.
Why should you make a DIY roof rack? Well, one of the main reasons includes the option of customization. The type of homemade roof rack you need depends on the type of car you have. It can be very frustrating to have to find a roof rack at the markets. Not only are they super expensive but also too heavy or too light and not the exact for your car. By making your own, you will be able to save money and customize the DIY roof rack according to your car!
Phase : Posts Installed Around The Mobile Home
The homeowner replaced damaged and old decking while installing posts.
The homeowner says installing the four inner post was the hardest job because there were cemented footers already in place for the decking. Integrating new posts into the existing decks was also time-consuming and required a great deal of work however, the decks are much stronger.
Phase 3: Installing the Railing on the Decks
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Reattach The Top Trim Rails
Now find your front and back rails and make sure you know what side your front will be upon reinstallation onto the trailer, or decide it by putting the awning rail on one side and the non-awning rail on the opposite. After this there is no going back and everything must follow where the front and back are. I messed up on the wiring and had to run wire all the way along the top of the back side to the opposite end. Smooth out the top angle where the TPO comes down to the side as you attach the rails to insure a good look. Apply Butyl tape to the undersideof the metal trim and get the new metal screws and start attaching the trims meeting up with the corner pieces if your trailer had separate corners. If you are by yourself, then screw in 1 or two at both ends to keep it in place then do the rest of the holes. Same thing on the back. You may have to work the corners a bit as the old roof flexed them. Before you move the next step you should cut the excess TPO rubber roof material from the bottom that is overhanging the edge. You can leave enough to roll under the edge or cut it right to the edge. The bottom rail with bulb seal will attach to the bottom and will have sealant as well, so this is up to you. I cut it flush with the edge and used sealant with the bottom rail.
Building A Basic Gable Roof
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Can Your Home Carry The Load Of A New Roof Over
Before you can add a new mobile home roof over your home youll need to ensure the homes structure can withstand the weight of a new roof.
Homes with flat roofs of bowstring trusses pose a problem because they are not strong enough to withstand the weight of a new roof.
A professional roofer will use exact measurements from the homes construction along with framing and truss dimensions to calculate the type of roof over will work best. They must account for both dead and live loads to ensure the new roof wont be too heavy for the homes framing to bear.
In cases where the home simply cannot withstand the weight, the best option is to create a self-supporting mobile home roof over.
Learn How to Find and Repair Leaks on Mobile Home Roofs Here
What Is A Mobile Home Roof Over
A roof over is different from replacing your roof. Its cheaper, quicker, and doesnt necessarily require the help of professionals . To roof over a house means youre placing new roof materials over your existing roof. For this process to be successful, you must fix any damages to the existing roof first.
Roofing over your mobile home comes along with a number of benefits aside from aesthetic appeal. Adding that extra layer to your roof will help improve energy efficiency during both the winter and summer, and will help your roof better withstand the elements. This extra protection could also improve the resale value of your mobile home later on.
Aluminum/metal
Roofing over your mobile home with metal is a popular option for many reasons. One of the great advantages to working with metal is that you dont have to remove any parts of the original roof before you install. Many metal roof kits also have a warranty of 40-60 years, which eliminates any maintenance youd have to complete on your end.
Its also easier to add insulation if youre working with metal. This added insulation will not only keep your home warm but also save you a lot of money in energy bills later on. We suggest purchasing a metal roof kit thats bundled with insulation as those are quite common.
TPO or rubber membrane
Asphalt shingles
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Reattach The Canvas Top Rails And Canvas
I bought brand new canvas as well from RVworkshop.com. It shipped very fast and looks amazing. The issue I ran into with installing the top rails is that you have no idea where the old spot was to put it up. The rails dont goedge to edge so I did my best to center them. I started by putting the canvas in the bottom rail first and then striking the dents with a hammer and an awl. This sandwiches the canvas inside the rail. Its loud so do it during the day. Let the canvas hang off the sides and on the bed. I started my rails just above the bulb seal where I could see a tiny bit of wood. Then lower the trailer just a little bit, 1-2 cranks. With the rails, Id start with the door first, so if you have a hanging door or brackets to attach your door too on the inner roof wall, attach the door and then attach the rails to the left and right. Then center the rails over the beds and the long single side. Fold the canvas into the rails and then attach the screws to the ends of the rails through the canvas rail insert . Once all are attached crank it up to check for how tight it is. Some trailers have little wood blocks between the upright and the corners. I had them and they are to screw the canvas to as it rounds the corners. The zippers mainly line up with the uprights not the corners. Make new wood blocks and pre-drill the holes. Screw the canvas to those blocks as well and you are good to go!
