In this day and age when nearly everyone seems to be feeling the squeeze of rising prices due to a lack of supplies from the Covid-19 pandemic Buyers and Sellers of mobile homes in the Sarasota area want to make sure their dollar is going as far as possible. The pandemic is not totally over yet and there are still a lot of uncertainties in the economy, being wise with your money is the best way to avoid a financial meltdown
One of the most common repairs we, at The Mobile Home Dealer, continue to see on mobile homes in the Sarasota area is the need for repairs done to the flooring system.
If this is your first venture into the mobile home world then you will quickly learn that mobile homes, although very similar to traditional single-family homes, do have their unique features one of which is the flooring system.
Mobile home park
A mobile home flooring system is unlike that of a condo, townhome, or single-family home in that the construction of the floor is wood-based and not concrete.
When walking into a mobile home, under the actual flooring that one sees is usually a sheet of lumber. This lumber will either be a 5X8 sheet of particle board or a 5X8 sheet of plywood.
Usually, mobile homes from the factory come with particle board sub-flooring which is a composite type material that can hold up well over the years so long as it does not get wet. If this product does get wet then it can be susceptible to breaking apart quicker than plywood does. Many times over the course of a mobile home’s life the original particle board flooring will eventually be replaced by plywood to help make the floor sturdy for years to come.
Under the plywood, most mobile homes have 2X8 support beams that are then built into the frame of the home. Under the 2X8 supports, most homes will have the plumbing, vapor barrier, and then the ground that the home sits on.
With all of this understanding, it would be reasonable to think that over time the flooring system may have to be replaced because it is a wood-based product and not a flooring system based on concrete like many single-family homes are in the Sarasota area.
Mobile homes can have, what is referred to as soft spots on the floor that develop over time.
Soft spots can occur for a variety of different reasons but most commonly it is created by the moisture that comes from either the ground or the air conditioning system that penetrates through the wood subflooring and makes it weaker over time. If one were to walk on these weak spots they will feel a little “soft” or one may see a dip in the floor where the soft spot is located at.
Many times mobile home Buyers will see or feel a soft spot and immediately think that this will turn into a large repair bill, which, in all reality, this is false.
If a soft spot occurs then the owner of the mobile home will have to decide if they are going to go in and replace all of the subflooring or only the sections that are soft. If the homeowner is looking to only replace the sections with the soft spots then all that will be needed to be done is to have the soft portion of the subflooring cut out and a new piece of subflooring installed that matches the piece that was taken out.
Most handy professionals around the Sarasota area can replace a soft spot for around $100.
If the owner of the mobile home is looking to replace the entire subfloor system then prices will skyrocket as with the cost of lumber and lack of supplies right now in the building industry nothing is coming cheap!
Bay Indies-Venice Florida
Another way to cut the flooring repair expenses is to do it yourself. We saw many homeowners who have spare time during weekends replace sections of their mobile home flooring. Although not all people can do this, mobile homeowners who have basic carpentry skills and extra time can save money on labor costs.
Although flooring repair could be cheap or expensive, there are several factors that contribute to the increase in replacement costs. Regular cleaning and checking can help prevent these soft spots in the long run.
Making sure to budget your money for repairs to your mobile home in Sarasota is key to having a safe and comfortable living space. To start, you should make a list of all the repairs that need to be done and the estimated cost. Knowing what needs to be done and what it will cost will help you plan your budget accordingly. Additionally, you should research potential repair options and find out what materials are necessary for each job. This will help you find the most cost-effective solution.
Once you have an understanding of the repairs that need to be done and the necessary materials, you should look for discounts or deals on these materials. Many stores offer discounts for bulk purchases or you may be able to find deals online. Additionally, it’s a good idea to shop around for repair services and compare prices. Once you have a clear picture of your costs, you can create a budget that you feel comfortable with.
Finally, if you need additional help with repairs, several organizations in Sarasota assist with mobile home repairs. These organizations are often able to provide free or low-cost assistance, so it’s worth looking into if you find yourself in need of assistance. With a little bit of planning and research, you should be able to successfully budget your money for mobile home repairs in Sarasota.
When budgeting for your Sarasota mobile home, do not be overly concerned about a few soft spots. Sure, they may look and feel unsightly, but when they are repaired by a professional, they are not expensive and will add years of life to your mobile home flooring system!
The Mobile Home Dealer are licensed mobile home broker in Sarasota Florida and the surrounding areas. We provide professional buy and/or sell assistance to our clients. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us by clicking this link. You may also visit our Facebook Page and send us a message
This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer and we help mobile home Buyers and Sellers get to a better place in life.
The term “mobile home” can be a bit misleading. While originally designed to be transported from place to place, modern mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes, are typically permanent dwellings secured to a foundation. However, this raises a natural concern: can a mobile home fall over?
Like many things in life, the answer is a complex yes or no. It depends on several factors, including how the home is secured, weather conditions, and even the age of the house itself.
Factors Affecting Stability: Anchoring and Tie-Downs
A proper anchoring system is the primary defense against a mobile home falling over. Modern mobile homes are typically secured to a concrete foundation with steel straps called tie-downs. These tie-downs are anchored into the foundation and then wrapped around the home’s steel frame. This creates a strong connection that helps resist wind and other forces that could tip the home.
There are different types of tie-down systems, and building codes specify the appropriate type and number of tie-downs based on the size and location of the home. For example, homes in areas prone to high winds require more robust anchoring systems than those in calmer regions.
The Threat of High Winds and Improper Installation
While tie-downs are highly effective, strong winds can still pose a threat. High winds can overturn the home if a mobile home is not properly anchored or if the tie-downs become damaged or corrupted over time. This is why it’s crucial to have a qualified professional inspect the anchoring system regularly, especially after severe weather events.
Improper installation of the mobile home itself can also contribute to instability. A mobile home needs to be level and sitting on a solid foundation. Settling or shifting of the foundation can compromise the home’s stability and make it more susceptible to tipping over in strong winds. Regular inspections for signs of unevenness or foundation issues are essential for maintaining a safe living environment.
Age and Deterioration
Like any structure, mobile homes can deteriorate over time. Exposure to the elements can weaken the tie-downs and the frame of the home itself. Rust on the tie-downs or rotting wood on the underbelly of the house can significantly reduce their ability to withstand strong winds. Regular maintenance and repairs are crucial for ensuring the long-term stability of a mobile home.
Additional Considerations: Tornadoes and Other Extreme Weather
It’s important to acknowledge that even a properly anchored mobile home may not withstand the devastating forces of a tornado. Tornadoes are incredibly powerful and can destroy virtually any structure in their path. While proper anchoring can help a mobile home weather strong winds, it’s no match for the extreme conditions of a tornado.
Other forms of extreme weather, such as heavy snowfall or flooding, can also threaten mobile homes. Heavy snow accumulation on the roof can significantly strain the structure, while flooding can damage the foundation and make the home unstable.
Taking Precautions: Inspection and Maintenance
The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of your mobile home falling over. Here are some key points to remember:
Regular Inspections: Have a qualified professional inspect your mobile home’s anchoring system and foundation at least once a year.
Maintenance: Address any issues identified during inspections promptly. This may involve replacing corroded tie-downs, repairing damaged underbelly sections, or re-leveling the home if necessary.
Severe Weather Preparedness: Develop a plan to secure your mobile home and protect yourself and your family in severe weather events, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. This may involve installing storm shutters, having a designated safe room inside the home, and staying informed about weather forecasts.
Peace of Mind: Living Safely in a Mobile Home
Following these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of your mobile home falling over. When properly installed and maintained, modern mobile homes are safe and secure dwellings for millions of people. Understanding the factors that affect stability and taking proactive steps to address potential issues can give you peace of mind and enjoy the many benefits of living in a mobile home.
Mobile homes are a popular housing option for many people due to their affordability and flexibility. However, over time, the subfloor of a mobile home can become damaged or rotten, creating unsafe living conditions. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry – you don’t need to replace your mobile home floor! Following our step-by-step guide on repairing your mobile home subflooring, you can make it feel as good as new again. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about repairing the flooring in your mobile home and provide essential tips and tools to help ease the process!
Mobile home flooring replacement
What is the Subfloor in a Mobile Home?
The subfloor is a foundational layer of a mobile home’s flooring system. It is the base for all other layers, including insulation, floor coverings, and finishes. The subfloor typically comprises plywood or particle board sheets laid over the mobile home’s steel frame.
One key difference between mobile homes and traditional stick-built homes is their construction method. Mobile homes are built off-site in factories and transported to their final location. This means they must be designed with lightweight materials to ensure easy transportation.
The use of lightweight materials in construction can make mobile homes more susceptible to damage from moisture and humidity than conventional houses. As a result, the subfloors of mobile homes often require attention before any new coverings are installed.
It’s important to note that repairing or replacing your mobile home’s subflooring requires some knowledge and expertise in carpentry work. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it may be best to seek professional help during repairs or replacement projects.
Understanding How Mobile Homes Are Constructed
Mobile homes are built differently than traditional stick-built homes. They are constructed using lighter materials and have a chassis that makes them mobile.
The chassis is the home’s foundation, and all other components are attached. The frame is usually made from steel or aluminum, which makes it lightweight and easy to transport.
The walls of a mobile home are also lighter in weight than those of traditional homes. They may be made from wooden studs with paneling or drywall attached. Some newer models use foam insulation sandwiched between two metal or vinyl siding layers for added energy efficiency.
The roof of a mobile home is typically made from sheet metal or shingles, though some modern designs incorporate flat roofs for aesthetic purposes.
Due to their unique construction, mobile homes require specialized subfloor repair techniques. Understanding how these structures are built is essential so you can properly assess any damage and make necessary repairs without compromising the integrity of your home’s structure.
Is Replacing Flooring in a Mobile Home a DIY Project?
Replacing the flooring in a mobile home can be daunting, but is it something that you can do yourself? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. First and foremost, if you’re uncomfortable with using power tools or don’t have any experience with Do It Yourself (DIY) projects, it’s best to hire a professional.
That being said, replacing the subflooring in your mobile home can save you thousands of dollars compared to hiring someone else to do it. Additionally, by repairing work yourself, you’ll have more control over the project and can ensure that everything is up to code.
However, before embarking on this type of project alone, consider whether you have all the necessary tools and materials. It’s also important to note that leaks must be fixed before replacing subflooring; otherwise, this will cause further damage.
Lists of Tools and Materials You Need
Before starting any DIY project, it’s always essential to have the right tools. For a mobile home subfloor repair or flooring repair, here are some essential tools you will need.
1. Safety gear such as gloves and eye protection. This is crucial when using power tools like circular saws or jigsaws.
2. Measuring tools such as tape measure and level to ensure accurate cuts and installations.
3. Basic hand tools, such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches, are needed to remove old flooring materials and install new ones.
4. Power tools like an electric drill with various bits for screws and nails can help speed up the process. A circular saw or jigsaw may also be useful when cutting boards to size.
5. Don’t forget about adhesive products like construction adhesive or wood glue to secure your new subflooring in place.
6. You’ll also need new subflooring material, such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The thickness of the new subfloor depends on its intended use; typically, ¾ inch works well for most homes.
7. You may consider adding insulation between floor joists to improve energy efficiency and sound reduction within your home. Having these materials ready before starting this project can help ensure a smoother process with less downtime.
Damaged mobile home subfloor
Important: Leaks Need to Be Fixed Before Replacing the Subfloor
Before starting the subfloor repair process, it is important to identify and fix any leaks in your mobile home. Water damage can cause severe structural problems and weaken the flooring over time.
Leaks can be caused by various issues, such as roof or plumbing leaks. If you notice damp spots on your floors, ceiling, or walls, this could indicate water damage. Be sure to address these issues before moving forward with replacing your subflooring.
If you ignore fixing the leak, it will continue to cause damage to your new subflooring and lead to costly repairs down the line. The process of fixing leaks may vary depending on what’s causing them, so it’s best to consult a professional if you’re unsure.
Remember that prevention is key – schedule regular maintenance checks for your mobile home’s roof and plumbing system to avoid future water damage problems. By taking care of leaks promptly and preventing future ones, you’ll ensure that your newly repaired sub-flooring will last for many years without issue.
Step-by-Step Process to Replace Flooring in a Mobile Home
Before you start working on the subfloor, consider the following.
Remove all furniture and appliances from the room where you’ll replace the flooring. Then, use a circular saw to cut around the perimeter of each wall to free up any trapped edges.
Locate joists that may have been damaged by water or pests. Inspect them thoroughly before proceeding with repairs.
Follow the step-by-step procedure below once you’ve located any damaged joists and replaced them with new ones as needed.
Cut the Sub-Floor Out Around the Perimeter of the Room
The first step in replacing the subfloor of your mobile home is to cut it out around the room’s perimeter. This allows you to remove all damaged and rotting material, making way for a fresh start.
First, ensure you have removed any furniture or appliances from the area that could obstruct your work. Then use a circular saw with a diamond blade to carefully cut through the old flooring along the edges of each wall. Be sure to wear protective gear like safety glasses and earplugs when using power tools.
Once you’ve made your cuts, use a pry bar and hammer to remove any nails or screws holding down the subflooring. Start at one end of each board and work toward the other side until they are all loose enough to be lifted up.
If there are areas where the water damage has caused additional rotting or softness in adjacent joists or supports, take extra care not to disturb them further during this process. You may need professional assistance in these cases.
In some instances, entire sections of subfloor will need replacement rather than just cutting out individual planks/boards around walls as discussed above; such full section removals can vary based on factors such as location (e.g., bathroom vs bedroom), the severity of the damage, etc., but often involves removal of more extensive portions – possibly even involving ceiling tiles below if necessary so always consult an expert before attempting more complex repairs alone!
Cut the Sub-Flooring Between the Joists
Once you have cut the sub-flooring out around the room’s perimeter, it’s time to cut between the joists. This step is crucial as it allows for easy removal of damaged subflooring and access to necessary repairs in the joists below.
To make this cut, use a circular saw set to a depth that matches your current subfloor thickness. Start by making parallel cuts every few inches along each joist, creating flooring strips to remove. Then, use a reciprocating saw or handsaw to cut through any remaining sections that are still attached carefully.
Once all sections of damaged subflooring have been removed between the joists, inspect each one for rot or other issues that may require repair before adding insulation and laying down new subflooring.
Inspect and Repair Joists
Joists are responsible for supporting the flooring above them, so your new floor won’t be stable if they’re not in good condition.
Start by scrutinizing each joist. Look for signs of rotting or insect damage. If you find any issues, replace that joist section with a new lumber. Use a saw to cut out the damaged portion and then attach the replacement board with screws.
If there are no visible signs of damage but some areas feel weak or unstable when stepped on, use a level to check for sagging or warping in the joists. You can reinforce these areas by attaching additional framing members alongside them.
Remember to repair damaged joists before installing new subflooring since their structural integrity affects your mobile home’s overall stability and safety. Take time during this step to ensure everything is strong and secure before moving on to insulation and laying down your brand-new subfloor!
Add Insulation
Before adding insulation, measure the space between the joists accurately. You can use fiberglass or foam board insulation for this purpose.
If you’re using fiberglass, wear gloves and a mask to avoid irritation from its fibers. Push it into place between the joists until it’s snugly fit. Avoid compressing it too much, as that could result in reduced effectiveness.
Foam board insulation is cut into pieces and placed between the joists in sections until all spaces are covered. This method provides better results than fiberglass because it doesn’t sag over time, but it can be more expensive.
Remember to insulate only where necessary since over-insulating might lead to moisture buildup and damage to your floor.
Laying the New Sub-Flooring Down
Now that the joists are in good condition, it’s time to lay down the new sub-flooring. This is essential in ensuring a sturdy and safe floor for your mobile home.
Before laying down the new subflooring, measure and cut the pieces to fit precisely between each joist. Take extra care when cutting around corners or obstacles like pipes and vents.
When placing each piece of sub-flooring, be sure to stagger them so that no seams are lining up with one another. This will provide additional strength and stability to your new flooring.
Next, use screws rather than nails to secure the sub-flooring into place. Screws hold better over time, preventing any creaks or squeaks from developing in the future.
Be sure to leave a small gap between each piece of subflooring as you install it. The gap should be about 1/8 inch wide, allowing room for expansion during fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Install the New Floor Covering
With the new subflooring successfully installed, it’s time to cover it with your desired flooring material. Depending on your preference and budget, this can be hardwood, tile, laminate, or carpet.
Before installing the new floor covering, ensure you have properly cleaned the subfloor of any debris left during installation. Sweep or vacuum the area thoroughly so that no sharp objects or dirt particles may damage your new flooring.
If you’re using a floating type of flooring such as laminate or engineered hardwood planks, follow manufacturer instructions when installing them. These floors require an expansion gap around the room’s perimeter to allow for natural movements caused by temperature and humidity changes.
If you’re planning on using tiles as your floor covering option, consider using a cement fiberboard underlayment instead of plywood, as these provide better moisture resistance and stability.
Remember to add baseboards after finishing your new floor covering installation. Baseboards protect walls from scratches while also hiding gaps between them and flooring materials.
Enjoy Your New Floor
After all the hard work and effort you put into repairing your mobile home subfloor, it’s finally time to enjoy your new floor! The feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a DIY project is unmatched.
Now that the installation process is complete take some time to appreciate your hard work. Walk around on your new floor and test it out for any weak spots or creaks. Make sure everything feels sturdy before moving furniture back in.
Add finishing touches like area rugs or decorative throw pillows to complement the new flooring. You’ll be amazed at how much these little additions can transform the space and make it feel more like home.
Final Thoughts
Repairing the subflooring in your mobile home may seem daunting initially, but with patience and attention to detail, it is achievable as a DIY project. Remember that fixing leaks before starting the repair process will save you time and money in the long run.
Following our step-by-step guide and using the tools and materials listed above, you can successfully replace your mobile home’s subflooring. This will improve the structural integrity of your home and give you a fresh new floor to enjoy for years to come.
Hey Guys! We’re back again for another discussion on mobile home soft spots that could be a problem.
Today, we will discuss how to avoid getting those pesky soft spots in the first place. But first, let’s review what soft spots are in mobile home floors so that we’re all caught up and on the same page before moving forward.
Mobile home soft spots occur when a portion of the floor gets wet and begins to swell, eventually causing a hole in the wood floor.
This can happen through an appliance that is running, a pipe under the home that has burst, or several liquid spills in the same general area that were not cleaned up quickly. Over time, the liquid will soak through the flooring and get to the wood subfloor, which causes it to begin to cave in on itself. If this is not treated quickly and efficiently, the wood floor will eventually sag so far that it will cause a hole in the middle of your mobile home floor!
Another common way to create soft spots is when a pipe under the home bursts and the water sprays on the underside of the floor, causing a soft spot from the bottom up.
This will often happen without even the owner knowing it’s going on!
Now that we have everyone up to speed on the basics of a soft spot in a mobile home floor, let’s discuss how to avoid them in the first place!
When discussing the most common soft spots, the ones that start from the top and then go down to the subfloor, we need to mention the obvious fix:
If you spill something, clean it up!
Generally speaking, a liquid spill will not create a soft spot, as it will have to soak through the over-flooring, which could be carpet, wood, or laminate, to get to the subfloor, where the soft spot will eventually occur.
We all grew up learning something very simple: if you spill something, clean it up!
Another familiar soft spot to avoid is the ones happening from a running appliance.
This can be done from a refrigerator, a bathtub, or a toilet.
As preventative maintenance, ensure you check that all of these items were correctly installed and sealed, as this is one of the most common issues we see with them. These house fixtures just were not installed properly from the start, which led to water issues without the owner even knowing.
The last common way to avoid those soft spots is by turning off the main water valve at the back of the house. I have seen that for this preventative maintenance to work best, remember to shut off the water if you will be out of the home for more than a few days, for sure a week or more.
Soft spots can also develop due to a lack of regular cleaning, especially those portions under the carpet. So, to prevent soft spots, we prepared some basic tips on how to clean and maintain your floor.
Tips for eliminating the spots on your mobile home floors
We know that cleaning the house can be exhausting most of the time. Cleaning bathrooms and carpets can be exhausting, and we know that kitchen floors are usually one of the most demanding because they are used a lot and are the most likely to get dirty or stained.
This time, we will explain how to keep the floors of your kitchen in optimal conditions for longer, give you some tips on cleaning the floors, and discuss how to wash, disinfect, and polish these surfaces.
1. For the daily cleaning of the floor, we recommend that you do not use any chemicals since they can easily spoil the floor if we use them a lot. Instead, use a soft bristle brush to apply the mixture with a bit of soap and warm water, wait a few minutes, and then dry the area with a dry cloth.
2. There is a wide variety of chemicals for disinfecting floors,; among them, we have to find the appropriate product for the type of your mobile home floor.
3. The floors may always be stained, and these imperfections require more than water and soap. Depending on the source of the stain, it can be easily fixed.
4. Wet spots, humidity spots, or mold often appear due to the presence of water, and they can easily be cleaned with warm water and detergent.
5. Food stains: If your floors have organic spots, you can remove them with a little ammonia. Just put some ammonia on the stain, let it act all night, and in the morning, clean the surface with soap and warm water.
6. For oil spots, immediately clean the oil with a cloth or a napkin and add some talc or flour to the damaged area. Then, wash the surface with soap and water.
7. Shoes or dirt spots: At this point, we recommend mixing water and hydrogen peroxide to clean the dirt. Then, use dishes to remove the final stain and leave the ground impeccable.
8. Oxidized spots: To eliminate oxide, special products must be used. Look for those specific to your floor type. For these products, performing tests in areas with little visibility is recommended.
I hope these basic tips have helped you better understand how to minimize your exposure to soft spots so that you can have a safe, dry floor in your mobile home for years to come.
This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer and we help mobile home buyers and sellers get to a better place in life.
