5 Issues You Only Face If You Live In An Old Mobile Home
New mobile homes are pretty good. Living in them feels almost the same as conventional brick-and-mortar, thanks to advanced technologies and helpful gadgets and gizmos.
Unfortunately, older mobile homes can come with a host of problems. They might be cheap but, as with everything, there’s always a price to pay.
This post explores some of the most common issues people face in old mobile homes. We then take a look at some solutions.
Damaged Skirting
Skirting runs around the edge of mobile homes, providing an aesthetic barrier, and hiding all of the various stilts and contraptions underneath. It looks good, but you can easily damage it, especially when moving your unit around.
Skirting also stabilizes mobile homes. During winter cold, heavy rain, or wind, can get damaged, leading to costly replacements.
The trick here is to use materials that can resist the elements. Vinyl is the best option for most mobile home dwellers, though stone can be more robust.
Lack Of Insulation
Modern mobile homes have pretty good insulation. Manufacturers equip the walls with plenty of padding before construction.
Unfortunately, older homes don’t always have the best insulation. It might be too thin or fail to serve its purpose at all.
Issues can arise when foam insulation falls off the bottom of the mobile home, usually because of cold weather. Once it hits the ground, nothing is stopping cold air from the land beneath from getting into the structure of the building.
Uneven Flooring
Mobile homes sit on several stilts. These are adjustable in each corner, helping to make the flooring level. Think of them a little bit like car jacks. They prop up the entire structure and act as foundations.
Unfortunately, they can become uneven over time, particularly if the land beneath moves. And when this happens, it can make you feel like you’re walking through a haunted house.
Getting a mobile home leveling service to correct the issue is probably the best option. Professionals fiddle around with the supports under your home, leveling everything out systematically.
Faulty Wiring
Manufacturers don’t always fit mobile homes with the best wiring. Therefore, it can break down over time. Most wires only last about forty years before they become a hazard.
The signs of faulty wiring are usually pretty obvious. Buzzing noises from electrical sockets, strange smells, and constant trip switches flipping are all good signs.
You’ll need to get in touch with an electrician if you have this issue. They can tell you whether the whole home needs rewiring or just a part of it.
Flaky Ceilings
Lastly, mobile homes tend to have flaky, gypsum ceilings. It looks okay at first, but over time, it starts to sag and crumbles.
Mobile home ceilings have a nasty habit of absorbing moisture from the roof. Water gets in and progressively weakens the material over time, leaving it looking awful.
The solution is to use drywall or tiling. Fitting better materials overhead prevents moisture from damaging the underlying material and helps your unit last longer.
