A mobile home has lighter materials in its construction than a stick-built home, so it is necessary to use tie downs and mobile home anchors to keep the building firmly on its foundation, especially during high winds. The number of anchors varies based on the length of the structure. Depending on the building's construction, you either place two to seven tie downs over the roof where you attach them to anchors or you connect the same number of tie downs from the flooring structure to the anchors. The mobile home must be level before you begin the anchoring process. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Consult with a building inspector in your municipality regarding the soil type under your mobile home. This helps to determine the type of anchor you need. As part of the consultation, determine what you must to do meet building codes as you install tie downs and anchors.
2. Select an anchoring system capable of holding in excess of 4,725 lbs., which is the industry standard for wind resistance. Acquire the number of anchors required for the length of your mobile home.
3. Position tie downs. If they go over the roof, place them so they are over rafters. Do not let them hang over doors and windows. Slide roof protectors under the straps to protect the shingles.
4. Set an anchor in the ground with the tip pointing in the appropriate direction for the anchor you chose. Some anchors install perpendicular to the ground, while others install at 10- to 15-degree angles away from the house. Some anchors have a metal plate on the top that you seat into the ground. Others may require that you pour concrete around the top to create a collar. This collar may be up to 10 inches across and 18 inches deep. Other anchoring systems require a separate stabilizer plate be set next to the anchor's top to keep the anchor from moving once it's in the ground. Select the anchoring system recommended by your mobile home's manufacturer.
5. Insert a crow bar in the top of the anchor. Use the crow bar as leverage to twist the anchor into the ground to the desired depth. Machines are available for rent for twisting the anchor into position.
6. Continue setting all the anchors as you did in Step 5.
7. Connect the tie down strap to the anchors following the manufacturer's directions. Tie one anchor to its strap, and then tie its counterpart on the opposite side of the mobile home. Repeat until you secure all the anchors to straps.
Tags: mobile home, your mobile, your mobile home, anchor into, anchoring system
