Manufactured homes are built to higher standards than mobile homes.
Like any home, when humidity and water leaks occur in the bathroom of a manufactured home, you may not notice it for a significant period. With damage accumulating over time, replacing the floor becomes necessary due to moisture penetrating into the plywood subfloor due to rotting material. The basic approach to making the repair involves the same steps a person would take to repair a floor in a single family home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Speak to the local building inspector to find out if a permit is required for the project. Obtain a permit for the job.
2. Take plumbing fixtures out of the work area and remove the floor covering. Discard tile or linoleum. Identify the floor joists if possible.
3. Identify the source of the moisture that caused the rot, such as a leaky refrigerator, washer or other breach; make the proper repairs. Remove the appliance from the area. Use a measuring tape to mark off the repair area.
4. Use a circular saw to cut out the rotted material and remove with the pry bar and hammer. Set the depth of the saw blade to 3/4- to 1-inch to avoid cutting into plumbing and electrical materials routed under the floor. Some floors may consist of double subfloors, which require setting the saw to a deeper depth.
5. Make sure the 2-by-6-inch floor joists are solid and free of rot and replace damage materials. Check the floor insulation, remove wet or otherwise compromised material, and replace as necessary. Use the reciprocating saw to square the perimeter of the repair area. Measure the repair area so the edges of the replacement plywood centers on the floor joists. Attach 2-by-6-inch bracing to side of the floor joists as necessary to provide support and a nailing surface. Install 2-by-6-inch braces around the perimeters between the joists.
6. Measure the new piece of exterior plywood to fit as snug as possible. Cut out holes for vents if applicable. Use galvanized screws to secure the material to the floor joists. Place fasteners about every 16 inches.
7. Use a filler to cover screw holes and fill in seams. Allow the material to dry and sand it flat.
8. Install the new floor covering, which is usually ceramic or vinyl tile. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the floor covering. Store all vinyl-covering materials in a warm place prior to installation. This ensures the material lays flat during the installation process.
9. Replace any removed appliances and fixtures.
Tags: floor joists, floor covering, repair area
