Technically, a mobile home is one that was built between 1970 and June 1976, when HUD issued standards for the building of manufactured housing. Many people continue to refer to manufactured housing as mobile homes, but this article is only for those homes built before the HUD standards. They typically have metal roof and siding, and aluminum windows. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Inspection
1. Inspect each side of your house. Examine the windows, doors and seams or joints between siding for gaps, cracks, or holes. Note these in your notepad.
2. Inspect the footings of the house and the foundation. Check that things are level and not cracked. Note any issues you find.
3. Inspect the roof for any cracks, seams or gaps.
4. Check the utility connections for leaks, cracks, corrosion or loose parts.
5. Inspect your deck and stairs for loose or broken treads or railings. Also note the condition of the surface.
6. Check skirting for holes or breaks, and note what you find.
7. Review the list of items to be repaired or replaced and purchase the materials you need to complete the repairs.
Maintain and repair
8. Remove all cracked caulking around doors and windows with a putty knife and replace with a fresh bead of caulking. This will help prevent leaks. Replace any rotted wood trim with new material, cut to fit and prime and paint to match.
9. Seal all siding joints with caulking. If siding has dry rot, remove that panel and replace it. Check the insulation underneath or add insulation as necessary to help save on heating bills.
10. Climb the ladder until your waist is near the roof level. Using the broom, sweep all debris off the roof. If you are careful, you can sweep the debris toward you and into the garbage bag to make later clean up less of a chore. Do not stretch beyond the supports of the ladder. Instead, climb down and move the ladder. You may find flaws or cracks that missed the initial inspection. When the roof is clear, apply a coating of sealant.
11. Put caulking or tar sealant around all utility vents in the roof.
12. Remove all debris from the rain gutters. Wear work gloves for this task. Put the debris into the garbage bag. If it gets too heavy, get another one.
Safe footing
13. If your foundation or footing has a crack large enough to slip the end of a nickel in, get a professional to help you fix that, unless you are a master cement worker and construction engineer.
14. Replace any rotted skirting and repair any holes. Place a waterproof barrier between the bottom of the skirting and the ground so the damp cannot mold or rot the skirting.
15. Fix and secure any loose steps, decking or railing. Replace steps or decking that has dry rot. Wash the surface with a mixture of bleach and paint preparation chemicals (using the manufacturers instructions) to remove any black slime or green mold. After the surface has dried, apply a fresh coat of wood sealant or paint.
16. Call the utility companies to help you with any possibly defective connections.
17.Top off the propane tank to get you through the winter.
Tags: into garbage, manufactured housing, Replace rotted, steps decking, sweep debris
