Maintaining a level mobile home is essential for its structural integrity and your comfort. In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of mobile home releveling, including why it’s important, the process involved, and tips for homeowners.
Why Releveling is Important
Structural Integrity
Over time, the foundation of a mobile home can shift due to soil erosion, weather conditions, and natural settling. These shifts can lead to structural problems such as cracks in the walls, uneven floors, and misaligned doors and windows. Releveling your mobile home ensures that it remains structurally sound and safe.
Comfort and Functionality
A level home provides a stable and comfortable living environment. Uneven floors can cause doors to stick, windows to jam, and furniture to wobble. Releveling helps prevent these daily annoyances, ensuring that your home remains functional and pleasant to live in.
Protecting Your Investment
Mobile homes are a significant investment, and regular maintenance is essential to protect their value. Ignoring the need for releveling can lead to more severe damage over time, potentially requiring costly repairs. Keeping your home level helps preserve its value and ensures a longer lifespan.
The Releveling Process
Step 1: Assess the Level
Start by using a water level or laser level to check the level of your mobile home. Work from the center to the perimeter, marking areas that are out of level.
Step 2: Position the Jacks
Place hydraulic jacks under the frame near the areas that need adjusting. Ensure the jacks are on solid ground or use a wooden base to distribute the weight evenly.
Step 3: Lift the Home
Carefully lift the home with the jacks, raising it just enough to make adjustments. Do this slowly and evenly to avoid causing damage to the structure.
Step 4: Insert Shims
Once lifted, insert shims between the foundation and the frame to correct the level. Use a combination of wood or metal shims and ensure they are securely placed.
Step 5: Lower the Jacks
Slowly lower the jacks, allowing the weight of the home to settle onto the shims. Check the level again to ensure it’s even. Adjust as necessary by adding or removing shims.
Step 6: Secure and Finish
Ensure all shims are tightly in place and the home is stable. Double-check the level across different points of the home. Once satisfied, remove all tools and clear the area.
Tips for Homeowners
Regular Inspections
Perform regular inspections of your home’s foundation, floors, and walls to catch any signs of unleveling early. Early detection can prevent more severe damage and reduce the need for extensive repairs.
Consult a Professional
While DIY releveling is possible, it’s often best to consult a professional, especially for significant issues. Professionals have the expertise and tools to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Use the Right Tools
If you decide to relevel your mobile home yourself, ensure you have the proper tools such as hydraulic jacks, a water level, and shims. Follow detailed guides or seek advice from experts to perform the task safely and effectively.
Releveling your mobile home is a crucial maintenance task that ensures its longevity, comfort, and safety. By understanding the importance of releveling and knowing the steps involved, you can keep your home in excellent condition for years to come.…