10 Essential Mobile Home Blocking Requirements

Mobile homes, also called manufactured homes, are a popular and affordable housing option globally. However, to guarantee safety and durability, they must meet specific setup requirements like a solid foundation, tie-downs, skirting, anchoring, and leveling.

This guide will explore the essentials of mobile home blocking requirements, offering detailed insights and guidelines.

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Mobile Home Foundation

A strong foundation is essential for every mobile home. It provides stability and safeguards the home from ground shifts caused by weather or seismic activity. Insufficient support can result in structural issues, such as wall cracks or uneven floors.

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Ensuring your mobile home has a solid foundation is not only about complying with regulations but also about guaranteeing the safety and durability of your dwelling.

There are different types of mobile home foundations, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The selection typically relies on the local climate, soil type, budget, and personal preferences.

Here are some common types:

• Pier-and-Beam Foundation: A popular choice for mobile homes due to its affordability and ease of installation. This foundation uses piers (vertical pillars) and beams to elevate and support the home. Costs range from $1,000 to $2,000.
• Slab Foundation: This involves pouring a concrete slab that serves as the home’s base. While it offers good stability, it can be expensive (ranging from $4,000 to $9,000) and may cause plumbing and piping damage if the slab moves.
• Basement Foundation: Although expensive ($12,000 – $25,000), it provides additional living space and offers strong structural support. However, it’s prone to flooding and must meet strict building codes.

Mobile Home Tie-Down Requirements

Tie-downs are crucial for mobile homes in high wind or seismic areas, preventing sliding or overturning and improving safety. Improper installation or maintenance can greatly reduce their effectiveness, potentially causing property damage.

Tie-down systems typically include sturdy straps and anchors. The straps connect to the home’s frame, while anchors secure into the ground, creating a strong connection against wind forces.

The anchor type varies based on soil conditions, with different options for hard rock, soft soil, and sandy areas. Regular inspections and adjustments are needed to maintain effectiveness.

Mobile Home Skirting

Skirting is a protective material that covers the base of a mobile home, shielding it from weather, pests, and debris. It also enhances the home’s appearance and can improve energy efficiency by adding insulation.

Skirting can be constructed from vinyl, metal, wood, or brick, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, cost, maintenance, and visual appeal.

The installation process typically involves securing the skirting material to both the home’s base and the ground for stability.

Mobile Home Anchoring

Anchoring a mobile home is crucial to prevent unintentional shifting or movement that could cause structural damage, particularly in regions susceptible to strong winds or earthquakes.

Properly anchored homes are more likely to remain stable during these events, safeguarding both the occupants and the home itself. There are various ways to anchor a mobile home.

Ground anchors, commonly utilized with tie-down systems, are rods inserted into the soil to secure the home using straps. Another method involves the use of concrete footings, where the home is placed on concrete blocks that are then anchored to the ground.

The choice of anchoring method depends on factors such as local regulations, soil conditions, and home design.

Mobile Home Leveling

Ensuring a mobile home is level is essential for maintaining its structural integrity. An unlevel home can result in various problems, such as jammed doors, windows, and wall cracks.

Moreover, prolonged exposure to an unlevel condition can lead to significant structural damage, rendering the home unsafe for habitation.

The process of leveling a mobile home typically involves utilizing hydraulic jacks to lift the home and adjusting the support points with added or removed blocks until it achieves a level position. Engaging a professional for this task is crucial to prevent potential home damage and ensure safety.

Mobile Home Support

In addition to the foundation, mobile homes also depend on other support systems for stability and weight distribution. These include piers and beams that uphold the home’s weight, particularly in larger homes or those with porches or carports.

Piers and beams collaborate to evenly distribute the home’s weight on the foundation. Piers are vertical supports that carry the home’s load, while beams bridge the gaps between piers, spreading the load and offering extra support.

Regular inspections and adjustments are essential to uphold the stability of these structures.

Mobile Home Underpinning

Underpinning strengthens and stabilizes a home’s foundation. For mobile homes, underpinning involves adding or reinforcing supports to enhance stability. Benefits include improved structural integrity, insulation, and aesthetics.

Techniques include concrete underpinning, pile underpinning, and jet grouting. The choice depends on soil type, foundation depth, and the specific problem. Common materials include concrete, steel, and wood.

Mobile Home Site Preparation

Proper site preparation is crucial before installing a mobile home to ensure stability, prevent future issues, and comply with local regulations.

This involves grading the ground to make it level for the foundation, establishing effective drainage systems to avoid damage and mold, and planning and installing utility connections for electricity, water, sewage, and gas.

It is recommended to work with experienced professionals to ensure compliance with codes and regulations.

Mobile Home Stabilizing

Stabilizing a mobile home is crucial to prevent undesired movement that could lead to structural damage. It involves various techniques designed to keep the home securely in place, even during harsh weather conditions or geological events.

In addition to anchors and tie-downs, other techniques for stabilization include stabilizer plates that evenly distribute the load on the ground and diagonal bracing on piers to reduce sway.

Windstorm straps can be utilized in areas prone to high winds or hurricanes. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of these stabilizing methods.

How do you set blocks under a mobile home?

Setting blocks under a mobile home often referred to as reblocking or leveling, involves using a specific arrangement of blocks to support the weight of the home. The process usually starts by lifting the home using hydraulic jacks.

Then, concrete blocks are placed at various points under the home’s frame, according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations.

It’s essential to ensure that the blocks are level and stable before lowering the home onto them. Since this is a critical process that affects the home’s safety, it’s recommended to hire professionals.

Why do mobile homes sit on cinder blocks?

Mobile homes often sit on cinder blocks because they provide a sturdy and cost-effective foundation. Cinder blocks are strong, durable, and resistant to weather changes, making them an excellent choice for supporting the weight of a mobile home.

They also allow for air circulation under the home, preventing moisture buildup that could lead to mold or rot.

However, it’s vital to note that simply placing a mobile home on cinder blocks without proper installation and anchoring can be unsafe. Therefore, it’s always best to work with a professional installer.

What is a block foundation for a mobile home?

A block foundation for a mobile home involves using concrete or cinder blocks to create a stable base for the home. The blocks are arranged in a specific pattern, with each block supporting a particular point on the home’s frame.

This type of foundation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a popular choice for many mobile homeowners. However, it must be properly installed and maintained to ensure the home remains level and secure.

What type of foundation is best for a manufactured home?

The best foundation for a manufactured home depends on several factors including local climate, soil conditions, budget, and personal preference. Pier-and-beam foundations are often preferred due to their affordability and ease of installation.

Slab foundations offer great stability but can be more expensive and potentially problematic for plumbing. Basement foundations provide additional living space and high resale value, but they are the most costly and require adherence to strict building codes.

Always consider your unique circumstances and consult with professionals to choose the best foundation for your manufactured home.