Tie downs for manufactured homes. In this article I learned about frame anchors and over the top tie downs. Tie downs are used to prevent wind damage. Good information on the tie down components. The section on safety tips is great because that info can be helpful to clients purchasing a manufactured home.
This photo shows a wooden deck attached to the manufactured home. The deck had individual footings that fully supported the weight of the structure, and so the deck did not add to the foundation load nor did it compromise the structural integrity of the walls.
The photo shows how a concrete block perimeter wall can be used to satisfy the longitudinal and lateral shear wall requirements for a permanent foundation. These shear walls resist lateral loading from wind or seismic forces acting along both axes of the home.
The crawlspace under a manufactured home is supposed to be vented, at least 8 total vents on at least 3 sides. The original installed water piping is all within the insulating blanket under the house, to keep it from freezing here in northern climates. The water line out of the ground into the home’s system has a heat tape to keep it from freezing in the ventilated crawlspace. Today I inspected this recently replumbed house, new Pex just draped all through the crawlspace and hooked in above as needed. ALL of this piping will freeze next winter.
This is a picture of a front window . I’m going to be looking for operations on the window to make sure it slides open and close with ease. I’m also looking for proper seals and insulation and any air leaks around the window and for any leaks from water. The window seams to be in perfect working order. All seals and trim work is in order and the screen is all intact.
I’m doing my report on crawlspace hazards and inspection. As an inspector you should never enter into the space with out the proper pipe. And should make sure someone knows that you are inspecting the crawlspace. Once in you should check for any loose wire’s or any that may have fallen to the ground. You should also check all supply lines that enter into the space. This is just a few things you should look for.
My assignment is on manufactor homes and this photo is a attracted garage ( pole barn style) i would like to see support in the valley 1/4 inch plywood and ice and water barrier. Further notice valley screws didn’t hit anything would caulk screws until qualified contractor fixes issue
I’m doing my writing assignment on FHA loan Basics. Manufactured homes really bennifet for the program since the price of sale is cheaper and it’s qualifies more then a bigger house or condo. Put ineffect after the Great Depression soaring forcloseur and default rates.
This image shows the structural foundation and skirting of a manufactured home. The bracing for the skirting is made of metal studs and vinyl exterior skirting material. The foundation itself is set on poured concrete pads with piers made of concrete blocks.
The article I chose describes the main difference between a “modular” home and a “manufactured” home. Modular homes are similar to modern stick-built homes and must conform to the same standards whereas manufactured homes are what used to be known as a “trailer” and can be moved by use of wheels.
There are basically three reasons why aluminum wiring may be of concern:
it has a tendency to oxidize which increases the wire’s resistance resulting in the wire overheating at the receptacle
it is more malleable (softer) than copper and therefore easily nicked
because of its high thermal expansion, it has a tendency to change shape at the terminal screws and thus become loose or creep off
The components of your heating and cooling system that are located inside your home (usually in the attic in Houston) should be inspected twice each year just prior to the cooling and heating seasons.
Here are some items that should be completed during these inspections:
Inspect and clean blower assembly (includes blower housing, blower wheel and motor)
On older models, lubricate motor and inspect and replace fan belt if needed
Check combustion blower housing for lint and debris and clean as necessary
Inspect evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain lines. Clean as needed
Inspect for gas leaks in gas furnaces
Inspect burner assembly - clean and adjust as needed
Inspect ignition system and safety controls - clean and adjust as needed
Inspect heat exchanger or heating elements
Inspect flue system - check for proper attachment to the furnace, any dislocated sections, and for signs of corrosion. Replace if necessary.
Inspect control box, associated controls, wiring and connections
Clean or replace air filters
Inspect conditioned airflow system (ductwork) - check for leaks
WHILE YOUR SYSTEM IS OPERATING
Monitor system starting characteristics and capabilities
Listen for abnormal noise
Search for source of unusual odors
Monitor air conditioning and heat pump systems for correct refrigerant charge
Measure outdoor dry bulb temperature
Measure indoor dry and wet bulb temperature
Measure high and low side system pressures
Monitor gas furnace for correct line and manifold gas pressure - make adjustments as needed
Measure temperature rise and adjust airflow as needed
Check vent system for proper operation
Monitor system for correct line and load volts/amps
The Manufactured Housing Program was established by the
National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety
Standards Act of 1974, amended in 2000, as a nationwide
program to protect the quality, safety, durability, and
affordability of manufactured homes. The Office of
Manufactured Housing regulates the industry and enforces the
Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety
Standards, the Model Installation Standards and the Dispute
Resolution Program
Securing Your Home to the Foundation:
It is not sufficient to merely place your home on a properly constructed foundation. There are certain minimum requirements that should be met. To ensure that your home does not shift and become damaged, it must be anchored to the ground, according to the manufacturer’s instructions or as required by local codes. Anchoring should prevent severe winds from damaging your home. Although your home will come with instructions for properly securing it to its foundation, anchoring is not a do-it-yourself project. Talk with your retailer about anchoring, and be sure that your home’s installation includes this very necessary step. Anchoring your home to the ground should be done by experts.
As shown in this photo, lattice skirting is only allowed around an open floor area, such as this deck. You can also see that there is a a handrail with properly spaced balusters, (since the deck is more than 30" above grade), and an exterior outlet that is required on all mobile homes.
“Modular vs. Manufactured Homes”. In reality these two types of homes are completely different in nearly every way. Modular homes must adhere to all local building codes whereas a manufactured, or mobile home must only adhere to HUD codes. This one difference alone sets them apart in hundreds of ways.
Each transportable section of every mobile home should have a HUD certification label. The label should be affixed to the outside of each section approximately 1 foot up from the floor and 1 foot in from the right side of the section.
Modular vs. Manufactured homes:
Modular homes are built in sections in factories and assembled on-site. They are held to the same standards as on-site built homes and are usually better built because they have to withstand transport vibrations. Manufactured (or mobile) homes are not held to the same building standards as site-built or modular homes - they are held to the standards set up by HUD. They are transported to the site on their own wheels and chassis, never more than one story high, and are smaller and less expensive than site-built or modular homes.
Only wheels, tires, axles, hitches, and transportation lights are parts of a chassis that can be removed after the manufactured home is installed, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. This mobile home was in the process of being set up, as the lack of skirting indicates.
One of the most important aspects of completing a manufactured home inspection is inspecting the foundation, or “crawl space” of a mobile home, including it enclosure (permanent foundation or skirting). If defects or even general concerns are found, it can be telling to what you might find once you complete the interior inspection.