Manufactured Home Marriage Line Issue(s)

Specific Inspection Topics Structural Inspections
41

Oops Sorry about the Thomas, it seems everytime I reply to some one it comes out at the end of the stream.

Will

42

So, to help bring this topic to a close… I called my client, the homeowner (this was homeowner annual maintenance inspection facilitated by the problems she was seeing) on the phone and verbally relayed the following to supplement my written report and present the larger picture:

  1. Due to the many clues, it is fairly obvious to me that there has been some piers settling into the ground and that likely caused the cracks, uneven floors, tilt to some piers, and damage to fascia (the individual defects listed in the report). The movement was not large, likely an inch or two at the most extreme locations.

  2. Although I clearly stated I was not an expert, I did not think there were any big problems with the home manufacturing or installation – everything seemed like a fairly normal setup for our area. Plus, she had anchors installed whereas many do not. It would have been better, in hindsight, if the installers had used double-stack piers at the marriage line for more stability (she could check with the manufacturer’s installation instructions). She could also consider installing some concrete pads (footers) under some of the piers, perhaps four minimum per side, I suggested.

  3. The likely culprit is water under the home, which is reflected in the report. Actions that I recommended:

  • Install a swale and/or French drain at the uphill (South) side of the home to divert stormwater runoff around the home.
  • Install rain gutters on the East and West eaves with downspouts at the downhill (North) side of the home.
  • Then get the home re-leveled by a professional, fixing the piers that need help and strongly consider their expert advice, if any, such as my suggestions of double-stacking at the marriage line and installing concrete pads to strengthen the foundation.
  • Then, finally, repair the cracks (flexible caulk and paint might do it) and damage to fascia. If the cracks do not reappear or at least diminish, then that is a sign that the problem could be solved.
  • Re-level the home every few years afterwards (as standard maintenance).

All those recommendations were also in the report associated with the individual defects. However, the order of sequence was not. Hence, why I like to call afterwards in these situations to help tie things together.

2 Likes
43

ABS pads are very common in Florida but the concrete block are typically capped with pressure treated lumber and shims. I have never seen lumber between masonry blocks. I usually do two to five crawlspaces a week.

4 Likes