Mobile homes, like any structure, are subject to the natural settling of the ground and shifting over time. This can lead to an unlevel home, causing issues like doors that won’t close properly, cracks in walls, and uneven floors. Releveling your mobile home is a necessary maintenance task to ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and structurally sound. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Why Releveling is Essential for Your Mobile Home

Releveling your mobile home is not just about aesthetics or comfort; it’s about the long-term health of your home. An unlevel home can lead to serious issues such as water damage from improperly aligned plumbing, stress on the frame, and even potential collapse in extreme cases. Regularly checking and releveling your home can prevent these issues, saving you money and maintaining your home’s value.

Step 1: Identify the Need for Releveling

Before you start the releveling process, you need to determine whether your mobile home is actually unlevel. Signs of an unlevel home include doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly, cracks in the walls or ceiling, and floors that feel uneven underfoot. To confirm, use a carpenter’s level or a laser level to check various points in your home. If the level shows that your home is uneven, it’s time to relevel.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Safety Gear

Releveling a mobile home requires the right tools and safety equipment. Essential tools include hydraulic jacks, a carpenter’s level, shims (wood or metal), and a wrench set. Safety gear, such as gloves and protective eyewear, is also important to protect yourself during the process. Having everything ready before you start will make the process smoother and safer.

Step 3: Elevate the Mobile Home

Once you’ve confirmed that your mobile home is unlevel and gathered your tools, the next step is to elevate the home. Position hydraulic jacks under the steel frame of the mobile home, ensuring they are placed on stable ground. Carefully lift the home, just enough to relieve the pressure on the affected areas. It’s crucial to lift the home evenly to avoid causing additional stress on the frame.

Step 4: Adjust the Level Using Shims

With the home elevated, you can now begin the leveling process. Place shims between the foundation blocks and the frame where the home has become unlevel. Shims are used to fill in the gaps and provide the necessary support to balance the home. After inserting the shims, lower the home slowly and check the level again. Make any additional adjustments as necessary to achieve perfect balance.

Step 5: Perform a Final Level Check

Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments, it’s time for a final level check. Use your carpenter’s level or laser level to ensure that all areas of the home are balanced. If everything checks out, you can safely remove the jacks and ensure that all supports are securely in place.

Step 6: Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

Releveling your mobile home isn’t a one-time task. Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to keep your home level. It’s a good idea to check the level of your home at least once a year or after significant weather events. Regularly inspect the foundation, shims, and support systems for any signs of shifting or wear, and address any issues promptly.

Final Thoughts

Releveling is a crucial aspect of mobile home maintenance that protects your home from potential damage and ensures a safe and comfortable living environment. By following this step-by-step guide and performing regular checks, you can keep your mobile home level and in good condition for years to come. Regular releveling not only protects your investment but also gives you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe and secure.