If you own a mobile home, you may eventually notice signs that your home is not as level as it should be. Uneven floors, doors that don’t close properly, or cracks in the walls can all indicate that your home has shifted over time. Releveling your mobile home is a crucial maintenance task that ensures the stability and safety of your property. Here’s a practical guide to help you understand the process and make releveling your mobile home easier.

1. Signs Your Mobile Home Needs Releveling

Before diving into the releveling process, it’s essential to identify the signs that your mobile home requires attention. Common symptoms of an uneven mobile home include:

• Sloping floors or walls
• Doors or windows that stick
• Cracked walls or ceilings
• Uneven gaps between the floor and walls

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to relevel your home. Ignoring these issues could lead to more severe structural problems in the future.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Releveling a mobile home requires a few basic tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A carpenter’s level or laser level
• Hydraulic jacks
• Shims (usually made of wood or plastic)
• Wrenches and other hand tools
• A screwdriver or drill

Before starting, make sure you have everything on hand to avoid interruptions during the process. Having the right equipment will make the task go more smoothly.

3. Check the Foundation and Skirting

Before beginning the releveling process, check the condition of your home’s foundation and skirting. Over time, the foundation can shift or settle, which may cause the home to become uneven. Look for any visible damage, like cracks in the concrete or sagging in the skirting. Ensure that the skirting is intact, as this will help keep moisture and debris from interfering with the leveling process.

4. Releveling Process: Step-by-Step

Releveling a mobile home can be done in a few key steps:

1. Measure the Level – Start by measuring the current level of your mobile home. Use a carpenter’s level or laser level to check the floors in multiple areas of the home. Make a note of the uneven spots.
2. Position the Jacks – Place hydraulic jacks under the home at the locations where the floor is most uneven. Be sure to place them near the support beams or piers for stability.
3. Lift the Home – Slowly raise the home by operating the jacks, working one section at a time. Don’t lift the home too quickly, as doing so could cause structural damage.
4. Place Shims – Once the home is level, insert shims under the jacked-up sections to maintain the level position. Shims will help to evenly distribute the weight and keep the home stable.
5. Double-Check the Level – After placing the shims, recheck the level of the home. If needed, adjust the shims or jacks slightly to ensure everything is even.

5. When to Call a Professional

While releveling a mobile home can be a DIY project for experienced homeowners, it’s essential to know when to seek professional help. If you encounter any complications, such as significant foundation damage, issues with plumbing or electrical systems, or if you feel uncomfortable with the process, it’s best to call a professional.

Professional mobile home leveling services can ensure the job is done correctly and safely, preventing further damage to your home.

Final Thoughts

Releveling your mobile home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little patience, it can be done. Regularly checking your home for signs of unevenness and performing maintenance as needed will help preserve the structural integrity and safety of your property. If you’re unsure about any step or encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for assistance. Keeping your mobile home level ensures comfort and peace of mind for years to come.