Mobile homes, a popular and cost-effective housing option, offer flexibility and affordability. However, over time, these homes can settle, shift, and become unlevel due to factors such as ground movement, weather conditions, and normal wear and tear. Releveling a mobile home is essential to maintain its structural integrity, safety, and comfort. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of mobile home releveling, explaining why it’s necessary, how to identify the need for releveling, and steps to ensure your home remains stable and comfortable.

Why Releveling is Necessary

1. Structural Integrity: An unlevel mobile home can lead to structural damage. Doors and windows may not close properly, causing gaps that can let in drafts and moisture, leading to mold and rot. Over time, this can weaken the frame and walls, compromising the home’s stability.
2. Comfort and Functionality: Living in an unlevel home can be uncomfortable. Floors may slope, causing furniture to shift and creating uneven walking surfaces. Appliances and fixtures may not function correctly if they are not level, leading to potential damage and increased repair costs.
3. Safety Concerns: An unlevel home can pose safety risks. Doors and windows that do not open or close properly can be hazardous in emergencies. Electrical systems and plumbing can also be affected, leading to potential fire hazards or water damage.

Identifying the Need for Releveling

It’s crucial to regularly inspect your mobile home for signs that it may need releveling. Here are some common indicators:

1. Doors and Windows: Check if doors and windows are difficult to open or close, or if they do not latch properly. This can indicate that the frame of the home is out of level.
2. Flooring Issues: Notice any sloping or sagging floors? This is a clear sign that your home may be settling unevenly. Walking across the floor and feeling a dip or rise can indicate the need for releveling.
3. Cracks and Gaps: Look for cracks in the walls, ceiling, or around windows and doors. Gaps between the walls and floor or ceiling can also suggest that your home is unlevel.
4. Plumbing Problems: If you notice slow drainage or frequent clogs, it could be due to pipes that have shifted out of alignment as a result of an unlevel home.

Steps to Relevel a Mobile Home

Releveling a mobile home can be a complex task, often requiring professional expertise. However, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions and ensure the job is done correctly.

1. Preparation and Inspection: Begin by thoroughly inspecting the home to determine the extent of the leveling issue. Measure the height of the home at various points to identify areas that are out of level.
2. Acquire Necessary Tools and Materials: You will need a water level or laser level, hydraulic jacks, wooden shims, a bubble level, and other basic tools. Ensure you have all the necessary equipment before starting the process.
3. Safety First: Safety is paramount. Make sure the ground around the home is stable and free from debris. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.
4. Jack Placement: Place hydraulic jacks at key points under the home’s frame, usually near the corners and the middle. Lift the home slowly and evenly, raising it to the required level. It’s essential to do this gradually to avoid causing damage to the structure.
5. Leveling: Using a water level or laser level, check the height of the home and make adjustments as needed. Place wooden shims between the piers and the home’s frame to maintain the level position.
6. Securing the Home: Once the home is level, lower the hydraulic jacks carefully and ensure the home rests securely on the piers and shims. Double-check all areas to confirm that the home is evenly supported.
7. Final Inspection: Perform a thorough inspection to ensure that all doors and windows operate smoothly, floors are even, and there are no visible gaps or cracks. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure everything is secure and level.

When to Call a Professional

While some homeowners may feel confident in tackling releveling themselves, it’s often advisable to hire a professional. Experienced contractors have the expertise and equipment to handle the job safely and efficiently. They can also identify underlying issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye, ensuring a thorough and lasting solution.

Maintaining a Level Mobile Home

After releveling, regular maintenance is crucial to keep your mobile home in good condition. Inspect the home annually for signs of settling, especially after severe weather. Keep the area around the foundation clear of water and debris, and consider installing skirting to protect the underside of the home from moisture and pests.

Conclusion

Releveling a mobile home is essential for maintaining its stability, safety, and comfort. Regular inspections and timely releveling can prevent structural damage, ensure proper functionality of doors and windows, and provide a comfortable living environment. Whether you choose to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional, understanding the process and knowing when to seek help will ensure your mobile home remains a safe and pleasant place to live.