mobile home relevelling

Mobile Home Relevelling: Why It’s Essential and How It’s Done

Owning a mobile home comes with a unique set of responsibilities, and one of the most critical maintenance tasks is relevelling. Over time, mobile homes can become unbalanced due to shifting soil, weather conditions, or natural settling. Left unaddressed, this imbalance can lead to structural damage, decreased comfort, and costly repairs. Here, we explore why relevelling is essential and provide an overview of the process.

Why Mobile Home Relevelling Matters

1. Prevent Structural Damage

An unlevel mobile home places undue stress on its structural components. Walls, floors, and ceilings can crack, doors and windows may not close properly, and plumbing systems can suffer from leaks or breaks due to shifting pipes. Relevelling restores balance and helps prevent these issues from escalating.

2. Improve Comfort

Living in an unlevel mobile home can lead to uneven floors and a noticeable tilt. These conditions affect daily life, from walking around to setting furniture. Regular relevelling ensures a stable and comfortable living environment.

3. Protect Your Investment

Mobile homes are a significant investment, and neglecting maintenance can reduce their value. Keeping your home level helps maintain its structural integrity and resale value, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Signs Your Mobile Home Needs Relevelling

Doors and Windows Stick: If doors or windows are difficult to open or close, this may indicate a shift in the home’s level.

Uneven Floors: Feeling a dip or slope when walking across the floor is a clear sign of imbalance.

Cracks in Walls or Ceilings: Small cracks can be an early warning of leveling issues.

Noisy or Misaligned Skirting: If the skirting around the base of your mobile home appears uneven or makes creaking noises, it’s time to investigate.

How Mobile Home Relevelling is Done

1. Initial Assessment

The first step in relevelling is a thorough inspection. Professionals use a water level or laser level to determine where adjustments are needed. This process identifies the high and low points of the home.

2. Lifting the Home

Relevelling involves raising the home using hydraulic jacks. These jacks are placed strategically under the steel frame of the home to lift it safely and evenly.

3. Adjusting the Support System

Once the home is lifted, technicians adjust or replace piers and blocks as necessary. They ensure these supports are level and secure, often using shims to fine-tune the balance.

4. Final Inspection

After adjustments are complete, a final check is performed to confirm the home is level. This step ensures the safety and stability of the structure.

DIY vs. Hiring Professionals

While some homeowners may attempt DIY relevelling, it’s a complex and potentially hazardous task. Professionals have the tools, experience, and knowledge to perform the job safely and efficiently. Hiring experts can save time, reduce stress, and prevent costly mistakes.

Maintaining Your Mobile Home’s Level

To minimize the need for frequent relevelling, take preventative measures:

Inspect Your Home Regularly: Check for signs of imbalance and address issues promptly. • Monitor Ground Conditions: Ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent soil erosion or shifting. • Schedule Professional Inspections: Periodic inspections can catch problems early.

In conclusion, mobile home relevelling is an essential aspect of home maintenance that protects your investment, enhances comfort, and prevents structural damage. Whether you choose to tackle it yourself or hire professionals, addressing leveling issues promptly ensures your home remains a safe and stable place to live.