Mobile homes are a cost-effective, flexible living solution, but like all homes, they need regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. From the roof to the furnace, taking care of your mobile home is key to maintaining its longevity and comfort. In this blog, we will cover 10 essential mobile homes maintenance tips that can help you keep your home running smoothly year-round.
Regularly Inspect the Roof
One of the most important aspects of mobile home maintenance is ensuring your roof is in good shape. Mobile homes usually have flat or slightly pitched roofs, which are more prone to leaks and damage.
Tip: Check your roof twice a year or immediately after some major storm or heavy snowfall. Inspect your roof for signs of damage, such as missing shingles, cracks, or sagging. Once you discover any problem, solve it in time to avoid a leak, which can cause great damage to the interior.
Tip: Mobile home roof maintenance also includes cleaning the roof to remove leaves, twigs, and dirt that can clog the drainage and let water accumulate.
Check the Mobile Home Furnace
Comfort in the cold months requires a well-maintained furnace. Mobile home furnace maintenance should be done at least once a year, preferably right before winter, to determine whether the system is really working efficiently.
Tip: Change the furnace filter regularly, usually every 1-3 months, depending on usage, and inspect the vent pipes for blockages. Dust and debris make your furnace work harder, decreasing its efficiency and lifespan.
Tip: Get a professional HVAC technician to inspect the system annually. They will check the burner fan and overall efficiency, ensuring that your furnace runs safely and effectively.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters are a very common problem in mobile homes, especially if they are not regularly cleaned. If gutters are full of water, they overflow, causing water damage to the roof and walls.
Tip: Clean your gutters at least twice a year (spring and fall) to avoid water damage. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris to ensure that water flows freely.
Check for Damage on Skirting
Skirting is the material that surrounds the base of your mobile home and assists with insulation, airflow, and pest control. Over time, skirting can crack, warp, or become loose.
Tip: Check the skirting regularly for damage. Small gaps or cracks can be sealed with silicone caul,k, and more significant issues may require replacement panels.
Tip: Ensure that the skirting is tightly secured. Loosely installed skirting can provide access to pests or even disrupt your home’s insulation.
Maintain the Plumbing
Maintaining plumbing is important in a mobile home because it helps prevent leaks and costly water damage. Because plumbing in most mobile homes runs under the floor, leaks are often hard to detect.
Tip: Check for leaks around faucets, toilets, and pipes. Make sure there aren’t any signs of pooling water under your home or around the plumbing fixtures.
Tip: Prevent pipe freezing and bursting during the freezing months by covering exposed plumbing with insulation.
Keep the Outer Siding of Your House
Mobile homes usually have a vinyl or metal siding system that requires cleaning and attention from time to time. This keeps them looking at their best and performing fine.
Tip: Power wash the exterior of your mobile home at least once a year to remove dirt, algae, and mildew. You can also use a soft brush and mild detergent for more delicate siding materials.
Tip: Check for holes, cracks, or damage in the siding. Small repairs can be done with caulk or patching kits, while more significant issues may need professional attention.
Inspect the Windows and Doors
Energy efficiency requires proper window and door sealing. Gaps may let drafts in, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder.
Tip: Check for draughts by running your hand around the edges of windows and doors. If you feel the air, you should reseal or replace the weatherstrip.
Tip: Clean out the window tracks regularly and monitor any damage that might eventually misalign the windows and doors.
Inspect for Pest Infestations
Mobile homes may be one of the homes most susceptible to pests like rodents, termites, and ants. Regular inspections are crucial because they will be able to catch infestation before major damage occurs.
Tip: Check for signs outside your home, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. Always check areas with pipes and wires entering your house, as these often provide entrance points for pests.
Tip: Keep the area around your mobile home free from debris and vegetation to deter pests from nesting near it.
Service the Water Heater
The water heater is integral to daily comfort in your mobile home, but sediment can form inside the tank over time and decrease efficiency.
Tip: Flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment that might have accumulated inside the tank. This might increase the unit’s lifespan and improve its efficiency.
Tip: Check for leaks around the tank and the connections. If you notice any issues, calling a professional plumber for repairs is a good idea.
Maintain the Air Conditioning Unit
If your mobile home has an air conditioning unit, keeping it in good working order is important, especially during the hot summer months. A well-maintained AC system can improve air quality and reduce energy bills.
Tip: Clean or replace the air filter in your air conditioning unit every 1-3 months. Dirty filters can reduce airflow and efficiency.
Tip: Have your AC system serviced at least once a year. A professional can clean the evaporator coils, check the refrigerant level, and ensure the unit functions properly.
Conclusion
Mobile homes need constant attention to remain safe, efficient, and comfortable. Keep up with mobile home maintenance tasks such as inspecting the roof, furnace, plumbing, and siding to avoid expensive repairs and enjoy your home for many years to come. Create a maintenance schedule to help you stay organized, and do not hesitate to call in a professional when required.
Taking care of the small details now can save you big headaches down the road!
