Mobile homes have been on the rise mainly because they’re affordable.
But did you know that the inexpensive and porous materials that keep their price low are more susceptible to water damage?
Floods, rain, pipe leaks, and even snow can wreak havoc on your mobile home, necessitating the need to know how you can fix damage caused by water.
(In This Regard) How Do You Fix Water Damage In A Mobile Home?
The best approach to fixing water damage in manufactured homes depends on the extent of the damage. Often, fixing the damage involves removing the damaged part and replacing it. If you have a mobile home that has experienced water damage, it is imperative to attend to the problem before it escalates.
Whether it is the subfloor, walls, or ceiling that has been damaged by water, this post will cover everything you need to know about fixing water damage in a mobile home.
Mobile Homes And Water Damage
Water is one of the major causes of deterioration in mobile homes.
The damage water can cause is potentially much worse if your home is older. But why are mobile homes more susceptible to water damage?
The answer is simple: mobile homes are made using porous materials.
Unlike conventional homes, mobile and manufactured homes are made using cheaper materials, particularly particle board, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and oriented strand board (OSB).
While these inexpensive building resources help make mobile homes affordable, they are porous. Essentially, they are particles of wood that are pressed and glued together.
When water seeps into the boards’ structure, the bonding weakens, which can wreak havoc on the structural component of your mobile home.
Over time, the panels may rot and eventually break, which can potentially leave you homeless.
Thankfully, you can counter this unpleasant surprise by inspecting your home periodically and quickly fixing any water damage before it escalates.
Common Causes Of Mobile Home Water Damage
Water damage in mobile homes occurs when water permeates structures and destroys them.
As such, water damage can result from many diverse causes:
- Hurricanes and storms
- Floods
- Clogged gutters
- Water leaks and
- Condensations from AC
- Blocked drains
- Leaking water heater
- Loosely fit taps
How To Go About Fixing Mobile Home Water Damage
If your mobile home has experienced water damage, whether it affected the subfloor, walls, or ceiling, here is a guide to fix the damage.
However, the steps will emphasize subfloors, considered the most susceptible architectural component of a mobile home.
1. Identify The Cause Of The Damage
Unless you are dealing with the aftermath of a flood, you will need to survey your home to identify the root cause of the water damage. That way, you will be in a better position to address the damage adequately.
For a lasting solution when fixing water damage, you need to address the cause as well as repair the affected part.
Pro Tip: Always fix the leak or cause of the water damage before repairing the damage. Otherwise, the problem will keep on re-occurring.
2. Expose The Affected Area And Clean It
Once you have identified the source of water that is damaging your home, the next thing is to check the extent of the damage. In most cases, the damaged part will be visible.
For water-damaged subfloors, you can diligently walk on the floor to feel the soft spot. Always walk on the edge to avoid falling through the wet floor.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of floods, you may need specialized equipment to remove the water standing on the damaged floors.
3. Mark The Damaged Area And Remove It
Using a piece of chalk or any other marker, map the area that needs to be fixed. The marks will be handy when cutting through the damaged area.
Next, carefully cut out the wet area using a circular saw. Remember to inspect the adjacent walls for signs of water damage.
Remove the wet board with a pry bar, careful not to damage the joists.
If no joists are exposed after removing the damaged part, enlarge the hole to expose at least two joists slightly. The joists will provide a surface to attach the new panel to.
Let the area dry.
4. Cut A New Panel
After enlarging the opening, measure it and cut a piece of particleboard, OSB, or MDF to the exact dimensions to create a patch.
Remember to use a board that is the same thickness as your existing panels.
5. Reinforce The Joists
Once the area is completely dry, reinforce the affected joists.
One of the best ways to support joists affected by water damage is by siding them with 2–inch by 6-inch boards.
Reinforcing the joists strengthens, which helps ensure structural integrity.
6. Install The Patch
Set the patch into place and fasten it to the joists with screws.
For a typical ¾-inch panel, you need 1¾-inch-long screws.
Start with one screw in each corner, then add other screws at intervals of 6-8 inches around the patch’s perimeter.
This should hold the patch firmly in place.
7. Replace The Floor Covering
Once you have replaced the patch, it is time to replace the floor covering you peeled.
In this final step, you will need an adhesive that bonds well to wood. Also, work carefully to conceal all seams.
Notably, while replacing the ruined part of your subfloor, wall, or ceiling can help fix water damage, make sure to be prudent with your approach, depending on the overall damage.
For instance, if the damaged area of the floor is large, replacing the entire subfloor can be a more viable decision.
Conclusion
If left unattended, water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your home and even lead to health issues.
If your mobile has recently experienced water damage, hopefully, this post will help you fix the problem.
When it comes to addressing water damage, always remember to fix the cause first.
Sources
https://homesteady.com/13402379/how-to-fix-a-hole-in-a-mobile-home-floor
https://www.servicemasterbyzaba.com/blog/how-to-repair-a-water-damaged-subfloor/
https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/what-are-the-common-causes-of-water-damage
