Level a Mobile Home
Sometimes, homeowners find that there are suddenly cracks in the walls or the windows and doors don't fit just right. In a mobile home, this usually means that something has caused the I-beam used for support to no longer be level, such as underground roots that have rotted and caused the soil to move around. Problems with a level mobile home could also happen from other environmental factors, such as flooding. With a few tools, you can level your mobile home without too many problems.
Steps
- Remove the skirting (optional on some) from around your home to gain access to the piers on which the supports sit.
- Begin at the middle of your mobile home to check the level at each pier.
- Place a long level at the nearest pier to the center and check the bubble in the center of the level; if it is centered, the area is level.
- Mark any piers that are not level and proceed to the next steps.
- Attach a plastic tube to a bucket or other container with a capacity of about 5 gallons (19 L).
- Add water to the container slowly.
- Ensure that the water in the tube is at the same level as the bottom of the I-beam on the non-level pier. This is your level mark.
- Place a mobile home jack centered on the pier where it will support the weight of the home.
- Raise the I-beam to the level of the water level mark and check the mobile home level to ensure that the bubble is in the center of the bubble window.
- Keep checking the problem areas as you jack up the area, such as doors and windows, to take note of when the problem has been corrected.
- Use wedges to slide under the beam to support it and keep it level when removing the jack.
Tips
- Avoid constant repairs by sealing up any open spaces or holes that you see when under your mobile home.
- It is important that your mobile home be level to ensure that it lasts much longer than if you were to let it go unchecked.
- To protect your mobile home against moisture from the ground underneath, use a large plastic sheet to cover the ground; it will form a barrier from moisture and humidity.
Warnings
- Always alert a family member or neighbor that you will be underneath the mobile home just in case there is some equipment failure, such as a slipped jack, which injures you and you need help.
- It is best to work underneath the mobile home when the soil is dry and compact. Loose soil may cause your equipment to slip, which can cause serious injuries.
- In most cases, leveling a mobile home takes 2 people or professionals trained in this type of leveling; however, if you are secure that you can do this yourself, make sure to take all the necessary safety precautions when underneath your mobile home. Ensure that the large mobile home jack is securely balanced and centered at all times before you begin to jack up the parts of your home.
Things You'll Need
- Mobile home level
- Mobile home jack
- Several wooden wedges or shims
- Plastic container with a 5-gallon (19 L) capacity
- Rubber tubing
- Hammer
- Water
Related Articles
- Build a Modular Home
- Buy a Modular House
- Secure Your RV
- Buy a Prefabricated Home
