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Mobile home crawl space (C) Daniel FriedmanMobile Home & DoubleWide Crawl Space Inspections
Defects commonly found in the crawl area of manufactured homes, mobile homes, trailers, doublewides

  • POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about inspection procedures, defects, hazards found in crawl areas under manufactured homes, mobile homes, doublewides.

Mobile home crawl spaces.

This article describes the common defects that can be observed in the crawl space below a trailer, mobile home or doublewide home.

We include descriptions of the manufactured home or mobile home crawl space inspection components, both things that should be present (e.g. belly wrap, proper clearances) and also things that should not be present (rodents, leaks, wheels).

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Manufactured & Mobile Home Crawl Space Code Specifications

Mobile home on blocks (C) Daniel FriedmanBefore crawling under a mobile home or manufactured home

Watch out: when working under a mobile home, manufactured home, or any tight crawl space there may be serious health and safety hazards. More than one reader have reported getting an electrical shock while working under a mobile or manufactured home. Hazards in such tight spaces include at least the following:

When inspecting a mobile home or doublewide crawl area, be sure to look for evidence of these common defects

[Click to enlarge any image]

Mobile home pier (C) Daniel Friedman

Mobile & Manufactured Home Crawl Space Research

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2021-01-27 by danjoefriedman (mod) - crawlspace encapsulation plans and the department of energy's requirements

Thanks for the helpful comments, Stacy. We'll keep them with the article.

My OPINION is that if we're going to the cost and trouble to encapsulate a mobile home crawl space, before starting the job it makes sense to inspect the condition of the belly wrap and insuation to be sure we're not leaving leaks or an extensive mold contamination or rodent problem in place - thus avoiding having to do the job twice.

When we confirm that the underside of the home is clean and insulatin & bellywrap both intact and not covering up a problem above, then it's time to get on with the encapsulation.

On 2021-01-26 by Stacy

I've looked at numerous crawlspace encapsulation plans and the department of energy's requirements.

There is no general need to remove intact floor insulation when you insulate the crawlspace.

Putting up foam boards on the crawlspace walls appears to be standard encapsulation practice, but it has a few potential issues. It is flammable, although less so if it has a foil backing.

Check the local tresidential code on fire safety requirements. If you're in a termite prone region, you may need to leave a few inches for an inspection gap. Termites can tunnel through foam, but don't want to eat it.

The purpose of encapsulation is to have the home better insulated from below. The vents let in cold air in the winter and humid air in the summer, so it's now considered better to permanently plug the vents, insulate the walls, allow for drainage, and run a dehumidifier or connect it to the HVAC system. This should help prevent pests, mold, mildew, and water damage.

On 2020-08-06 by Anonymous

I'm so sorry, Em, i just dont understand the question. Perhaps you can give sone details or attach a sketch or photo.

On 2020-08-06 by Em

This is my second question and I made three thru text. I can see the hey looked at it no response. I want to know about extending vinyl siding all the way down to the given distance. Can it be done and the side I plan on making a big access door. Appreciate an answer please it has been 3 weeks

On 2019-11-09 - by (mod) -

I am GUESSING from your note that what you're up to is foam insulating the floor of a mobile home. You won't be able to do that usefully without removing the present belly wrap and insulation and then adding something rigid enough to let you blow foam under the floors;

If you are only trying to seal the rim joist I'm stuck: why are we doing that? Is the floor insulation so incomplete that it never reaches the rim joist?

In sum, apologies but I'm not sure what encapsulating is for.

On 2019-11-08 by Mike

Do you need to completely remove floor insulation when encapsulating crawl space. I have a modular home and the floor insulation is held in place by a 'fabric'. Would I have to remove the 'fabric and insulation to insulate rim joists with closed cell foam or foam panels?

On 2018-11-13 - by (mod) -

That's very interesting question but frankly I'm highly doubtful. In order to operate a drone in a small confined space you need to have pretty good access yourself to control it and keep it from crashing into something. It's certainly worth asking a local drone operator but I also doubt that the cost is going to be worth it.

When an inspector cannot enter an area I think the least they can do is to tell you what they can see at the crawl space opening and perhaps what secondary

Clues are available to tell you what hints there are of hidden trouble. That would include water running under the unit or mechanical systems not working properly or mold smells or sewage smells. It seems to me also that there needs to be accessed in order to do repairs. So it would be good to get a clear statement on just what the limitations to access actually are.

On 2018-11-13 by Teresa

We have been told that an inspector can not get under our dad's mobile home to inspect. Can a drone be used. His house is on the market.

On 2018-08-28 - by (mod) -

Re-posting Q&A from private email

Cover for my mobile home. The one I have has fallen apart. I just purchased This home and I am told this cover is Important. Any suggestions would be Appreciated.

Reply: Moderator said:

Skirting around a mobile home is required by local building codes and is something you want anyway for a variety of reasons such avoiding wind blowing under the unit, keeping critters out, reducing heating or cooling costs.

Amazon.com sells skirting parts as do independent vendors like this Mobile Home Parts Store https://mobilehomepartsstore.com/skirting.html

Please take a look at MOBILE HOME CRAWL SPACES - above on this page - for information about the crawl area that should help you know what issues could be there.

You'll see that besides wanting the skirting around the home, there could be other problems that need to be addressed for function or safety of the home.

Don't hesitate to ask if this article leaves you with questions.


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