Table of Contents
Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by John Patterson
Mobile home repairs are not very difficult tasks, and we think you should handle these for satisfaction and as well as saving money. Having a lovely big home in the suburbs is excellent, but it also comes with a whole lot of responsibilities.
The earlier you catch the problem, the more prominent chance you get to fix it without spending a significant amount of money on costly home repairs.
Every homeowner’s kit should include some essential tools like screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, paintbrushes, saws, a power drill, a framing nailer, some glue for wood and plastic, as well as pieces of wood, plastic, and other standard materials you can find useful.
Five common mobile home repairs you might have to handle
The Roof
Every house has a roof. And every roof needs repairs and maintenance if you always want to have it over your head.
Common roof problems:
- Damaged/ improperly installed gutters
- Rotting wooden elements
- Damaged shingles
- Rust and corrosion to metal elements
Roof maintenance tips:
First, you need to make sure the gutters are adequately installed and that the water finds its way down. You can quickly test that by pouring some water on your roof and observing where it goes. If you notice any puddles, the slope is incorrect and needs to be fixed.
If the water never makes it down, then the gutters are clogged and need cleaning. Read our Roofing Gun safety and security tips.
“All the damaged and rotting elements need to be removed and replaced immediately with new ones.” advise the property maintenance and repair experts from the Fantastic Services Group (Australia), “Small tears or holes can be fixed with some felt and a nailer gun, but it’s only a temporary solution.”
The Chimney
The clogged chimney can be the reason for the fire, suffocation with ashes, and much more. Also, the chimney is a natural way for ventilation in the house, so it’s important to keep it clean.
Possible chimney issues:
- Creosote – this is the tar produced by the burning of the wood. The build-up of creosote can block the chimney and pollute the indoor air.
- Blockage – it can be caused by various reasons – birds nesting, twigs and leaves from nearby trees, and more.
- Cracks in the brickwork – The masonry can last for about a century, but only if the mortar is in excellent condition.
- Chimney cap problems – the cap or crown is a significant part of the chimney, it protects us from the harsh outside elements.
The only way to protect your chimney is to check on it every year before winter to make sure that none of these issues are endangering you.
Pest problems
The most common pests which get inside our homes are rodents, spiders, ants, cockroaches, termites, flies, and in some more rare cases fleas and bed bugs.
Where do pests nest:
- In the roof;
- Inside walls/ wooden surfaces;
- In dark corners/cluttered areas;
- Inside the mattress – in the unfortunate cases of bed bugs.
Mobile Home repairs to prevent pest damage:
Basement cleaning and sealing
You need to clean and insulate your basement thoroughly. If there are any signs of pest infestations, like droppings or damaged boards and panels, you need to take care of them right away.
Take care of the pests, remove all the droppings and nests, and clean the space thoroughly. Any damaged boards need to be replaced – remove the old one and install a new one – a quality Brad nailer or a top Pin Nailer prove to make that job very easy.
Insulation replacement
The old and damp roof insulation is very inviting to pests, so you need to monitor your attic closely for leaks or any damage. If you notice any signs of infestation or a piece of insulation needs replacement, take immediate action.
Gap closing
Any gap can be used by pests to get inside and destroy something. Broken screens, gaps around pipes, or cables that enter the house need to be either replaced or filled with durable material, like construction foam.
Roof Inspection
As I mentioned, the roof is a pivotal part of the house; you need to scrutinize it not only for pests but for all kinds of leaks, damage, or clogging.
Leaks
The leaks in the house are also a severe problem you should solve right away.
Common places for leaks:
- The roof, gutters, or chimney;
- Cracked pipes in the kitchen, bathroom, or basement;
- Malfunction from appliances like washing machines, showers, sinks, toilets.
How to fix a leak?
Leaks are a serious issue, and in some cases, you won’t be able to fix them on your own. At first, you need to determine the cause of the leak. If a hole in the roof causes it, you need to remove the damaged material, clear out the area, apply a piece of wood or metal that would cover the hole, and glue or nail it.
If the problem is a leaking pipe, you need to stop the water flow, wipe the area dry, apply some epoxy glue, cover the hole with a rubber piece, tighten with a clamp, and once it dries, cover with tape.
If an appliance causes a leak, it’s best to stop using it and find a handyman who specializes in fixing the appliance in question.
Paint peeling
This is a common situation in most homes. After some time, the paint outside starts to peel and fall off.
Causes of peeling paint:
- High humidity/ condensation;
- Poor surface preparation;
- High temperature/ sun exposure;
- Many coats of paint;
- Low quality or incompatible paint.
How to protect your paint?
Protect the surfaces from unpleasant outside influences. You can quickly do that by applying a sealant that blocks water and the sun. The adequately cleaned gutters also help drive the water away from the exterior walls.
Prepare the surface before painting. Make sure the surface is clean and dry, and all previous coats of paint need to be stripped. Also, make sure to paint exterior walls on dry, but not too hot day, to prevent bloating and cracking.
Choose the proper paint and primer. Some paints are good only for interiors, while others are made specifically to be applied outdoors. Some paints are for wood, others – for concrete. Oil-based or latex-based paints are usually more durable and suitable for exteriors.
Final Words
As we can see, there is no shortage of things which can break or get damaged around the house. A certified handyman should handle some of them, but others can be easily fixed by following instructions and using essential tools. Knowing how to deal with mobile home repairs can save you from the bigger ones.
