Owning a manufactured home comes with the same level of responsibility as any property, requiring consistent care and attention to preserve its value. Whether you own or rent, mobile home maintenance is crucial not only for aesthetics but also for ensuring safety and comfort throughout the year.
Routine upkeep, especially when utilizing high-quality materials from trusted suppliers, protects your investment and can even enhance its long-term equity. By prioritizing regular maintenance, you create a secure and inviting space that stands the test of time.
Some items in a mobile home maintenance checklist can be performed annually. Understanding the type of manufactured home maintenance work and when to do it is essential for all property owners. This guide covers all essential mobile home maintenance and repair tasks, kits, and materials.
Annual Mobile Home Maintenance Checklist
Mobile home maintenance tasks that only need to be performed once a year are the easiest items to check off.
Conducting an annual inspection allows you to address potential issues early, saving you from unexpected repair costs. Use the following list as a yearly guide:
Roof
Roofs can be checked once or twice a year, depending on weather conditions in your area. Annually inspect roofs for damage, regular wear, resealing and use this as a guide to determine the need for recoating with paint. The flashing should also be inspected, and soft spots or cracks in the caulking should be checked. If you have a flat roof, recoating more often may be necessary.
The best coating type depends on the roof cap or roofing material. For instance, don’t use aluminum or asphalt coating if you have EPDM roofs installed. Further, remove any debris and replace any missing or broken shingles if you have those installed.
Foundation
Check the foundation and ensure the structure is level, which is crucial in manufactured home maintenance. It’s not uncommon for your mobile home to settle and sink into the ground where it is stationed over time. You can relevel your home once a year, but regular inspections may be necessary to ensure the ground hasn’t shifted.
If not inspected regularly, an unlevel mobile home can cause a host of other problems. For example, it can cause the foundation to crack, requiring more costly repairs. Watch out for warping and bowing, and call for professional help when you see these symptoms.
Skirting
Look for holes in the skirting to prevent moisture penetration, which, if left unkempt, will require more mobile home maintenance and repair. Remember that this perimeter enclosure keeps moisture from building up in your mobile home’s underbelly. Aside from moisture and water buildup, cracks or holes in the skirting can become access points for rats and other critters.
Inspect the skirting ventilation. Make sure that there is around one square foot of venting available for every 150 square feet of floor space. This vent space helps prevent moisture buildup underneath your home. With proper ventilation, you can better manage the internal humidity in your manufactured home and regulate temperature more efficiently.
HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Systems
Perform a thorough inspection of these systems annually to ensure each unit functions efficiently. Watch out for unusual sounds, water leaks, or drafts, and report these issues to a home maintenance professional to have them addressed as soon as possible.
Doors, Windows, and Frames
These areas can be inspected once a year for proper mobile home maintenance. Check for drafts and gaps and reseal any openings as necessary. Regular maintenance for windows and doors improves your home’s insulation and energy efficiency.
Gutters and Downspouts
These roofing elements can become blocked and clogged after months of faithful service. Inspect them once every quarter and clean them regularly. However, annual checks should also include clearing out any debris, leaves, or dirt that may block proper water flow and cause potential damage to your foundation or skirting.
Aside from annual maintenance, your home’s systems also need regular inspection. These integral features keep daily living comfortable and functional.
Manufactured Home Systems Maintenance
It’s easy to take your mobile home’s systems for granted since you use them daily. For most homeowners, if the lights turn on when you flip the switch, or the water is still running when you open the tap, that is good enough for them. However, regular checks of these systems should be part of your mobile home maintenance checklist, which is crucial for safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Consider the following as part of your regular manufactured home maintenance:
Heating and Cooling Systems
Replace HVAC filters at least once a year or as recommended in the manufacturer’s manual. Inspect ducts for obstructions and fully clean and vacuum the ducts and filters as frequently as possible. An HVAC professional can service your system annually to catch any underlying issues before they become more significant problems. Regular maintenance helps improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Electrical System
Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your mobile home and replace the ones that are deemed faulty. At least once every six months, inspect the circuit breaker box for signs of corrosion or loose wires, especially after a storm. If a bulb tends to flicker more frequently, it may need immediate replacement. In addition, ensure that all outlets and switches work correctly and are not overheating. Replace any broken or worn-out switches as needed.
Plumbing System
Look for leaks under sinks, around water heaters, and in walls. Check your water heater for rust, leaks, or sediment buildup, which can impact efficiency and safety. Flush the tank annually to keep it working efficiently.
Ventilation
Good ventilation controls temperature and moisture in your home. To ensure proper airflow, clean and inspect vents, fans, and ductwork for dust and blockages. Completely clean the vents at least once a year, vacuuming all possible areas to ensure all blockages are removed.
After going over the systems, it’s important to pay attention to your mobile home interiors. These make living in your manufactured home more comfortable.
Manufactured Home Interior Maintenance
Your home’s interior covers all living spaces. The interior maintenance of your home impacts your overall comfort and safety, not just its aesthetics. Here are some key areas to check and maintain to keep your interiors in top shape:
Flooring
Inspect your floors for soft spots, warping, or uneven areas. Repair any minor damage immediately to prevent further deterioration. If you lack the tools or can’t handle materials properly, consider hiring professional help, especially if you detect more significant issues with your home’s floor.
Walls and Ceilings
Check for cracks, water stains, and other signs of wear or structural issues. Keep walls and ceilings clean, and apply touch-up paint or finish as necessary. If you find any sign of water damage or mold buildup, call for professional help immediately. This may be a sign of severe damage underneath the surface.
Appliances
Regularly clean and maintain kitchen and laundry appliances to ensure efficiency and longevity. Follow each appliance’s maintenance instructions to prevent voiding any warranty. You may need to send the appliance to a service center for proper repairs.
Windows and Doors
Inspect the seals around windows and doors for drafts and wear. Proper sealing is essential for energy efficiency, so caulk or weather-stripping should be applied as needed.
Mold and Mildew Prevention
Check common areas for mold, including bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Maintain a dry, ventilated environment to prevent mold growth, cleaning with mild bleach solutions when necessary.
After working on the interiors, pay attention to your home’s exterior. They’re just as important as other parts of your property.
Manufactured Home Exterior Maintenance
Exterior maintenance improves your home’s aesthetics and ensures the integrity of its structure and visual appeal. Use this checklist to keep your home’s exterior in optimal condition.
Gutters and Roofing
Check for roof leaks, loose shingles, and other damage. Clear gutters of leaves and debris to prevent water from accumulating and damaging your skirting or foundation.
Siding and Skirting
Inspect the siding for cracks, dents, and any other wear. Clean the siding with mild soap and water to prevent grime buildup. Ensure the skirting is secure and adequately ventilated to avoid moisture issues.
Foundation and Anchoring
Your foundation’s stability is critical for the home’s structural integrity. Perform an annual inspection of the foundation and anchoring, and contact a professional if you notice signs of shifting or instability.
Outdoor Areas and Landscaping
To prevent root damage to your foundation, trim trees and shrubs so they don’t grow too close to your home. Proper grading around your home prevents water pooling, reducing the risk of foundation issues.
Seasonal Home Maintenance Tasks
Each season brings unique maintenance needs due to the changing weather conditions. These mobile home maintenance and repair tasks can be performed every three months or as the season turns.
Spring
Spring is an ideal time for an HVAC tune-up. Clean your gutters to prevent water damage and inspect the exterior of your mobile home for any cracks or winter damage, especially around windows, doors, and siding.
Summer
During the summer, you should focus on ventilation and cooling efficiency. Inspect window seals and screens for damage, and clear your outdoor area of overgrowth.
Fall
Prepare for colder weather by servicing your HVAC system and inspecting your roof and plumbing insulation. Remember to clear leaves and debris from gutters.
Winter
Apply proper insulation, especially in crawl spaces, to prevent pipes from freezing. Inspect your insulation and ensure any outdoor equipment is securely stored.
Work with Seasoned Mobile Home Maintenance Experts
Regular maintenance is essential to preserving the longevity and aesthetics of your manufactured home. By following the checklists above, you can keep up with seasonal and annual tasks, protect your investment, and create a better living environment.
Basic Components provides reliable and effective products to help you maintain, repair, and enhance your home. We provide high-quality solutions tailored to the design of each manufactured property.
We are your all-in-one source for quality mobile home materials, essential tools, and supplies. Our inventory includes all the necessary supplies to upgrade or replace your unit’s flooring, roofing, and interior and exterior spaces. Place an order today, and our team will gladly assist you.
