How Long Do Mobile Homes Last?

If you are considering a mobile home and are new to the idea, you have probably asked yourself, “how long do they last?”

It’s a common misconception that mobile homes aren’t built as well as traditional homes and aren’t capable of lasting as long. Potential homeowners may be hesitant to consider mobile homes. After all, your hard-earned money shouldn’t be wasted on something that won’t last long.

The materials used to construct traditional site-built homes and mobile homes are actually very similar. Mobile homes differ only in that they are manufactured and transported to the homeowner’s plot. They can even withstand severe weather because of their strength. We’re going to get into more detail about how long mobile homes last and some tips on extending their life for years to come.

Let’s get started! 

Mobile Home Lifespan

Mobile homes today can last anywhere from 30-50 years! They are now designed and produced to last decades, in large part due to stringent manufacturing (HUD) regulations. Federal manufacturing standards must be followed when manufacturing mobile homes. 

Now, it is important to note that 30-50 years isn’t guaranteed for everyone. 

Why? Well, the answer is simple…

If you perform routine maintenance, your mobile home will inevitably last longer. Also, the newer and more modern your home is, the longer it should last. This is because the manufactured housing industry is constantly changing, for the better!

Factors That Can Affect How Long Mobile Homes Last

Many factors can shorten the lifespan of a mobile home. Here are some things you should watch out for:

Water Damage

This is one issue that can significantly shorten the lifespan of a mobile home. Water can do some serious damage, whether it comes from leaking pipes or leaking roofs. When there are leaks, the plumbing may freeze in the winter, and the summer’s humidity may result in the growth of mold (which can be a big health hazard.) The worst-case scenario would be water leaking into an electrical socket, causing a short circuit and electrocuting you.

Errors in Installation

To ensure that your manufactured home lasts as long as possible, the initial installation is crucial. In actuality, improper initial installation is the root cause of many issues with manufactured homes. Over time you can experience foundational problems and water damage if not installed properly. We even recommend having the home inspected by a professional to have the peace of mind that all is up to standard.

An Unsteady Foundation

The longevity of your mobile home is significantly influenced by the quality of the foundation. The stability of the framework may be jeopardized by a foundation that shifts on the ground, which will result in wall cracks and leaks. 

Pro Tip: Ensure steel is used as the foundation metal to ensure this is the case.

Tips to Extend Your Home’s Life 

Following the suggestions below will keep your mobile home in great condition and ensure it lasts:

Maintain & Inspect Roof Regularly

One of your home’s most crucial components is your roof. Depending on the type of roof you have, it may need to be recoated yearly to stop leaks before they happen. While at it, make sure the gutters are debris-free, especially after major storms. 

On the other hand, you can have a professional inspect your roof yearly. They can identify any potential issues and make any necessary repairs or maintenance. 

Keep Your Mobile Home Level

Over time, your home can undergo some settling. The good news is, you don’t have to figure out how to fix this problem! A professional can level your house again. The home is traditionally raised to the proper level if it has a pier and beam system by measuring the height of the beams. This releveling could stop wall cracks and other structural issues that will cause damage and shorten your home’s lifespan.

Maintain Your Home’s Skirting

Your mobile home’s skirting or perimeter enclosure supports energy conservation, improves curb appeal, and insulates your house. It would be best to fix any holes in your skirting as soon as possible to stop further harm. The skirting needs to be fixed, but it also needs to be properly ventilated to stop mold and humidity from harming your house.

Proper skirting ventilation can be calculated using a formula. The formula, which is denoted by the ratio (1:150), is based on the size of your home in square feet. This means that for every 150 square feet of space, you will need one square foot of venting.

Wrapping Up 

Although mobile homes are said to last anywhere from 30-50 years, they can still outlive their life expectancy with the proper care! Sure, maintenance may seem like a lot of work, but it is less work than maintaining a site-built home, which costs more money and requires more frequent cleaning. We’d like to end by saying that it’s best to perform routine maintenance on your mobile home to avoid having to make expensive repairs later!Speak with a member at Braustin Homes today!