SIGN-UP FOR THE MHPS NEWSLETTER! 
Have you ever tried to slide open the windows of your mobile home only to discover they won’t budge? Or perhaps you’ve attempted to close your bedroom door, only to have it unexpectedly swing back open?
Suppose you’ve experienced these issues as a mobile homeowner. In that case, you’re likely aware that it’s not the work of ghosts or minor earthquakes. Instead, the unsettling truth is that your mobile home is not situated on level ground. While this is a common problem, it’s one that should not be overlooked. An unlevel mobile home can result in a range of problems, including structural damage and plumbing issues.
But what exactly is mobile home releveling, and why is it so crucial? Moreover, how can you go about releveling your mobile or manufactured home?
What is Mobile Home Leveling?
Manufactured and mobile homes are built on a steel frame that is supported by a number of individual piers underneath the house. There may come a time when mobile home releveling is necessary to adjust these piers and distribute pressure evenly on the main beams of the home. However, this term is misleading. Releveling is a support process and does not involve leveling the land or foundation.
Mobile home releveling is often needed for various reasons, including the age of the home, soil erosion, poor installation, or settling of the earth. The main goal of releveling is to ensure that the home’s weight is distributed equally to each pier.
If performed correctly, this will safeguard your mobile home’s piers from experiencing an unequal distribution of the load and should ensure the system is in compliance with the original manufacturer’s guidelines for weight distribution.
Why Leveling Your Mobile Home Is Important
Keeping your mobile home level is critical to ensuring its longevity. Ideally, it would be best to relevel your mobile home as often as every three years; most manufacturers recommend between three and five.
But what would happen if you don’t level your home? Here are a few consequences you should consider:
Structural Integrity
It’s essential to keep an eye on the level of your mobile home, as an unlevel home can lead to structural damage over time. If your house settles unevenly, it may put a large amount of strain on its structure, potentially leading to cracks in the walls, ceiling, and siding. In extreme cases, the support piers of your home will break, causing severe damage, or the house may even collapse.
Safety
Doors and windows can warp due to the pressure exerted on them. When this happens, it can create security concerns if they don’t close correctly.
Plumbing and Electrical Issues
If left unchecked, damage to the electrical and plumbing systems can lead to much bigger problems down the line, including leaks, clogs, and damaged wiring.
To prevent this from happening, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect the level of your home and address any issues as soon as they arise.
Signs of an Unlevel Mobile Home
Before diving into the releveling process, it’s essential to recognize the signs that your mobile home is unlevel. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Uneven Floors: Your floor may start to creak due to your mobile home not being settled on the foundation properly. In severe cases, furniture and other items in your home might shift, or cabinets may not stay closed.
- Doors and Windows: Doors or windows that no longer close correctly or have visible gaps.
- Cracks in Walls or Ceiling: The appearance of cracks in the walls, especially near corners and doorframes.
- Bowing Skirting: The skirting around your home may show signs of bowing or buckling.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to consider releveling your mobile home.
Can I Relevel My Mobile Home?
Releveling a mobile home is a complex process that typically requires specialized equipment and expertise. Whether or not you can relevel your mobile home depends on why it’s not level. In some cases, loose wedges can be repaired with a level, a mobile jack, and a few other tools. However, if the situation is severe, it’s best to seek the help of a professional.
Attempting to relevel your mobile home on your own may seem like a cost-effective option, but it’s highly recommended to hire professionals for the job. Mobile home repair specialists have the necessary knowledge, tools, and experience to ensure a successful releveling project without compromising the structural integrity of your home.
Keep in mind that an improperly leveled mobile home is at risk of collapsing in extreme cases. Getting a new home is much more expensive than hiring a professional. So, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How Do You Level a Mobile Home?
If your mobile home has loose wedges, you can fix them on your own with basic construction experience and the required tools.
If you decide to proceed with releveling on your own, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Safety First
Before releveling your mobile home:
- Ensure you have all the necessary equipment and safety gear.
- Put on your protective gear, including gloves, a hard hat, and eyewear.
- If you’re getting help from someone else, ensure they’re also wearing the necessary protective equipment to stay safe during the process.
Detach Skirting
You will need to remove the skirting around the base of your mobile home to reach the piers. Remove it carefully, and put it in a safe place. This step allows you to access the pillars and beams of your home’s support system.
Plumbing and Installations
When leveling your home, it’s possible to damage your electrical and plumbing installations. There are a few precautions you can take to avoid potential damage.
Make sure all plumbing and electrical are secured before working on the leveling. You must check the contact points of your plumbing and the beam. Secure the plumbing to the base of your home to ensure that it won’t be affected when you raise the beam. Then, continue checking the electrical wiring.
If you notice any electrical wiring wrapped around the beams, they need to be unwrapped and attached to the base.
Check What Needs Adjustments
Identify the areas of your home that require leveling. Start by placing your level at the center of your home. If it’s level, there’s no need to make any adjustments. But, if the level shows that the pillar needs to be adjusted, mark them with the chalk.
Raise the Beam
Now, you need to raise the beams you previously marked with the help of the mobile home leveling jacks. Once the level shows the beam at the right level, stop raising it and secure the jack.
Place the Shims
After securing the jack, you must put the shim between the beam and the pillar. You can use a hammer if you can’t get in a good position. Carry out the same action for all the other beams that need to be leveled.
Check the Leveling
After placing the shims, you should inspect your work. Once more, start by placing your level at the center of your home. Are all the beams in level? If so, then your home leveling project was a success!
However, if any of the beams are out of the level, you must repeat the above steps to level the beam and recheck.
Check the Plumbing & Electrical
Although you’ve already secured your plumbing and installation during the previous steps, rechecking is always a good idea to avoid serious issues later. If any wires look damaged, ask a professional to look at them again.
Reattach Skirting
You can now reattach the skirting.
Keep a Level Head with Mobile Home Parts Store
If you’ve noticed any signs of an unlevel mobile home, it’s essential to take action promptly. Maintaining the level of your mobile home is not just a matter of convenience; it’s crucial for its longevity and your safety.
While the DIY spirit is admirable, releveling a mobile home is a complex process that often requires professional expertise and specialized equipment. Attempting it yourself can risk compromising the structural integrity of your home, leading to costly repairs or even the collapse of your mobile home.
At Mobile Home Parts Store, we offer a wide range of parts and services to help you address mobile home releveling and other maintenance needs. From metal piers to new doors and siding, we have the resources to ensure your mobile home stays safe and level. Don’t wait until the problems worsen; prioritize the well-being of your mobile home by choosing quality parts and professional assistance.
Tags: leveling, mobile home foundation, mobile home leveling, mobile home parts, Mobile Home Parts Store, mobile home repair
