Mobile Home Foundations
Older mobile homes sit on a raised support system of piers and tie-downs, and after decades of coastal weather and settling soil, that system often needs a closer look.
The term “mobile home” is what most homeowners still use for these homes, even though technically many of them are manufactured homes. The distinction comes down to age: homes built before the 1976 HUD code went into effect are mobile homes, and homes built after are manufactured homes.
In practice, older mobile homes often sit on simpler support systems that have been settling and shifting for decades, which is exactly the kind of work we know well.
How Older Mobile Homes Are Supported
Most older mobile homes sit on concrete block or pier supports, with tie-downs anchoring them to the ground. The steel frame carries the weight, and that weight has to be distributed evenly across the supports for the home to stay level.
- Concrete block or pier supports carry the home’s weight
- Tie-downs and anchors hold the home in place
- Skirting encloses and protects the space underneath
- Older support systems often show more settling over time
Why Older Mobile Homes Need Attention
Decades of soil movement, moisture, and coastal humidity take a real toll on the supports under an older mobile home. Piers sink, supports shift, and the home gradually comes out of level. By the time the floors slope or the doors bind, the supports underneath have usually been telling the story for a while.
- Piers and blocks settle into the ground over the years
- Supports shift out of alignment and stop sharing the load evenly
- Moisture and age weaken the support system
- The home comes out of level, causing floors to slope
Repair and Leveling for Mobile Homes
The work is similar in spirit to any raised home. But older mobile homes often call for a little more care, since the support system may have been in place for a long time and seen a lot of settling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mobile home the same as a manufactured home?
Not exactly. A mobile home was built before the 1976 HUD code, while a manufactured home is built to that code. Most people still use “mobile home” for both, which is completely understandable, and we’re glad to explain the difference.
Can an old mobile home be re-leveled?
In most cases, yes. What’s involved depends on the condition of the existing supports and how far the settling has gone.
How often should a mobile home be checked?
It depends on the soil, the age of the home, and the condition of the supports. If you’re noticing sloping floors or doors that stick, that’s a good sign it’s time to have the support system looked at.
Ready to Talk It Through?
Learn how older mobile-home support systems can change with age, moisture, and ground movement.