Scott A. Rowen - Realtor

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Difference Between a Mobile and Manufactured Home:

Mobile vs. Manufactured Homes: Understanding the Difference
Colloquially, the terms “mobile home” and “manufactured home” are used interchangeably, but this trend is misleading, as there are critical differences between the two.

The phenomenon of mobile homes grew out of the post-WWII travel trailer movement. Trailers grew larger, began offering more amenities and started to resemble more traditional homes. On June 15, 1976, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) began regulating the manufacture of homes to ensure they met safety codes.

True mobile homes are those built prior to the 1976 regulations. Though still used in everyday speech, the term “mobile home” has become somewhat obsolete; most factory-built homes nowadays aren’t meant to be moved after they’ve been placed.

Since 1976, pre-made homes have been referred to as manufactured homes. Most of the time, they are secured to permanent foundations. New manufactured homes are usually sold through a dealership. They’re manufactured in a factory on a steel chassis and hauled (mostly or entirely intact) to the site-built foundation to which they’re attached.

Another category of pre-built homes is modular homes. Modular homes look similar to manufactured homes, but there are a few distinguishing features between the two. For one, modular homes are fabricated in modules and then assembled at the construction site, whereas manufactured homes are typically assembled in a factory. Modular homes comply with the same requirements as stick-built homes and also use wooden frames rather than the metal ones used in manufactured homes.

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HOLIDAY SEASON HOUSE SAFETY TIPS:

The holidays may be an exciting and celebratory time with loved ones, but over a quarter of home fires occur during December, January and February, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Here are some tips from Hippo for homeowners to keep themselves and their guests safe from fires this holiday season.

Test Smoke Detectors and Check Fire Extinguishers

Perhaps a no-brainer, this important maintenance task is often forgotten or overlooked. Check smoke detectors regularly using the dedicated test button. Change the batteries at the start of the winter season to ensure they remain operational throughout. If your smoke detector is more than 10 years old, it’s a good idea to replace it with a newer model for better smoke sensitivity and added protection.

Check fire extinguishers by looking at the pressure gauge next to the handle or lever. Confirm the pressure needle is in the green zone and replace the extinguisher if it’s in the red zone.

Clean Fireplaces and Chimneys

Starting fires is a good way to keep warm and add to the cozy holiday ambiance, but those fires should stay contained to fireplaces. Uncleaned fireplaces and chimneys can cause unwanted fires that can spread to the rest of the home quickly. Both should be cleaned of debris and creosote (a flammable byproduct of burnt wood that accumulates in chimneys), which a professional can do safely and thoroughly.

Installing a spark guard or screen can also prevent spark fires. They should be placed in front of the fireplace opening, covering the entire width and height of the opening.

Keep an Eye on Heaters

Space heaters and heat systems can overheat when left on and unattended or when their vents are blocked. Keep all items that can catch fire at least three feet away from radiators and space heaters to avoid overheating and fires.

When using space heaters, make sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place the heater on a level surface and turn it off before leaving the room or going to sleep. For heat systems, schedule regular maintenance and have a professional inspect, clean and fix any problems.

Inspect Lights, Wiring and Outlets

Decorative lights are a staple holiday decoration, but damaged wiring, overloaded outlets and misuse of lights can be fire hazards. Before hanging holiday lights, inspect them for frayed wires and broken bulbs and replace damaged lights with new ones. Use extension cords for lights only as intended, and make sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for their maximum load capacity. Distributing holiday decorations across multiple outlets will prevent overloading and electrical fires.

It’s important to use lights only as they’re intended. Avoid using outdoor lights inside and inside lights outside, as each is constructed to withstand different conditions. Using indoor lights outside can cause them to malfunction when exposed to certain weather elements. Additionally, keep outdoor lights off the ground to avoid animals chewing through the wires.

Water Christmas Trees

For those who opt out of artificial trees, it’s important to keep real trees watered regularly. Trees can dry out quickly, causing them to become highly flammable. If there are decorations near the tree that generate heat, such as faulty tree lights or candles, they can cause a dry tree to go up in flames quickly. Water natural trees regularly, use LED lights that emit less heat and turn off lights when leaving the room.

Practice Kitchen Safety

Food is a key part of many holiday celebrations, but cooking can pose several fire risks. Grease fires from deep frying and gas leaks from stoves can be especially hazardous. When frying, use an outdoor fryer on a stable, flat surface. For gas stoves, be mindful of leaks and turn off the gas supply immediately if there are any.

It’s also important to remember to keep the kitchen floor clean, dry and free of any tripping hazards. Accidental bumps and falls can cause injuries, but they can also set off chain reactions and cause fires. Make sure to keep the handles of pots and pans turned inward to prevent anyone from knocking them off the stove.

Clean cooking vents, exhaust fans, ducts and filters every three to six months for light cooking and every one to three months for heavier cooking. Clean cooking appliances as well to keep them functioning properly.

Keep these items in mind if your manufactured home will be vacant for any part of the winter season.

MOBILE HOME WINTERIZATION CHECKLIST:

Following these helpful tips can help ensure that your manufactured home will weather the winter well
and save you repair costs.
1. Get your furnace inspected. Contact a heating/HVAC professional to inspect your furnace today.
A yearly inspection can save your life.
2. Stock up on furnace filters and change them often during the course of heating season.
3. Consider changing your thermostat to a programmable energy-saving type.
4. Make sure skirting around the base of your home is secure. Insulation can be added behind
the skirting for extra protection against cold and wind. Seal up all entry points to discourage small
animals from entering under the home and damaging the underbelly or ductwork.
5. Repair any broken glass on Windows. Install storm windows if you have the type that requires
storms. Upgrade the single pane style glass windows with vinyl Thermo-pain type to stop drafts
and save energy.
6. Install insulation or weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering
and heat from escaping.
7. Caulk around windows and doors on the exterior of your home.
8. Clean out gutters to keep water flowing. This will help prevent ice flow backup which can cause
roof damage and interior ceiling damage.
9. Check that your pipes are covered with properly functioning heat tape. These products
typically last 5 years with average use.
10. Consider installing leaf guards on gutters and installing downspout extensions to direct water away
from the home.
11. Inspect roof and repair any problem areas. Replace damaged or missing shingles and tar
around all stacks and vents on roof.
12. If you have metal roofing, repair seams and edges and around stacks and vents then use premium
grade metal roof coating to coat entire roof.
13. Inspect underbelly and insulation under your home. Make sure there are no open areas where
the wind and cold can get to your plumbing lines.
14. Repair any water leaks under the home and make sure all exposed waterlines from the main our
heat taped.
15. Install carbon monoxide and smoke/fire detectors in your home and make sure to replace batteries
as needed.
16. Never use kerosene burners and/or space heaters in your home as they may cause fire and
suffocation threats.
17. Garden hoses should be removed from the exterior water faucets. Visually inspect faucets
assuring they are installed in a downward slope to ensure water is not left to accumulate for freeze ups

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All we do is sell mobile homes!! Call us today.

Another Manufactured Home sold by The Scott Rowen & Lynn Hartman Team. The area’s leading authority on mobile homes!! Call us today!

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