Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Questions?
Q. My home was delivered yesterday and today I am having problems opening a couple of doors.
A. Sounds like your home is settling, give it a couple of days and then re-level. Remember the more time you take preparing your site the less problems you will have.
Q. I notice that there is a gap between the top of my wall and the ceiling. Is this normal?
A. Yes. This is what is referred to rafter up-lift. The rafters move up and down, depending on the temperature and this "gap" facilitates this. See article on truss uplift (large file)
Q. Do you have any suggestions as to what to look for when purchasing a used home?
A. Yes. Suggest you prepare a checklist and then follow it. Sample check list is provided.
Q. Each winter (early spring especially) I get large accumulations of ice on my roof. Is this an indication of poor insulation?
A. Not necessarily. Ice damming could be the cause. See attached.
Q. I recently purchased a mid '70 mobile and the ceiling needs replacing. The plastic center strips are either missing, hanging or missing. Can they be purchased or do you have another solution?
A. Yes, they can be purchased but are hard to find and extremely frustrating to install. I would suggest that you strap the ceiling and install 12" x 12" ceiling tiles.
Q. Again, my mid 70's unit has aluminum type doors which are separating. Can they be had and if so where or do you have an alternative suggestion?
A. Again yes, I ordered one ONCE from an outfit in Winnipeg and it cost me over $600. After that episode, I would purchase a pre-hung garage entry door (for 2x4 walls) and make the opening fit the door. MUCH CHEAPER.
Q. Is there anywhere I can go to get an idea of what parks are available in certain areas?
A. Yes, but limited at this time. Canadian Mobile Home Parks. If you know of others please email information.
Q. This is not a question but more of a suggestion (from experience). A local fellow just burned his mobile home, trying to thaw the sewer pipes with a "tiger torch".
A. It is my experience that this will not work and although his pipes eventually thawed from the fire the end result is not what he wanted. My suggestion, cut the sewer pipes but leave enough for a connector and then take it to the car wash and thaw it there. When installing the sewer lines make certain that there is a continuous grade in sewer line and no "sags", then ensure that you do not have a leaking "flapper" valve in the toilet, dripping taps and do not leave water in the sinks or tub overnight. Nothing worse than a frozen sewer (and it usually appears in the am when you need it most).
Q. I have obvious signs of excessive moisture in my home! Can you assist me in determining cause and / or prevention?
A. Although I am very reluctant to link to American sites, I have found one that I think will answer all your questions. Moisture Control in Homes and Moisture Problems in Homes.
Q. What about wind and your mobile home?
A. I am not an engineer so I will refer you to National Research Council of Canada for the answer.
Q. With the ever increasing cost of heating fuels do you have any recommendations?
A. CMHC has come out with a helpful publication.