A damaged roof on your mobile home can become a fast problem if not repaired or replaced promptly. A mobile home roof brings an entirely new challenge since they have different structures that require other materials and techniques to restore the area.
Variations of Mobile Home Roofs
Before getting into how to repair or replace a mobile home roof, it is crucial to understand the basics about your roof. For most mobile homes, the type of roof can be broken down into two different designs. Flat roofs are the most common and are more than likely the original roof of the mobile home. The second most common type is a peaked roof, typically added after the owner purchases the mobile home. Peaked roofs are generally added as a home improvement project to make the mobile home more aesthetically pleasing and functional.
When trying to figure out the issues with your mobile home roof, it’s essential to know the material of your shingles. The most common roofing materials are asphalt, aluminum, and TPO.
Asphalt Shingles
This material is among the cheapest roofing material and is relatively durable. With asphalt shingles, it’s important to note that if it needs to be replaced, you need to remove all of the shingles and replace them. In traditional homes, it is possible to cover them with a second layer of shingles. Because of the added weight, the structural integrity of a mobile home would be at risk. Since there is only one layer of shingles, this roofing material is more prone to leaking. With this being the cheapest option, its lifespan lasts between 10 and 15 years, depending on the quality of the shingle.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight material that needs to be paired with something else that can work as an insulating layer. Even with the perk of being lightweight, it doesn’t offer the energy efficiency or insulation that other roofing materials provide. Also, if a small amount of damage is done, the entire sheet will need to be replaced, which could become expensive. An upside to this material is that it can last between 30 and 60 years. However, this additional lifespan adds a higher cost, doubling the asphalt shingles.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Regarding durability, TPO lasts much longer than both asphalt shingles and aluminum. These roofs are also highly energy efficient since they are white and repel the sunlight. TPO is more common on flat roofs since installation is relatively simple. It is still possible to install this material on peaked roofs, but it can be more expensive. The price tag on this option is similar to the asphalt shingles. However, it is vital to have it installed correctly. Improper installation can lead to ripping and tear, causing leaks.
When You Can Repair Your Mobile Home Roof
The most common damage a mobile home can face is water damage. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most problematic issues if not fixed quickly. It’s important to note that older mobile homes are more prone to water damage. If you notice water damage within your home, it is crucial to contact a professional to see the extent of the damage. How long the damage has accumulated depends on whether it’s a simple patch job or an entire replacement.
As stated above, the roofing materials will likely need to be replaced entirely since mobile homes can’t withstand the extra weight. If there is no damage to the framing of your roof, it is possible to replace the shingles to eliminate the leaks. If the leaking area is minimal, it could be possible to replace that small area on the roof. However, this could potentially cause more leaking since the materials aren’t pieced together seamlessly.
When to Replace Your Mobile Home Roof
Unfortunately, some damage is beyond repair and needs wholly replaced. A professional can tell you when the damage has gone too far, but there are also some reasons you can be aware of.
What Can Happen if Not Fixed
Several bad things could happen if you have extensive damage to your roof and let it rot. Water is very damaging to roofing materials. If a leak continues, it could slowly deteriorate the roof’s supports. This creates soft spots on the roof, meaning the home’s wooden structure is rotting away. There is only so much a roof can take, and you could face a roof collapse. Not only will this cause more damage to the inside of the home, but it could potentially collapse the entire house and injure the residents within.
Another potential hazardous incident could be the growth of mold and mildew. Many different organisms grow in humid and moist environments that can cause harm to people. Some molds, such as Black Mold, are dangerous for people to inhale. This could cause serious health issues forcing you to replace flooring, walls, and/or windows, depending on the extent of the damage.
If a roofing issue persists, it can severely dent your electrical bill in the summer and winter. Both hot and cold air will escape in these damaged areas causing your furnace and air conditioner to work overtime. This could cause your air conditioner’s accessory parts to wear sooner than they should. Maintaining a consistent temperature with roofing issues is almost impossible without spending a fortune. It is the same as throwing money right into the trash.
Roofing issues on mobile homes are no joking matter. It is imperative to understand the signs of when you need to either replace or repair your roof. It is also essential to understand what type of roof and roofing material your mobile home has so you can take the proper steps to fix the potential issues.
