Every home came with set-up instructions showing where to put supports under the home.
Well, it’s been twenty years and set-up instructions are a surprise. You didn’t even know such a thing existed! How do you know the home is set-up properly?
The Anchorage Municipal Building Code has the answer. Well, not exactly the same as your home manufacturer might have set-up the home, but the Municipal Code is based on current information and that helps ensure your family’s safety is first and foremost.
When setting the home, always check the local codes first. Currently the Anchorage Municipal code requires support as follows:
No less than 5’ from front & rear and no less than 8’ apart.
If your home is set to this minimum, you can probably sleep in comfort knowing your home is at least reasonably secure. (Ideally there should be supports every 5').
Some home owners actually have original set-up instructions and there is only one real distinct difference between municipal code and manufacturers set-up instructions and that is the added placement of supports under each exterior door, on both sides.
There two large, heavy, steel I-beams running the whole length of the home about 3' from the outside edge. The idea that the steel I-beam would bend enough to make opening and closing a door, only 36” wide, in the middle of this huge steel beam difficult just doesn’t sound possible. Well, the hard core truth is: that huge steel I-beam bends, so there should be a support under both sides of the door.
The home is set properly, there are supports under each side of the door, why does the door change every freeze and thaw?
This one is easy. This is the biggest mistake home owners make and it is something that only happens in Alaska. 99.99% of the problem is a fixed skirting system. To correct this problem read the article on “Skirting” in Stuff about Mobile Homes and learn how to stop those doors from changing.
If your home is set properly and your skirting is not a fixed system that touches the ground and you still have problems with the doors, then you have a severe frost heave issue. Unless you can find a way to divert water away from the home, you'll just have to get used to it.
We will be adding more subjects that can help improve your home and your investment.
If you have some tips, please let us know so we can include them here.
Send your tips to: postmaster@reallyneatstuffalaska.com