Is your mobile home roof failing? Then it may be time for a roof over or replacement. Check out our guide for tips about the process.
Wooden pitched roof frames
When you think of your home, what would you consider the most important part? Many would say the foundation since it supports the entire house.
However, another critical area is the roof. It protects your property from harsh weather conditions and other ailments.
But there are times when your mobile home roof can start to deteriorate, leaving you in a challenging position. Do you replace the roof entirely or go for a roofover? If you’re unsure about what to do, keep reading for some valuable roof over tips.
What Is a Roof Over?
A mobile home roof over is the process of placing new roof material over your existing roof. You usually don’t replace any material, which helps you cut down on costs and time spent on the job.
Also, it gives you the perfect opportunity to update the look of your mobile home. As a result, its value will increase.
Related: Do Mobile Homes Appreciate in Value? The Answer May Surprise You!
Are There Advantages Of Mobile Home Roof Overs?
Some people may be skeptical about doing a roof over since you’re only putting an extra layer on top of your pre-existing roof. It may add excess weight to your home, but it will also provide additional protection.
Let’s look at some other benefits of completing a mobile home roofover.
Pitched Roof vs. Flat Roof
For years, mobile homes with flat roofs were trendy. However, as time progressed, many manufacturers started building mobile homes with pitched roofs. But why?
Flat roofed mobile homes brought about maintenance issues such as:
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The need for constant recoating due to the weather elements
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Lack of drainage areas leaving water puddled on the roof
So if you’re doing a mobile home roof over, be sure to go with a pitched roof. You’ll have a modern-looking home that can handle weather conditions.
However, before installing your pitched roof over your flat roof, make sure to fix any existing leaks or issues. If you don’t, water can get trapped between the two roofs and cause substantial damage to your property.
Temperature Control
Some individuals may still live in a mobile home built before 1976. These mobile homes do not follow current regulations provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As a result, your energy costs tend to be higher since there’s no insulation.
However, by doing a roof over, you can put that extra money back into your pocket by improving the insulation in the property. By turning your flat roof into a pitched roof, it will make your home more energy-efficient, especially during the winter months.
If you live in a hotter climate, don’t worry. Most roof over materials will reflect sunlight which will help keep your property’s temperature down.
Are you curious about the different types of mobile homes you can buy? Home Nation has the answers to all of your questions!
Two white mobile homes
Related: Mobile Home Remodeling: The Ultimate Guide
Materials To Use For Your Roofover
Now that you have an overview of roofovers and some of their benefits, we need to discuss the materials you should use. Each provides its own advantages; however, it is up to you to choose the material you believe is best suited for your property.
Metal/Aluminum
When doing a roof over, people opt for using metal since it comes with a plethora of benefits such as:
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Not needing to remove any parts of the original roof
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Providing budget stability while completing your roof over project
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An extended lifespan of 50 years on your mobile home roof, so no maintenance is required
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Additional insulation
The only potential downside to having a metal roof is the upfront cost. If you’re in a single-wide home, prices will range between $1000 - $2000. However, double-wide will be between $1500 - $3000.
Asphalt Shingles
Most people that do a roof over try to avoid using asphalt shingles because of some of the problems associated with it, such as:
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The uncertainty around its lifespan
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Water damage problems
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The heaviness of the material
However, it isn’t all bad when it comes to installing an asphalt roof. Here are some benefits of doing so:
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Most contractors are comfortable installing this roofing material
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Cheaper to install than other roofing materials
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Installations usually take less than a day
Before deciding on an asphalt roof over, double-check and see if your house will benefit from it in any way. But if you previously had an asphalt roof, you should not add another asphalt layer on top. It will weigh down your home tremendously and cause damage to its structure.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
Thermoplastic Polyolefin or TPO is a reflective rubber mat that can be fitted on your original roof’s frame or applied directly to your roof. You can use them for flat or pitched roofs. Some benefits of TPO include:
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Inexpensive materials
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Using white materials to increase reflecting properties, but you can use black and gray too
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Easy installation
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Increases your home’s energy efficiency
TPO is a relatively new product in roofing, so some manufacturers are still figuring out how much the material can handle. However, using it can reduce your energy bills by a tremendous amount.
A man working on a roofing project
Related: One Change Makes All the Difference
Completing Your Roof Over
With the different materials covered, it’s time to start your roof over. Don’t worry; the process isn’t as hard as it looks. But if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire
contractors.
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The first step is assessing your roof’s condition. If there are any leaks, you’ll see dark spots on your ceiling or peeling wallpaper.
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After fixing the minor issues, it’s time to decide on the material you want to use. You can either buy the materials yourself or have a contractor do it.
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Installation methods will vary greatly depending on the material you choose. However, roofing kits will come with installation instructions to guide you through the process.
Again, if you’re not comfortable completing the roof over by yourself, always seek the help of a professional. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re wasting money because your attempt didn’t go as planned.
Completing your roof over is the first step to improving the quality of your property. You’ll be able to increase your home’s weather resistance and boost insulation, resulting in lower energy bills. Start your roof over today.
To learn more about quality single and double-wide mobile homes, contact Home Nation!
