Particle board floors Buckling

[mikem]

We purchased Redman home already set up on a lot a year and a half ago. Starting this summer my floors are buckling in various spots throughout the house. I have been underneath the house many times to chec for water leaks and only this past week noticed the insulation sagging and full of water. I cut holes to allow water to drain and after it drained out , no more water dripping so it kind of ruled out water leak. But I did notice no insulation on duct work and the metal duct is covered with condensation. I believe this is where the water is coming from. Has anyone else had this problem? We live in East Texas so it is very humid. Shouldn't this duct be wrapped with insulation? I feel this is a manufacture flaw. My wife does like the house very cool wich is why it probably didn't do it to the previous owner. Wanting a house to be 70 to 75 degrees should be ok without ruining floors. Anyone had any similar problems?

[trmimo]

the cold thermostat is likely at least part of the problem. When you set the thermostat below the outside dew point, you will get condensation. Setting the thermostat too low in a hot, humid climate causes severe damage to any home, even without particleboard floors. You may also have a leaking duct which will make this worse. The holes you made will make the problem worse and need to be patched, and the wet insulation needs to be replaced.

[David Oxhandler]

We are in Central Florida, one of the most humid places in the East. If you had a big accumulation of water it is likely that you DO have a waterline leak. The volume of water from condensation is generally not enough to cause an accumulation as you described.

While the leak may not have been visible from the spot you opened the belly it is possible that the leak is under another area and that the water is traveling to a low point. It is possible that the leak is dripping onto the duct work and following it to a low point.

If you are on a central water system close all the water faucets in and outside your home. Be sure that none of your toilets are running. Then find your water meter. If the meter show water running thru it you can be sure you have a leak.

If you are on a private water system, again shut all outlets and sit by your tank for a while. If you hear the pump turn on while all faucets are closed, again you know you have a waterline leak.

One of the best tools to have in your plumbing repair kit is a cheap $10 stethoscope, available from most pharmacies. This is the tool your doctor uses to listen to heart or lungs, it works great for hearing where the leak is too. With just a bit of patience, you can narrow down the location of a leak to within a foot or less.

If you don’t have much experience in plumbing repair check out the book that covers all facets of manufactured home repair The Manual for Manufactured Home Repair & Upgrade Available in print or e-book version for instant download.