Manufactured home frame differences...

[Stephen]

Are there frame differences between the frames of single wide manufactured homes of the 1970’s and the homes built today?

What exactly are "outriggers"? Does this pertain to a beam that extends out from the main beams? If so...can these outriggers be strengthened to withstand larger loads?

I have seen very old single wide homes (late 70’s-80’s) that once had metal roofs, and that now have shingled roofs, along with what appears to be a 3/12 pitch. I looked at one closely today, and I didn’t see any external evidence of it having been modified so as to strengthen the walls for increased load capacity nor did I see what is called a “stem foundation” either.

Do you have any thoughts as to how this could have been accomplished?

When did the industry begin using 6 inch walls, standard trusses and shingles for single wide manufactured homes?

The roof of my mobile home is somewhat round, thin, and is galvanized steel...not aluminum. It has been patched in various places with roof cement, which has been effective in keeping the water out of the home.

What would you suggest that I do regarding re-roofing?

Stephen

[Bill Fry]

Outriggers are steel supports that extend from about the bottom of the outer walls to the outer steel beam of each section.They help tranfer the load from the walls to the beam(to the block foundation under the beams).
Iif your home has at least 2* 4 wall studs on 16 inch centers it can probably hold a low pitched roof.Many older homes(60's and 70s' vintage) have wall studs that are 2*2 or even thinner.Yout other area of concern would be added foundation support for your outer walls.Some perimeter blocking could help but without looking at your specific home's construction I can't say for sure.