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Water Leak under my 1985 skylline

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 3:27 pm
by dondi
i had a water leak, now my floor is sagging behind the refrigerator and front door. i know it needs to have two floor jack supports, but where exactly do i cut the insulation? only thing thats visible is the steel trailer beams and the insulation. do i cut it where i think its sagging? and how do i repair it its all new to me, but i would like to try. i have a few pics of undercarraige not sure if i can post thanks

Water Leak under my 1985 skylline

Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:22 am
by David Oxhandler
Start just below the spots where you see the water damage in the home and continue in all directions removing all insulation that may have gotten wet. Moisture cause mold to grow, especially as we move in to warmer weather. Water could also cause problems for the flooring above and attract termites.

It is likely that there is a plumbing leak above the spot that is damp. This is a minor repair. If you have not worked on your homes plumbing before read Understanding and Installing Manufactured Housing Waterlines

Install rolled insulation from below.  Once the insulation is in place you can purchase rolled vapor barrier material. The material is called bottom board but is a rolled product woven from high density polyethylene coated with a continuous layer of black low density polyethylene.

This is also install it from below, by stapling it to the bottom of the floor joist as you roll it out, overhead. The insulation is supported by the belly board below the floor joists permitting warm air from the floor ducts to prevent the plumbing under the floor from freezing.

You can order several types or a kit for your exact size home by searching for "bottom board" at The Mobile Home Parts Store

For details about installing insulation under a floor, and important safety tips see How to Install Fiberglass Insulation and Crawl Space Insulation, from the U.S. Dept of Energy.

Re: Water Leak under my 1985 skylline

Posted: Thu May 05, 2011 8:03 pm
by dondi
i need help trying to raise sagging floor from water leak can i place jacks on insulation with a board between them to try raise floor or must i cut thru insulation to get to beam i never did this before help appreciated thanks

Re: Water Leak under my 1985 skylline

Posted: Thu May 05, 2011 10:06 pm
by David Oxhandler
Oh!

I don't think you will be able to jack up the sagging floor. It sounds like you have water soaked particleboard floor decking. The decking is swollen between the floor joist. You have to cut out all the effected floor decking area and replace with new. Use plywood or exterior grade OSB.

If you have never done this before get help from someone that has. If you are handy you can DOWNLOAD The Manual for Manufactured Home Repair & Upgrade


The Manual has a full section on how to replace bad flooring.

Re: Water Leak under my 1985 skylline

Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 7:14 am
by dondi
thanks but i had someone in to look at it, he said he would raise the floor and install new plywood for $1,200 its to much i want to try it myself just wanted to know if i should cut belly board to get at floor beams to place jacks or can i try raiseing it without cutting?

Re: Water Leak under my 1985 skylline

Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 7:30 am
by David Oxhandler
You CAN NOT raise the low areas by jacking. You will lift the home off the foundation or crack a floor joist. If the problem is swollen decking you will have to replace the floor boards. Seek better local advice

Re: Water Leak under my 1985 skylline

Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 1:13 pm
by Celtlund
Check the phone book, on line, or with a manufactured home dealer to find a reputable MH repair person. Get some estimates from them and go for it. David is right, the floor will have to be replaced, not "reinforced and jacked."

Re: Water Leak under my 1985 skylline

Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 8:16 pm
by dondi
wow thamks guys i thought this guy was reliable when he said he would jack it up then put plywood over top i will get another estimate