water in lower wall

[Laura]

We have a 1987 Ardmore doublewide. It has the LP siding, not metal. We started by finding an ant farm in my daughter's east facing wall. We then noticed mildew forming at the BOTTOM of the wall, where the wall meets the floor. We got rid of the ants and replaced the wall board and sealed the outside siding with oil-based primer (to be painted this summer) thinking the siding was acting as a sponge when we got driving rains. Now her South facing wall has actual water damage to the carpet along the bottom of the wall. We sealed this wall a bit, but not as well as the east wall. Her carpet was damp, and there is mildew growing where the wall meets the floor. Where is this water coming from? And why is it only affecting the bottom of the wall? I have been under the home more than once. It's great under there - spidery, but clear and dry. I am perplexed. If it were the roof, wouldn't there be damage at the top of the wall? We have three-tab roofing, not metal.

Any help is great.

[Tom]

Without a complete inspection, we can only guess. Two places that need a close look at, the roof and the siding. Im betting the roof, but its only a guess. Also, take a close look around your windows for a proper seal. Its very hard to tell what path water takes, so the fact that its accumulating at the bottom of the wall doesnt really tell us much other than gravity is taking it there. Tom

[Laura]

Oh, thanks so much for a reply!!!

Why are you pretty sure it is the roof? It could very well be - but, if it is the roof, why am I not seeing the water stain on the ceiling at all in that room? And since we have three-tab "regular house" roof, what would I look for on the roof to tell? There are no vents over her room, but her room is adjacent to the bathroom. Could that much water travel from the bathroom vent if that is the leak? I can't imagine it just goes through the roofing material?

My thought was the siding, because when I took the drywall off, the siding was wet INSIDE the wall along the fake seams in the (outside) pattern of the siding. My thought was that the fake seams were thinner and since the home apparently wasn't well-maintained before we got it, that the paint/primer was thin and the water was soaking through. That was my prayer at least since I can primer and paint with the best of them - just not replace a roof!!

If you were to inspect the house, where would you start? Are you anywhere near Tacoma, WA??

Sorry if I sound desperate. It's just that my teenager is now forced to share a room with my 7 year old and there is soon to be WW III . . .

Laura

[Tom]

My advice to you would be to get a pro to look at the home. Reason being, its costing you money the longer you wait to get this repaired. Even if you decide to do the work yourself, at least you know where to start.

If you do not know of a local MH repairman, here is some advice on how to find one.

Look in your local phone book yellow pages under manufactured homes/parts/service/repair. If your in a small town go to the next larger one.

Contact MH park managers, they are an excellent source of information.

Network with your fellow MH owners, see who they recommend for repairs.

A Note, if your income meets certain criteria, your local county community services may be able to assist you in these repairs. The name of the office differs depending where you are. In my county its Community Action Counsel. They may be able to provide you with a no interest or low interest loan. Use them, thats what they are there for. Tom