The Manufactured Housing Forums

Dear MHR&R,

First of all I want to thank you for your web site. I would like to buy a single wide mobile home that I saw in my town. However, it needs some work. First, the ceiling collapsed and some of the rafters in the living room sag. At this moment the rafters are visible. There are no tiles or ecoustic panels. I would like to know if you would tell me how to repair the rafters? Also what kind of wood would I use? I would also like to know if there are some tips you could share with me because it is an old trailer and I wouldnt want to put too much weight on the ceiling or do anything that might damage or ruin it. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Juan Varela
P.S. Please reply to my letter at [email protected] and once again thank you.

Juan,

Thank you for the compliment on the site. Mr. Oxhandler has done a great deal of work putting all this all together and its nice to hear from people that appreciate the work done.

In regards to your question, its hard to speak of repairing rafters when we don't know how bad "damaged is".
I would say that as long as you have enough good wood and wanted to splice in new lumber, you should be okay. Be sure when replacing a section of lumber that you add plates to each joint to help with the strength and to make sure they wont come apart again.

I also see no reason even on 2x2 rafters and 24" span that 3/8" sheetrock shouldn't work. Any drywall supply company offers 3/8" sheetrock. You can add batt insulation, or if you want you can also cut holes high in the roof peak and use blow-in insulation. When your done, simply install roof vents to cover your holes from the insulation.

That's my $.02 worth. Hopefully others will offer advice on your question as well. You may also give your local building inspector a call and ask for some advice there also. Could save you $$ down the road. Sometimes your better off safe than sorry!

Good Luck
-Tracy
www.mbqc.com