Rain on Dirt Pad

[NicoleDumas]

Our dirt pad was laid May 14, 2024. Our double wide was placed with a moisture barrier on April 25. Since then, we have been making the connections to the home but have suffered many delays. The pad continues to get rained on and shows erosion along the edges of the foundation. Water is not getting under the house, though. Our mobile home company told us not to do any landscaping until they come put on our vinyl skirting.

Is the rain erosion a cause for concern? Is there anything we should do to fix it?

[unlikemine]

Soil erosion due to rain is inevitable. Where I live, it happens often. The only way we can reduce the damage is to add more soil and sand.

[Benjamin]

Yes, the rain erosion along the edges of your foundation is a cause for concern.

[rivercorn]

I think that soil erosion due to rain will have a very negative impact on the lives and safety of people in highland areas.

[charlieoliver]

Yes, erosion around the edges of your foundation pad could be a concern if it worsens, as it may affect stability over time. To prevent further erosion, you could consider temporary measures like adding gravel or erosion-control fabric around the edges, even before the vinyl skirting is installed. retro bowl

[ladygaga]

Continuous rain can wash away soil from the edges of the pad, which may lead to instability near the foundation. Over time, if left unchecked, this could cause uneven settling of the mobile home.

[mobilehomecrew]

Our dirt pad was laid May 14, 2024. Our double wide was placed with a moisture barrier on April 25. Since then, we have been making the connections to the home but have suffered many delays. The pad continues to get rained on and shows erosion along the edges of the foundation. Water is not getting under the house, though. Our mobile home company told us not to do any landscaping until they come put on our vinyl skirting.

Is the rain erosion a cause for concern? Is there anything we should do to fix it?

Dealing with erosion and delays can be frustrating, but you're doing the right thing by staying proactive. Based on what you've shared, here are some considerations and steps you might take:

Is the Erosion a Concern?
Erosion around the edges of the foundation can be concerning if it continues unchecked. While water isn't currently getting under the house, erosion can undermine the stability of the pad over time, which could lead to future issues like uneven settling or difficulty with landscaping later.

What Can You Do Now?
Temporary Erosion Control:

Lay down straw, mulch, or erosion-control fabric along the edges to minimize further erosion.
Consider placing sandbags or other barriers around the most affected areas to help redirect rainwater.
Drainage Improvements:

If safe and feasible, create a slight slope or trench around the pad to divert water away from the foundation. This can be done without disrupting the dirt pad itself.
Coordinate With Your Mobile Home Company:

It’s worth discussing your concerns with the company directly. Ask if the erosion might impact the installation of the vinyl skirting or future stability of the home.
Confirm if there’s a timeline for their visit and whether interim steps like those above might affect their work.
Avoid Landscaping Until Directed:

Follow their advice about waiting to landscape until after the skirting is installed. However, you can prepare by planning a landscaping design that promotes good drainage, like planting grass or installing gravel around the base after their work is completed.
Long-Term Considerations:
Once the skirting is installed, you’ll want to address the erosion more permanently by stabilizing the soil, improving drainage, and possibly installing a French drain or similar system if heavy rain is common in your area.

Erosion isn’t an immediate threat in your case since water isn’t reaching under the house, but it’s wise to address it now to avoid compounding issues later. Let me know if you'd like more tips on drainage solutions or erosion prevention!