short doors/privacy

[Marie]

My mother is just about to move into her new MH. One big issue we have noticed is that the interior doors are extremely short which leads to a sound/privacy issue - particularly concerning the bathroom. Does anyone make an long sweep or something to put on the doors to reach to the carpet and muffle sound? Is there a reason the doors are so short?

Thanks,
Marie

[Roy T. Bonney]

"undercut" doors are a code compliant method that the manufacturer may use to provide the required air return for the home. It allows the cooler air in these rooms to be pulled back to the furnace to be reheated. Blocking this avenue of return, may cause problems down the road. Another alternative often used is to have vents positioned above the doors.

[Marie]

These doors also have vents located in the bottom portion of the doors. Is this not sufficient for air flow if we block the bottom of the doors? This is the first MH anyone in my family has purchased. Why is this air return a problem in MH, but not in traditionally constructed homes?

Thanks for your response to my first question.
Marie

[Roy T. Bonney]

Sorry but the returns are necessary. In most stick built construction there is an extra duct line run just to form the return air. Not so in manufactured housing. The air must be pulled thru out the home back to its original source (furnace) to be reheated and again distributed in the home. This is the purpose of the grill or louvered front on the furnace. Blocking its path will lead to uneven heat in those rooms blocked off.

[Marie]

Well, that clears it up. Thanks so much!!