Options options options

[Chuck B.]

We are getting ready to pick out options for a new Silvercrest M-18. I know I want the Steel Floor, Hardi-PLank, #30 roof, but what about copper pipe vs the plastic stuff ? and whats the skinny on the Tech Sheild for better energy efficiency ? Anyone who has any other suggestions on what are MUST HAVE'S, I would appreciate your input. Every little bit helps ... and of course raises the cost !!!

Thanx

[Mark]

Copper vs plastic.

There's no functional difference between the two, copper takes longer to install and costs more. It will burst just as easily as pvc if frozen and is much harder to fix. Copper just 'looks' better, for those rare times you actually look at your plumbing.

Can't comment on tech-sheild, except the display in the store seemed valid.

What are some of your other options and what are the costs?

[mac]

If you have iron in your water, don't use copper pipes. They will corrode.

[annaz]

Can't help you much, but I did, as well, hear not to use copper pipes because of corrosion.

[martha]

I dont think the plastic is pvc- but they do gaurantee it to not burst up to 50 below. I think it is tuffpex. The one bad thing I have heard is that if you do have a problem in the middle of the night not just anyone can fix it. You have to have special tools or something to heat the pipe to stretch it or something. (But I am no expert on the stuff.) Nevertheless we will go with it. PH and Silvercrest both use it. So do others too. I would like to know if all the interior walls could be upgraded to 2x4 I just like it better aesthetically.

Did you visit the silvercrest factory?

[Chuck B.]

We havent been to the factory. I know the model we are looking at http://silvercrest.com/m18fp.htm has 2x6 exterior walls and 2x4 interior walls. All knowckdown drywall. They actually have the unit we want at a sales lot by us so it was nice being able to actually walk thru what you are getting.

[Martha]

The factory tour is so interesting. If you buy from them and can get to it while yoour house is in production that would be really cool!

I would recommend just going to see some manufacturer's factory because it is so fascinating! I have been to three different factories now. It was very interesting to see the differences. PH was very sterile and clean. Silvercrest was cool too. They actually bolt the sections together for part of the time to make sure that everything lines up. We also visited GWest.


Did you find out the price on the steel floor. They told us .37 a linear foot per section.

Also- who did you talk to about the plywood floor? The guy doing the factory tour said no plywood available.

[Eric S]

There are plumbing differences. Copper plumbing pipes in attic spaces in site built homes are subject to freezing and bursting in cold winters, while copper plumbing in site built concrete pads is subject to breaking when the concrete cracks and shifts, as it always seems to do eventually. Trying to find a leak in solid concrete usually means jack hammering up the whole length of the pipe out of the concrete from one end of the house to the other, because the water usually comes out somewhere other than where the actual leak is. Both of these options make the plumbing field highly lucrative for plumbers because all houses eventually settle or freeze.

In addition, a recent TV show on “This Old House” illustrated some other problems with copper pipes in site built homes. Flux used in constructing the pipe often travels down the inside of the pipe, eating pinholes through the pipe eventually, causing leaks throughout the whole house. As the water heaters in homes age, it releases iron filings into the copper pipes. These iron filings also corrode the pipe from the inside out, causing pinhole leaks eventually (usually while you are on vacation!). (3)

In addition, solder that has been used for many years in building copper plumbing systems contains lead, which leaches out into the water system. Galvanized pipe systems used lead paste to seal pipes together. This lead can be dangerous to children and adults drinking this household water, and the EPA has recognized this issue.

Manufactured homes are built with plastic pipe or tubing, which is much easier and cheaper to repair than copper. This kind of water pipe usually lasts for the life of the home. Flexible piping systems such as Pex are the norm for colder climates with manufactured homes, since they can freeze solid and usually resist bursting or cracking in spite of this.

Most plumbing in manufactured homes is made of CPVC, which is built to handle hot water. Manufactured homes route plumbing in the floor, above the insulation and next to the heating system, for maximum protection and ease of access in case repairs are needed. Check your pipe pressure in any case and keep it between 50 to 75 pounds per square inch to protect pipes, fixtures as well as appliances that use water. For more information, feel free to call Eric at 1-888-676-8105

[Chuck B.]

The salesperson called someone at the corona factory and she told him 3/4" plywood would run about $2k for a triple wide.