settling

[Ted Kinnear]

We just moved into our first MH, a 1985 Fuqua double-wide, (65' long). Our problem is that one or both halves are settling on the outside and causing the two halves to open in the middle (interior only) with a long, narrow "V" from bottom to top. I have been thinking of tackling this job myself, but I need some advice on just how to do it without causing the walls to crack or ending up with other problems. I know the best advice would be to have an expert do it, but it just doesn't seem like it would be that hard. Any help like what size/type jacks, how many, where to position them, etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks, Ted

[Tracy Mason]

Ted,

The questions you ask really cant be answered. Each set is like a fingerprint... There is no other like it anywhere. This is why calling in the experts is my opinion. I have been in manufactured homes for many years, both fixing and in sets and I cant tell you how many times something went wrong in just a split second. I have lost 3 friends to houses that have fallen as well.. Its well worth the few hundeds of dollars to have it done. It would be a bid different if your telling me that you have a block set loose, but when you talking about a home opening up----call in the pros!

[John]

I agree, call the pros. One of the main reasons for seperation is the lack of proper or adequate perimeter bracing which counteracts and nuturalizes the tendency for the home to settle on the sides. Drywall in particular with the added wall weight will definitely cause exterior wall settling unless you have a load bearing skirting wall to absorb the load. Any attempts by an amature could and probably would exacerbate your problem.