Increased weight on a mobile home frame...

[Stephen]

I have a 1978 Marshfield that has a metal roof, 2x4 exterior walls, and interior paneling. I need to redo the roof, and was wondering if I am can utilize standard trusses, and shingles, as well as ½ in. drywall on the walls and ceiling.

My question is...can the frame handle the increased weight?

Thanks to all who respond...

Stephen

[Bill Fry]

I would say more then likely no to a standard roof unless you have a stem wall foundation.You would have to get a enginneer to calcuate the loads on your existing walls to be sure.Outriggers from steeI- beams in your frame handle loads from exterior walls .They usually will not handle much more load then they were designed for.

[Stephen]

Bill,

What are "outriggers" and can they be strengthened to withstand larger loads?

I have seen the type of roofs that are common on stick built homes on other very old single wide homes in my area, and one mobile home has a steel roof on it. I looked at one closely today, and I didn’t see any external evidence of it having been modified so as to strengthen the walls.

Do you have any thoughts as to how this could have been accomplished?

The roof that my mobile home has is somewhat round, very thin, and is galvanized steel...not aluminum. It has been patched with roof cement, which has been effective in keeping the water out of the home.

What would you suggest that I do regarding re-roofing?

Stephen