Putting together a double wide

[Lisa]

We have purchased a used double wide and had it placed on the property. It is not yet complete as far as the water and elec. The foundation has been laid though. When we were able to get into the house I noticed that I can see through a gap in the house were it comes together approx. 1/2 inch. I have been told that this is normal and the flooring will lay over this. Is this right? It just doesn't seem correct to me. It seems like it would be very hard to heat not to mention possibly something poking a hole through. You advice would be appreciated.

[Eugene]

The joint between the two sections is required to have a gasket or seal to limit air infiltration. If you don't have this gasket, you will have problems, especailly where the conditioned air escapes up through the ceiling joint.
Now, most manufacturers let you have a gap between the sections, but the gap must be shimmed solid with wood.
In a practical sense...if the gasket is there, a 1/2 " gap won't affect anything.

[Roy T. Bonney]

This gap will have to be sealed. The installation manual will give you alternatives to make the seal. If home is already lagged together, and the seal was not made prior to the marriage, your best bet is going to be expanding foam, such as "great stuff". This can also be accomplished with insulation or carpet padding, by most manufacturers recommendations.

[Pendragon]

The gap in the flooring needs to be filled with floor leveling compound (sort of a cross between drywall mud and concrete).

Nothing else will make an acceptable filler. High heels would go right through carpet padding, and the gap would eventually show due to lack of support.