Rusty I-Beams!!!

[shadow745]

I have an on-frame Crestline Ranch Style Modular that's approximately 2,400 sq. ft. I'm not the original owner though. The house is approximately 6-7 years old. It is made of up 2 large sections (14' x 72 or so') and there's a 3rd section added on as a family room that's about half the length of the 2 main sections. It's very well constructed and properly setup. Only problem I have is there was a piece of ductwork loose in one area and over several years that caused (I think anyway) some rust on 1 of the I-Beams that supports the 3rd section. I plan on brushing/sanding the surface rust off and then apply some sort of rust converter. Is there anything else that can be done? There are plenty of vents around the house (brick) and really dry underneath. Thanks for any info.

[David Oxhandler]

Minor surface rust is not a serious problem and can be found on the frame of most homes after several years.

The wire brush and sanding followed by a heavy coat of a good grade Rustoleum type paint should resolve your concerns... You can go a step more and apply one of the do-it-yourself undercoating products offered in most auto parts stores.

I live in an area where humidity is high most of the year and was more concerned with the beginning of mold accumulation under my home. We installed a fan system, designed to be installed in an attic, that is thermostat and humidistat controlled. When the temperature or humidity go over a set point the fan activates and circulates air under my home. We purchased this at the local Lowes

This was a relatively easy, cosmeticaly appropriate, and inexpensive fix considering the other possibility of cutting through and adding additional vents to the stucco skirting.

[john arendsen]

What level of rust are you dealing with? If it is just surface rust then the advice you've received regarding wire brushing and protective rust coatings is fine. However, if the rust has exacerbated into something more pervasive and invasive i.e. metal fatique or overt decomposition (crumbling and falling apart or deminishing layers of rust) then you have another problem that will ultimately have to be addressed or it will only become worse. During the past 25 years we have repaired thousands of feet of rusted and/or damaged beams, outrigers and cross menbers and have come to realize that rust is a cancer of sorts if allowed to go untreated to the point where it becomes deteriorated.

If this is the case you may have to hire a contractor who is experienced in removing and replacing damaged steel beams, outriggers and/or cross members of the mainframe chasis. This is a delicate and possibly volitile procedure as it often times requires the need for welding under your home which can produce a fire hazzard. However, if the damage is not extensive or it is not threatening the structural integrity of the home overall all you may have to do is provide some back-up bracing under and around the damaged area.

Ususally the only time metal fatique or decomposition is ever called into question is if you plan to move the home in which case the mainframe would have to be deemed "road worthy" by your transporter before they would consent to move the home. Hope this helps.

John DL Arendsen
On The Level General Contractors
800 909-1110