Exception for Thermal Zones?

[peasantgirl]

I posted this as a reply to another topic but I'm not sure it will get seen there so I am posting it again here. Hope that's OK.

Here is my dilemma: My property is directly on the state line between VA and NC. I live in VA and I want to buy a mobile home that is 1/2 mile away in NC and move it onto my property in VA but the MH is rated Zone I.

However, the MH is an '85 and the dataplate shows a different zone map than what the current maps (on the internet) show. That dataplate shows the lower half being zone I, the upper half of the US being zone II, and only Alaska being zone III. The dividing line is still there between NC and VA, though (between Zone I and II). I was hoping maybe the MH is old enough to not have to meet today's standards for thermal zoning? Anyone have any idea where a Zone I from '85 would fall under today's standards?

Any advice? Are exceptions made, maybe for properties that are so close to the state line? Or, can a MH's insulation be modifed to meet the higher code? Can I steal the dataplate off a MH from a Zone III area and substitute it for the dataplate that's in there now? JK!

Someone once told me that the power company would not hook up the power to a MH that does not meet the zone requirement. How do they determine what zone it is? Do they have to see the dataplate? What if the dataplate is missing? Or do I just tell them what zone it is? Or do they check that with the building inspector? How does all that work?

Thanks for any advice anyone can offer!

[rmurray]

Usually the only legal reference to the zone maps is concerning the wind zones.Federal law REQUIRES all home in the coastal areas specifically meet the requirement..I Do not think the thermo zone maps have changed since 1985...In your case I think I would call the local power company and get answers from the horse mouth...Trying to cheat the rules will only cause you more trouble..In my days in the industry, I have never heard of an electric company that had special rules...

[peasantgirl]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I don't know anything about the thermal zone maps other than that the building inspector here told me that VA is in Thermal Zone III. But I have a picture of the dataplate on the MH in question that shows the US being divided into 3 zones and ONLY Alaska was Zone III. But they were called "CLIMATE Zones", not THERMAL zones. There was no mention of thermal zones anywhere on the dataplate.

I can post the pic if that would help.

[trmimo]

The thermal zones did change in the early 90's as I recall. The data plate on the home is the one that should be enforced. The inspector is not supposed to issue a building permit and consequently a certificate of occupancy if the home is not built for the zone it is placed in. If you did get an exception, you would be the one to suffer as this home would be expensive to heat and difficult to keep comfortable.
A home must be placed in the correct zones for roof load, wind load, thermal (insulation) and for newer homes, humidity. Remember, these are the minimums to meet code. There are many used homes available, you can find one that is suited to your area.

[peasantgirl]

Thanks for the input. I talked to the local building inspector and he is going to give me a waiver on the zone issue. This is based on the fact that the home is currently less than a mile from where I want to set it up and therefore the weather/climate is the same. We are aware of possible heating/cooling issues and will upgrade the heat pump (plus there is a woodstove) and install top of the line ceiling fans in all rooms. And I don't know much about windows, but I know there some sort of good windows (thermalpane?) that can be installed to help with preventing heat loss?

As far as the other zones (roof and wind) they are acceptable.

The owner is selling this MH for a song as the land he is on was sold out from under him and he has to move. We were looking at a new doublewide last Saturday and it was 45k to start, and 55k after all extra fees/expenses (such as the heat pump, etc.). This used MH that we have decided to buy is only going to cost a small fraction of that 55k which leaves me lots and lots of $$ to customize it. YAY! And it really needs very little to make it very nice. Just paint and new flooring mostly. The kitchen is going to be completely redone but that is the only major project.

Thanks for all the advice here, I love this site!

[David Oxhandler]

Congratulations !!

Sounds like you got lucky and found a building official that put being human over being in charge. Your choice of a pre-owned home makes a lot of sense, New is ALWAYS nice but also expensive. There are hundreds of thousands previously owned manufactured homes across the country that are perfectly good.

I know because I live in a 1984 Fleetwood that we purchased in the mid 90's. We have consistently upgraded improved and expended it and would not trade it for any new home on the market today.

[peasantgirl]

Exactly! The new one we looked at was "pretty" but I had a strong feeling that I was going to be paying through the nose for nothing but fancy veneer and a nice color palette. I leaned against a wall at one point, while taking a picture, and the wall "gave" so much that I thought I might go right through it. Plus, the cabinets under the island in the kitchen were already separating from the unit. And this MH hadn't even been lived in; it was just a model. I hate to think how quickly the materials used would disintegrate under real-world living conditions.

The one we've decided to buy is 25 years old but I swear it is better quality than the new one and it has been taken care of. And I can make sure that any repairs are done with good materials.

Yes, I got lucky with the building inspector - one of the advantages of living in a small, rural county.

Thanks to everyone for the replies and advice!