Cavalier Home Roof Construction

[RoofMaker]

Thanks in advance for considering my question. How can I find out the type of roof construction for a Cavalier Homes Bellcrest? I sold a PV solar roof mount system to the owner and need to satisfy the local building inspector that the home can handle the loads. The Serial Number is BL02GA0210688AB. I called the GA plant where the home was built and the plant is now closed. I then called the AL plant but could not get many specifics. Obtaining the roof contruction details would help the engineer I hired complete his load calculations for the local building inspector. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Oh ya, the home is wind zone 3. Thanks again.

[David Oxhandler]

You should be able to find out the MINIMUM construction standard set by HUD for a zone 3 home for the year your home was built. Contact the Institute for Building Technology and Safety, the national resource for information related to manufactured housing construction.

Every manufactured home I have worked on was built with a truss/rafter system. most are set on 16 inch centers. Economy brands have at times used 24 inch centers. Usually a close inspection of the ceiling can determine the spacing. The type and thickness of lumber, placement of gussets and type of fasteners (nails, staples, screws) varies from builder to builder and year to year.

If all else fails you can open the ceiling in a closet to inspect the truss system above the ceiling. A closet is my favorite place. When I'm done I can make repairs to the ceiling that don't necessarily have to match the rest of the home. There is a strong possibility that original ceiling panes that are no longer available.

Be aware, that above the ceiling panels you should find a plastic vapor barrier, that the insulation is sitting on. Make every attempt to not penetrate the plastic when you cut the ceiling panels. If there is blown insulation up there you will have a mess on your hands (and head). Be prepared to restore the insulation and fully reseal the plastic. I like to make a removable ceiling inspection panel so the owner can have access if needed in the future, and can check that the plastic repair continues to hold up.

I am in Florida. The state agency that regulates mobile home dealers and installers maintains factory installation manuals for several years. Find out who is responsible for installation licensing or mobile home warranty enforcement in your state. There is a good chance they will have the manuals including a plan of the roof system.

Alternatively, search out one or more local dealers who carried that brand or an experienced installer who might have a file of installation manuals.

[RoofMaker]

Thank you! I will work on it.