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Protect Your Manufactured Home from Flooding

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:41:30 +0000

This winter is shaping up to be among the wettest in recent memory, with seemingly every region of the country experiencing above-normal levels of precipitation. Massive snow-bearing bomb cyclones in the Midwest and Northeast, tropical storms drenching the Gulf states, atmospheric rivers deluging the West Coast – the past few months have clearly demonstrated that climate change not only increases the planet’s temperature but also the amount of rain and snow we are likely to receive.

This above-normal precipitation cannot help but increase the likelihood of localized flooding, no matter where you live or time of year. This should be of particular concern to owners of manufactured housing which, by its very nature, is more susceptible to being swept away by raging waters than traditional homes. Here are a few constructive steps you can take to minimize that risk, both this winter and in the years to come.

Risk Evaluation: The first step in flood protection is to determine how likely you are to suffer a flood and how well your home is prepared to withstand it. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has online maps covering your area’s general flood risk and such relevant structures as bridges, dams and levees. After locating the relevant map, make sure to note the year it was made – some are outdated and cannot accurately reflect the current flood risk.

Take Out Some Insurance: Once you determine there is a substantial flood risk, the next step is to contact a flood insurance agent to determine your home’s specific flood level – that is, the height to which waters could rise as a result of flooding. Ideally, homes should be built above this level. Armed with this information, work with your agent to purchase the proper flood insurance either through the National Flood Insurance Program or as an addendum to your existing homeowner’s policy.

Prioritize Renovations: It’s vital that owners of manufactured homes stay current on repairs and renovations and that to-do list must include steps to reduce potential flood damage. These can include raising your home on stilts or piers; installing foundation vents or a sump pump; applying coatings and sealings to your foundation, walls, windows and doorways to help prevent flood water from leaking into the house; installing check valves on pipes to prevent a flooded sewage system from backing up; grading your lawn away from the house so that surface runoff empties into an appropriate place; leaving space between mulch and siding so that the base of your house can completely dry after rainstorms; and pointing your downspouts away from your home so water cannot pool at the corners of your house.

Deadly Combination: It’s should be no shock to learn that water and electricity don’t play well together. To minimize their combined risk in the case of a flood, make sure all your home’s outlets, switches, sockets and circuit breakers are at least one foot above flood level. In addition, you should protect your home’s internal and external appliances by raising them above the flood level. This can be done fairly inexpensively by placing them on concrete blocks.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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New Year’s Resolutions for Your Mobile Home

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 23:12:10 +0000

New Year’s resolutions have gotten a bad rap in recent years, with mental health professionals noting that – whatever the positive, life-enhancing motives behind them – our January wish lists are rarely rooted in reality. The result is that too many people are plunged into depression when they realize they will not achieve a favorite, albeit unachievable, goal. Personal resolutions are a no-win situation.

That said, there is something about having a fresh start each January 1 that feels good and exciting. Perhaps the answer lies in pursuing something smaller and more manageable than pledging to read a book a week or taking up skydiving. Owners of manufactured homes, for instance, can convert their self-improvement impulse into a home-improvement one. Here is a list of realistic resolutions manufactured homeowners might want to consider pursuing in 2023.

Paint Job: Nothing says “nothing’s changed” than seeing the same color on your walls year after year. The start of 2023 provides the perfect moment to significantly upgrade your environment by updating your home’s color scheme. You’ll be surprised how much a fresh coat of vibrant paint makes your home feel newer and look cleaner.

Landscaping: Once the interior of your unit is sparkling and fresh, it’s time to turn your attention to the exterior. Consider adding some bushes or flowers to the front of your home to make it look more appealing and welcoming. You’ll be glad you did come spring and summer.

Neglected Chores: You will find these around every home – important maintenance to-do’s no one has taken the time to do. (And who can blame them?) The new year offers just the incentive you need to get going on that list by repairing that weather stripping, cleaning out your dishwasher or donating those old clothes to a favorite non-profit.

Get Efficient: Make the commitment to make 2023 the year you increase your unit’s energy efficiency. This can be done in ways large (adding mobile home roof insulation) and small (changing your light bulbs to more efficient models). The costs incurred in the process will be more than outweighed by lower utility bills year-round.

Emergency Preparedness Kit: Americans in recent years have seen repeated examples of how climate change is impacting our weather. Massive wildfires, increased tornado activity, deadly hurricanes – climate change is here, it’s real and it poses a particularly acute threat to manufactured housing. The turn of the year provides just the moment you need to assemble an emergency preparedness kit complete with such necessary items as flashlights, batteries, toilet paper and basic first aid. And while you’re at it, create and being practicing a family emergency escape plan.

Join Your Neighborhood Watch: While not a home improvement project, participating in a neighborhood watch can increase the safety of your home and community. It’s also a great way to get to know your neighbors better.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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Tips to Combat Excess Humidity in Your Home

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Wed, 04 May 2022 17:43:20 +0000

With the heat of summer soon to descend upon us, smart manufactured home owners are taking steps to ensure they get the most for their cooling dollar in the months ahead. HVAC systems are undergoing inspection and, in some instances, replacement, while doors and windows are being examined to detect and repair any point of leakage that might enable that cool but pricey air to escape.

It is ironic to note, then, that many of these same dollar-saving precautions contribute to another problem, that of excess humidity in your mobile home. To be sure, your home requires a certain level of air-borne moisture to avoid shrinkage but excess humidity can result in discomfort for you and damage to your interior in the form of stained ceilings, warped walls and musty odors. Some of that humidity stems from basic human activities, such as cooking, bathing and even mopping; others result from the way residents interact with devices in the home. Here are a few tips for controlling the level of humidity in your home.

Ventilator Blues: Your units various built-in ventilators comprise the first line of defense in the battle against excess humidity. Take a moment to ensure they are working properly and clear away any obstructions – even around that hard-to-reach ventilator behind the dryer. Also make sure to run the ventilator over the stove or in the bathroom for a time after you’ve finished cooking or showering to help it draw as much moisture out of the air as possible.

Just the Right Size: Homeowners living in particularly warm climates – yes, I’m looking at you, desert Southwest – often adopt a bigger-is-better point of view when buying an AC unit. That is not the best strategy, as research reveals that too-large equipment will turn on and off frequently, enabling humidity to build up. The smarter approach is to dig a little deeper and research which AC unit will most efficiently and effectively cool your particular square-feet.

Filters Fun: Few of us give much thought to HVAC maintenance; subconsciously, we blithely assume the unit will run in perpetuity without any input from us. This could not, however, be further from the truth. A first step in changing this mindset is to regularly inspect and replace the unit’s filters. Homeowners should go with pleated filters whenever possible, as these control dust as well as humidity.

Ducts Soup: Heating and cooling in manufactured homes are distributed through ducts in the floor or ceiling. Covering or closing these registers creates a system imbalance that, in turn, creates cold spots, which increase the potential for moisture condensation. The answer: leave them open. In addition, open the windows for at least a short time each day to let fresh air in.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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Staying Current on Home Maintenance A Must

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 22:21:03 +0000

It is not surprising to find that some people consider maintenance something to avoid, given the term’s connotations of unwelcome expense and inconvenience. It’s time again for that tune-up, oil change or brake job? How am I, let alone my checking account, going to squeeze that in this week? Procrastination results, although we understand far greater expenses in time and cash likely will result. Chalk it up to human nature.

Homeowners are even more prey to that impulse, given the costs associated with many of even the simplest maintenance projects. Owners of manufactured housing have proven no exception, despite the fact it is even more important for them than traditional homeowners to stay on top of the maintenance regimen. Mobile home maintenance procedures vary from model to model but the first step is always to consult your owners’ manual to determine what needs to be done when. That said, here are some basic tips for maintaining your residence and, along with it, your ability to make it as comfortable as possible.

Start at the Top: That roof over your head? In many cases, it is metallic surface created by fusing galvanized steel sheets together. Constantly exposed to the elements, it is susceptible to all kinds of damage. Do it and yourself a favor by periodically examining and cleaning the surface, taking care to avoid walking on the roof itself.

Side Job: With most manufactured homes, steel informs not only the roof but the unit’s overall frame. Again, regular inspections are the answer. Take a walk around your unit and eyeball it closely. If you notice a scratch or any damage that might expose the frame to rust or corrosion, repair it as soon as you can. Choose high-quality asphaltic base, zinc chromate or paint for these projects – all will provide the protection you seek.

Windows and Doors: Windows are among the most expensive items in a home to purchase and install, which is all the more reason to stay current on their maintenance. Window panes, tracks and operating mechanisms should be checked regularly and kept clean to ensure everything is in working order. Also it is imperative in drier seasons to check windows for leaks; no one likes surprises during a spring downpour. As for doors, use warm, soapy water to keep them clean and remember to adjust them as necessary to ensure they fit properly and close fully. Got the squeaks? Take some silicon spray to the hinges.

Get At the Gutters: Gutters exist is to channel water away from your manufactured home’s foundation. If that doesn’t happen you could be looking at foundation damage or any number of leakage problems, and it will not happen if your gutters are clogged. This is a particularly common problem in the fall in more wooded mobile home communities. The answer is to clean your gutters on a regular basis or look into installing gutter guards. There are several brands of guards on the market and most have proven effective in limiting the amount of natural detritus likely to accumulate and clog your gutters.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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