3 things to consider when roofing a mobile home

Roof maintenance is an important aspect of keeping your vacation property in the best shape possible. Here's what to consider when deciding how to take care of your roof.

Keeping a mobile home dry and safe is the key to a great trip. Roof maintenance is an important aspect of keeping your vacation property in the best shape possible, and there are many important things to consider when deciding how to take care of your roof. By being proactive and preventing leaks before they start, you will save both time and money.

There are a few things you need to determine when roofing a mobile home. First, you need to know what kind of roof you have. There are two kinds of roofs commonly found on mobile homes. The first and most common is the flat roof, which is often seen in older models and is covered with metal, rubber, or asphalt. The second roof type is the peaked or pitched roof, which are covered with shingles. You can find peaked roofs on newer mobile homes and double-wide models.

Eventually, you'll need to invest in replacing the roofing of your mobile home, but when's the right time? Many people think that sealing a roof will repair leaks and other problems, and that it must be easier than roofing the mobile home. That isn't always the case. Sealing a roof can be laborious since you need to get rid of old coats of sealant around vents and on seams. Then, you need to scrape smooth and clean the entire roof to allow the coat of sealant to adhere and bond. Additionally, you should find the leaks and seal it with a neoprene or polyurethane flashing sealant before applying the new coat.

Completely replacing the roof of a mobile home can seem daunting and expensive, but as mobile homes are becoming more common, so are DIY roofing kits and instructional videos. The supply of mobile home roofers is increasing, and that leads to competitive pricing. For longevity and true leak protection, replacing the roof of your mobile home may make the most sense.

Whether you decide to hire a professional will likely come down to what you can afford and what kind of roof you want. There are aluminum roofing kits on the market that you can install yourself with a little construction know-how. However, if you're more interested in an asphalt roof, you'll want to consider hiring a professional. There are many forums as well as plenty of information online to help you make the decision between going pro and DIY, so research the options and get price quotes before you decide.