This is a podcast brought to you by Lonestar Mobile Home Leveling & Skirting in Weatherford.

It's no secret that a solid foundation is crucial for any home, and mobile homes are no exception. Over time, the ground beneath your mobile home can shift and settle, causing your home to become unlevel. This can lead to a variety of problems, from sticky doors and cracked walls to serious structural damage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mobile home leveling, from recognizing the signs of an unlevel home to DIY leveling techniques and hiring a professional.

Why is Leveling Important?

Keeping your mobile home level is essential for several reasons:

• Structural Integrity: An unlevel home can put stress on the frame, walls, and roof, leading to cracks, warping, and even collapse in severe cases.
• Safety: Uneven floors can be a tripping hazard, and doors and windows that don't close properly can pose a security risk.
• Functionality: Unlevel floors can make it difficult to install appliances and furniture, and doors and windows that stick or jam can be a major inconvenience.
• Plumbing and Electrical Systems: An unlevel home can put stress on plumbing pipes and electrical wiring, potentially causing leaks, breaks, and malfunctions.
• Energy Efficiency: Gaps and cracks caused by an unlevel home can lead to drafts, making it harder to heat and cool your home efficiently.

How to Tell if Your Mobile Home Needs Leveling

Several signs indicate your mobile home may need leveling. Keep an eye out for the following:

• Uneven floors: This is often the most noticeable sign. You might feel a slight slope when walking or notice that furniture wobbles.
• Doors and windows that stick or don't close properly: This is a common sign of an unlevel home, as the frame can become distorted.
• Cracks in the walls or ceilings: These cracks often appear around doors and windows or in corners where the walls meet the ceiling.
• Bowing or buckling skirting: The skirting around your mobile home may start to warp or pull away from the home.
• Squeaky floors: Squeaking can be caused by uneven floors or shifting supports.
• Appliances that don't function properly: Refrigerators and stoves may not work efficiently if they are not level.

DIY Mobile Home Leveling

If you're handy and comfortable working under your mobile home, you can level it yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

You'll need the following:

• Safety Gear: Gloves, a hard hat, and protective eyewear are essential for working under your mobile home.
• Level: A long level (at least 6 feet) is crucial for accurate measurements.
• Mobile Home Jack: This specialized jack is designed to lift and support the weight of your home.
• Shims: These small wooden wedges are used to make fine adjustments to the level of your home.
• Hammer: You'll need a hammer to tap the shims into place.
• Woodblock: A sturdy woodblock can be used to provide a stable base for the jack.
• Chalk: Use chalk to mark the piers that need adjustment.
• Optional: A water level can be a useful tool for more precise leveling, especially for longer homes.