A concrete slab under your mobile home can give it more stability than simply setting it directly on the ground. However, there are things you should know about concrete slabs before putting your home on one. Here are some points to consider:
1. Always use concrete in places where it freezes.
Although there are multiple reasons to place a mobile home on a concrete slab, many people do it to deal with freeze cycles. If you live in an area that is prone to freezing, the freezing and thawing of the ground can destabilize the area under your mobile home. A concrete slab helps to mitigate that issue by staying stable regardless of thaws.
2. Remember to keep grading in mind.
Whether you are using an existing concrete slab or pouring your own, keep grading in mind. The slab should have a slight slant to the outside. That allows any water on the slab to run toward the outer edges, and it helps to prevent water pooling under the mobile home. To prevent water from migrating up from the ground beneath the home, place a vapor barrier underneath the concrete slab when you pour it.
3. Remove tyres for concrete slabs.
If you opt to put your mobile home on a concrete slab for any reason, remove the tyres from the home. If they sit on a concrete slab in the same position, they will get worn out and become useless. It's better to remove them preemptively and give them to someone who can use them. Instead of tyres, support your mobile home with blocks or piers and pads.
4. Use anchors to secure home into place.
Mobile homes are notorious for rolling over, especially in heavy winds or stormy situations. To prevent that from happening, your mobile home should have straps slipping over it, and the straps should be connected to anchors in the concrete slab. Make sure you buy anchors specifically made for use with concrete -- some mobile home anchors are only designed for use in dirt.
5. Monitor the concrete for cracks.
As your home sits on the concrete, monitor it for issues. Visually check for cracks, potholes or crumbling edges. If you see any of those problems, contact a concrete repair person. They can help you address the issue before it gets any worse, and they can help to ensure that your mobile home is as sturdy and stable as possible.
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30 September 2016
Concrete may seem boring to the uninitiated, but as the wife of a concrete contractor, I have learned, over the years, that it is anything but boring. Contemporary concrete can be used in a range of applications from functional sound walls to decorative koi ponds, and it can be left gray, stamped or acid stained. If you are getting ready to do a project, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to post a myriad of information about concrete with an emphasis on project ideas and the different uses of concrete. By the end, I hope you find concrete as exciting as I do!
