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Repair Options For Mobile Home Roofs

Mobile homes with flat roofs are particularly at risk for water damage and leaks. The lack of a slope offers little water movement, unlike the natural downflow peaked roofs encourage. Because of this, catching and repairing roof damage is more imperative than ever. As you consider the extent of the damage and your budget, you'll be able to pick the best flat roof repair for mobile homes. The choice may also be affected by concerns over efficiency and energy savings, which some repair and replacements offer. Read below to get the whole list!

Start Here: What Kind of Roof Do You Have?

Most mobiles homes built before 1976 have flat roofs with little bowing. In recent years, mobile home roofs have begun resembling standard roofs, with peaks and shingles. But as the homes made before '76 start to age, problems with leaks and roof damage become unavoidable. Fortunately, many of the repairs and even full-out replacement options for flat mobile home roofs are cheap and doable with the help of a few friends and a nice afternoon.

Small Repair Options

For small spot repairs, your repair material of choice will depend on what your roof is made of. For metal roofs, repairs and maintenance are typically done with liquid sealants and roof cement. These materials also fare well with rubber roofs and PVC roofs. Depending again on your roof material and what the manufacturer recommends for repairs, you may also use rubbery sealants that cure into place. For spot repairs, you've got a myriad of fast, cheap, and. relatively easy solutions.

These small repairs are done with the assumption that there really is only one or two damaged areas--sometimes roof damage can be sneaky, so it's best to take a thorough search. If you find more signs of damage than you bargained for, it may be time to replace the roof or do a roof-over.

Broad Repair Options

The common choice most mobile home owners make regarding a roof replacement is a roof-over. A roof-over is a special replacement option reserved for flat roof mobile homes, as these roofs typically aren't made with the underlayment and shingles of standard roofs. This allows for some flexibility, in the form of a roof-over. As the name implies, roof-overs are done by putting a replacement roof directly over an old roof. This assumes that everything has been properly prepped, cleaned, and treated, if need be. Once all those preliminary steps are done, though, roof-overs are a speedy process. Here are some of the most common materials to use for a roof-over:

  • Seamless Rubber Roof

This option is arguably one of the easiest and cheapest. Liquid rubber is spread over the roof, creating a waterproof cap on your roof. Any seams or vent lines must receive some extra attention, but the project is quick and simple regardless. This option is a good one for those who need a new roof quick and don't have a dozen people on hand to help out. Very little roofing or architectural knowledge is needed.

  • PVC Roofs

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofs are popular for flat roofs in the commercial and residential worlds. If properly installed and maintained well, these roofs can last over 30 years. PVC roofs also come with multi-ply options and with different color options, which can extend their life, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. They do require careful application, especially where the seams appear, but their life and performance are impressive.

  • TPO Roofs

TPO (thermoplastic olefin) is PVC's younger cousin. A rather recent breakthrough, TPO is cheaper than PVC flexible for a variety of homes. Installing it is similar to installing PVC, as is the preparation and maintenance required. Unlike PVC, though, TPO doesn't have that same knowledge or confidence surrounding it like PVC does. Being the older material, more is known about PVC and how it performs in a roofing setting. TPO has reflective properties that help keep your cooling costs low in the summer.

  • Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are a standard choice for both older and newer mobile homes. Replacing them can be fairly simple, if the wood beneath the rusted or damaged plates is in good shape. If screws can punch through and grab onto something, you're usually good to go. Metal roofing can be one of the more expensive options, but it is long-lasting, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Your repair costs also shrink in the long run when compared to asphalt roofs.

  • EPDM Roofs

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofs are similar to the seamless rubber roofs mentioned earlier. This material comes in sheet form, making it easy to roll over a single-wide roof without worrying about seams or seals. Once it's rolled out you need only secure it in place. Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to grab this material in black or white. A white roof will help lower your cooling costs and make your AC a more efficient machine. This roof-over material is an easy one to manage and complete quickly, especially if you have a few friends on hand.