What to Know About Manufactured Home Roof Replacement
Whether replacing, repairing, or adding a roof over, updating the roof on your manufactured home can improve your home’s energy efficiency, its curb appeal, and the value of your manufactured home. Here are a few things to know before you replace, repair, or build a roof over.
The Differences Between Repairing & Replacing Your Roof
The main difference between repairing and replacing the roof on your manufactured home is cost, and this decision depends on the condition of your existing roof. This consideration is a good place to start, because even if you’re considering a roof over, repairs to the original structure may still be necessary.
Repairing a manufactured home roof
Repairing your roof depends largely on the existing roof materials. For example, shingles can be replaced individually while TPO may need repairs around the seams. And metal may require patching or rust removal.
To decide if repairing your mobile home roof is the right choice, look at the areas that need improvement and consider the cost against your home’s value. Is the damage structural? Do you need better roof insulation? If so, a replacement might be a better choice.
Replacing a manufactured home roof
Manufactured home roof replacement fixes any leaks or damage your existing roof may have and restarts your roof’s lifespan. However, this assurance comes with the highest cost and does require a professional roofing contractor or company. For a single-wide, roof replacement costs can range anywhere from $1,000 to 8,000 depending on your material and insulation.
The Benefits of a Roof Over
A roof over can be an affordable alternative to manufactured home roof replacement. Different than repairing and replacing, a roof over is a new roof or new roof material built over the existing roof. It can be built over flat roofs and pitched roofs.
Compared to replacement, a roof over is easy to install, cost efficient, and protective. It can even be done as a DIY if you have sufficient carpentry skills.
The most important note is that a roof over may still require repairs to your existing roof. Once you complete a roof over, the original roof can’t be reached. That means any ignored leaks or structural damage could force a replacement in the future.
Manufactured Home Roofing Materials
The material you choose for your roof can affect everything from your home’s aesthetic to its energy efficiency. Choose the type of roofing that’s best for you depending on your aesthetic preferences, local weather conditions, budget, and more.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt is an established roofing product many contractors are comfortable using. Popular for their stylish look and often quick to install, shingles do come with a few cons. Because of their overlap, they’re not as watertight as other options. And the lifespan of shingles can be uncertain, especially in locations with extreme weather conditions, like wind and hail.
Metal
An aluminum roof or roof over is often the most popular option for mobile home roofing. Though metal roofing and installation typically has a higher upfront cost, today’s options also have improved functionality, insulation, and a lifespan of more than 50 years. Metal roof materials are also available in a variety of thicknesses and colors to suit your home’s look and needs.
TPO
One of the newest materials for manufactured home roofing, TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, and it’s been around since 1989. TPO roofing is a single-ply roofing membrane applied in sheets. Because of the size and application, there are seams, which can require repairs down the road.
However, this often white material offers built-in energy savings due to its reflective material and UV resistance. This helps keep your home cool during warmer summer months, and modern TPO membranes can help regulate both heating and cooling throughout the year.
With installation, roofing costs are an average of $8.00 to $9.50 per square foot. But keep in mind the lifespan of TPO is still being researched. With proper maintenance, it seems to last about 30 years.
Next Steps
When you’re ready to start a roof replacement, repair, or roof over, the next step is to consult with your insurance company and find out if the home improvement is covered. They may even have a list of trusted roofing professionals in your area who can help. It’s typically best to get 2 or 3 quotes from these companies before starting, so you can be sure you’re not overpaying.
More questions?
Check out our blog. We talk about everything from the process of buying a manufactured home to the differences between manufactured and site-built homes. For similar mobile home repair topics, check out home improvement projects that increase manufactured home value.
