MH Foundation vs Perimeter Enclosure

[Vermonter]

Support of load bearing walls are part of the foundation. Aren't all exterior walls of a double wide load-bearing?

They are but the load is transferred to the frame, not the skirting. Even when on full basement the frame is still carrying the load.

Also pretty sure the skirting MPR is to prevent wind lift when the vinyl blows away

 

[Tiffany Gibbons]

Thank you Andrew. I've also read that section several times, but therein is the rub.

Section (C) says the appraiser must notify the Mortgagee and report deficiency about the foundation. But all FHA appraisals involving MH's must be made subject to an engineer's inspection, not the appraiser's opinion, pertaining to the foundation.

If the engineer states the MH meets HUD requirements for a permanent foundation, but the lightweight material skirting is NOT affixed to concrete, masonry, treated wood, or a product with similar strength and durability, there's apparently going to be a fight if the appraiser points that out. Even some out here might say it doesn't matter if the engineer says it passes. Perhaps that's true today, but it wasn't that way back in the day.

Chapter 5 of the PFG states the structural requirements include the support of the exterior walls if they are load bearing. Support of load bearing walls are part of the foundation. Aren't all exterior walls of a double wide load-bearing?

I think they could have written the rules a little more simplistically. I'm glad I don't mess with these anymore.

Does the Assessor have it as a "mobile home? Most county assessors in Middle Tennessee use the state code and require a permanent brick or concrete block for manufactured homes to be picked up as real estate real estate. There is usually an affidavit of affixation on file if this has been done. It must be classified as real estate. Vinyl skirt is not considered a perimeter foundation in any of my counties.

 

[sputnam]

The skirting isn't the foundation. The footings and piers under the dwelling are.

 

[Zoe]

The skirting isn't the foundation. The footings and piers under the dwelling are.

True, but it does protect many things. Middle and East TN have different terrain than west TN. Cold has a bearing on pipes on the foundation.

I don't think Shelby County in TN even allows mobile homes anymore on new construction permits. It is largest county in TN geographically.

 

[Zoe]

What that tells me is that if that home is destroyed in Shelby County, it can't be a mobile home anymore..

Foundation won't matter. Code will say who cares about the foundation? No mobile home going back there.

 

[Raven59]

The foundation system is primarily center-load, focusing structural support centrally rather than at the perimeter, which is mainly decorative. Attaching decks, porches, or stairways directly to the MH can void the warranty since these homes are not engineered to handle additional perimeter loads. Any such additions must be built as freestanding structures, independent of the MH, to avoid compromising its structural integrity and warranty.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

The foundation system is primarily center-load, focusing structural support centrally rather than at the perimeter

I don't recall any MH that had a perimeter foundation. I have seen where a MH was placed on a slab, then the foundation supporting the metal frame and anchored by cable to the frame. The sides are not capable of being supported.

 

[Dale Floyd]

All are true points, unless they aren’t.

Again, there is an entire section pointing to the perimeter enclosure required IF the exterior wall is load bearing. Not sure how any of us would know. Not sure an engineer would know either.

I was told behind the wall, that no manufactured home has ever complied with FHA because of the contradictions written in HUD. lol.

 

[andrew81]

Thank you Andrew. I've also read that section several times, but therein is the rub.

Section (C) says the appraiser must notify the Mortgagee and report deficiency about the foundation. But all FHA appraisals involving MH's must be made subject to an engineer's inspection, not the appraiser's opinion, pertaining to the foundation.

If the engineer states the MH meets HUD requirements for a permanent foundation, but the lightweight material skirting is NOT affixed to concrete, masonry, treated wood, or a product with similar strength and durability, there's apparently going to be a fight if the appraiser points that out. Even some out here might say it doesn't matter if the engineer says it passes. Perhaps that's true today, but it wasn't that way back in the day.

Chapter 5 of the PFG states the structural requirements include the support of the exterior walls if they are load bearing. Support of load bearing walls are part of the foundation. Aren't all exterior walls of a double wide load-bearing?

I think they could have written the rules a little more simplistically. I'm glad I don't mess with these anymore.

The 4000.1 states that the appraiser must call for repair or inspection if it is not properly enclosed or the skirting is not properly affixed and/or is not serving its intended purpose. The engineer inspected the foundation, not the perimeter enclosure.

e. Perimeter Enclosure
i. Definitions
Perimeter Enclosure refers to a continuous wall that is adequately secured to the
perimeter of the unit and allows for proper ventilation of the crawl space.
Skirting refers to a nonstructural enclosure of a foundation crawl space intended to ensure
the crawl space is free from exposure to the elements and free from vermin, trash, and
debris. Typically, but not always, it is a lightweight material such as vinyl or metal
attached to the side of the Structure, extending to the ground (generally, not installed
below frost depth).
ii. Standard
The space beneath Manufactured Homes must be properly enclosed. The perimeter
enclosure must be a continuous wall that is adequately secured to the perimeter of the
unit and allows for proper ventilation of the crawl space.
Skirting, when applicable, must extend from the bottom of the Manufactured Home to the
permanent foundation, or to the perimeter enclosure, whichever is appropriate for the
situation. This skirting must be permanently affixed to both the Manufactured Home and
the foundation or perimeter enclosure, as appropriate.
iii. Required Analysis and Reporting
The Appraiser must notify the Mortgagee and report a deficiency of MPR or MPS if the
Manufactured Housing unit is not properly enclosed or the skirting is not properly affixed
and/or is not serving its intended purpose. The Appraiser must call for repairs or further
inspection, when warranted.

 

[Vermonter]

I was told behind the wall, that no manufactured home has ever complied with FHA because of the contradictions written in HUD. lol.

There's something we can all agree upon