It is one of the questions we hear most. The honest answer is that it depends on your soil, your drainage and how well the home was set. But there are good rules of thumb, and a few situations where you should not wait.
The short answer
Many manufactured homes in Central Florida benefit from a level check every few years. Some sit level for a long time; others, on soft or poorly drained ground, start moving within a year or two. A quick check underneath is the only way to know for sure.
Why Florida homes move
Our sandy soil drains fast but shifts easily. Add a high water table, heavy summer storms and runoff from roofs and driveways, and the ground under piers can wash out or settle unevenly. Each pier carries part of the home, so when one sinks the frame starts to twist.
Check sooner if
Doors or windows start sticking, or a door swings on its own
New cracks appear near doors, windows or corners
You notice a soft, sloped or bouncy spot in the floor
The home went through a hurricane, tropical storm or flooding
Water pools under or around the home after rain
The home was recently moved, set up or had work done underneath
You are buying, selling or refinancing
What a level check includes
We go underneath, check every pier, pad and shim, take level readings along the frame and look at your anchors and tie-down straps. If the home is out of level, we re-shim the low points, replace failing blocks and re-tighten the straps. You get photos of everything.
Do not forget the tie-downs
Leveling changes the tension on your straps. Any time a home is re-leveled, the anchors and tie-downs should be checked and re-tightened too. Read more about tie-downs and anchoring.
Not sure if your home is due? Call (689) 371-4053 for a free estimate, or see our leveling service.
