Please email us if there is an issue you would like us to include in future editions. Homeowner Tips will be changed seasonally, so check back for new topics.

Eliminate Leaks, Drafts & Moisture:

Keeping your factory built home maintained and functioning properly prevents numerous future problems and makes living in your home more comfortable and affordable in the long run. This mean eliminating such pesky problems as leaks, drafts, moisture and mildew. You can eliminate these problems and more before they start or put an end to them quickly and inexpensively with just an ounce of prevention.

The answer is simple. The use of the right sealant, caulking compound or roof coating will do wonders. Karsten homes are among the highest quality, best built in the industry, but unwanted moisture can still be a problem. But it won’t be if you take steps to control it. Insects and other pests inside or under your manufactured home can also cause problems.

Caulking compounds, sealants, and roof coatings are your best friends against leaks and drafts. Sealing your home is probably the easiest and most inexpensive method of ensuring your home is energy efficient and comfortable winter or summer. Any crack, crevice, or connection (except the edges of siding panels) should be sealed.

The best way to determine if your old caulk needs replacing is simply to poke it with a screwdriver or nail. It should be rubbery in its consistency. If it is brittle, hard, cracked or discolored. you should remove and replace it as part of your regular and continuous maintenance.

You will need several types of sealant to complete the task. Below are listed the most common sealants for this purpose:

ACRYLIC LATEX CAULK: inexpensive with good adhesion and longevity. Can be painted.

VINYL LATEX CAULK: Can be expensive, but is an excellent choice in wet and damp areas like tubs, showers, etc.

SILICONE CAULK: More costly but does an excellent job for most uses because of excellent adhesion and longevity. Caution: paint may not stick to surface.

OIL BASED CAULK: Inexpensive but has no longevity. It bonds well to most surfaces.

EXPANDABLE FOAM: This is a valuable way of providing insulation value by filling gaps around pipes and is very adhesive.

ROOF COATING (ALUMINUM): This product is available in a variety of grades and types. It prevents corrosion and leaks. It should be applied to the entire metal roof at least once every two years.

ROOF COATING (WHITE): This comes in two types - elastomeric and acrylic. It is a more expensive coating but is excellent at preventing leaks.

PATCHING CEMENT: This is an excellent product for repairing holes and sealing seams in your metal roof.