Over time, a mobile home’s foundation can shift or settle due to natural factors like soil movement, moisture buildup, or general wear and tear. When this happens, it can lead to a range of issues, from uneven floors and stuck doors to more severe structural problems. Home leveling and foundation repair are essential services to restore your home’s stability and prevent further damage. Kovac’s Mobile Home Movers specializes in professional home leveling and foundation repair, ensuring your mobile home remains secure and safe for years to come.
Kovac’s Mobile Home Movers is a full-service mobile home transports, Home Leveling and setup company based in Patterson and Thibodaux, LA, covering the state of Louisiana. We are Licensed, Bonded, and Fully Insured.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of home leveling, signs that indicate you need foundation repair, and how Kovac’s Mobile Home Movers expertly handles these services to protect your investment.
1. What Is Home Leveling?
Home leveling is the process of adjusting and rebalancing a mobile home that has shifted or settled unevenly. Mobile homes are often supported by a system of piers, beams, or blocks that distribute the weight of the home evenly across the foundation. However, natural factors such as soil erosion, moisture, or poor drainage can cause these supports to shift, leading to an uneven foundation.
During the leveling process, Kovac’s Mobile Home Movers will carefully adjust the supports beneath the home to ensure that it sits evenly on its foundation once again.
2. Why Mobile Homes Become Unlevel
Several factors can cause a mobile home to become unlevel, including:
a. Soil Erosion and Settling
Louisiana’s weather patterns, which include heavy rains and occasional flooding, can cause soil erosion and settling around a mobile home’s foundation. Over time, the soil beneath the piers or blocks may wash away or compact unevenly, leading to a shift in the foundation. This can result in one side of the home sinking or tilting, putting stress on the frame and structure.
b. Moisture and Drainage Issues
Moisture is a major concern for mobile homes, especially in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall. Poor drainage around the home can lead to water pooling under the foundation, which softens the soil and causes it to shift. Prolonged exposure to moisture can also weaken the foundation supports, leading to an uneven home.
c. Improper Installation
If a mobile home’s foundation was not properly installed or if the supports were not evenly spaced during the initial setup, the home may become unlevel over time. Improper installation can also lead to stress on certain areas of the frame, causing structural issues that require immediate attention.
d. Age of the Home
As mobile homes age, the materials in the foundation may naturally wear down or weaken. The weight of the home, combined with environmental factors, can lead to gradual settling. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure the foundation remains stable as the home ages.
3. Signs Your Mobile Home Needs Leveling or Foundation Repair
Recognizing the signs that your mobile home is becoming unlevel is essential for preventing further damage. Some of the most common indicators that your home may need leveling or foundation repair include:
Uneven Floors: If you notice that your floors are sloping, dipping, or feel uneven when you walk across them, it’s a clear sign that the foundation is no longer level. This can cause doors and windows to misalign and affect the overall stability of the home.
Sticking Doors and Windows: When a mobile home becomes unlevel, doors and windows may start to stick or become difficult to open and close. This is often caused by the frame of the home shifting out of alignment, leading to pressure on the door and window frames.
Cracks in the Walls or Ceiling: As the foundation shifts, it can cause cracks to appear in the walls or ceiling, especially around corners, doors, and windows. These cracks are a sign that the structure of the home is being stressed, and they can worsen over time if not addressed.
Gaps in Skirting or Between the Home and Foundation: If you notice gaps forming between the skirting and the bottom of the mobile home, or if there are visible gaps between the home and the foundation supports, it’s a sign that the foundation has shifted.
Leaning or Tilting: In severe cases, the entire mobile home may appear to lean or tilt to one side. This can be dangerous as it puts uneven pressure on the frame and could lead to significant structural damage if left unchecked.
4. The Kovac’s Home Leveling and Foundation Repair Process
Kovac’s Mobile Home Movers uses a precise and thorough process to level mobile homes and repair any foundation issues. Here’s a step-by-step look at how they ensure your home is restored to its original stability:
a. Initial Assessment
The first step in the home leveling process is a comprehensive inspection of the mobile home’s foundation. Kovac’s team of experts will assess the condition of the piers, beams, or blocks supporting the home and identify any areas of concern. They will also check for signs of damage, such as cracks, gaps, or uneven settling, and determine the root cause of the problem.
b. Precision Leveling
Once the assessment is complete, Kovac’s team will use specialized equipment, including hydraulic jacks, to lift and level the mobile home. The jacks allow for precise adjustments, ensuring that the home is perfectly balanced on its foundation. During this process, the team will also reposition or replace any damaged piers, blocks, or beams to provide stable support.
c. Foundation Reinforcement
If the foundation supports are weakened or damaged, Kovac’s will reinforce them by adding new piers or replacing existing ones. This ensures that the home remains securely anchored and that the weight is evenly distributed across the foundation. In some cases, additional support systems, such as tie-downs or anchors, may be installed to provide extra stability.
d. Final Inspection and Adjustments
After the home has been leveled and the foundation repairs are complete, Kovac’s team will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the home is stable and secure. They will check the floors, doors, windows, and walls for alignment and make any necessary adjustments to ensure everything is functioning properly.
5. Preventing Future Foundation Issues
While home leveling and foundation repair can resolve current issues, preventing future problems is equally important. Kovac’s Mobile Home Movers offers several solutions to help homeowners maintain a stable foundation and avoid costly repairs down the road:
a. Proper Drainage
One of the most important steps in preventing foundation issues is ensuring that water is directed away from the home. Kovac’s can install drainage systems, such as gutters, downspouts, and French drains, to prevent water from pooling around the foundation. Proper grading of the land can also help direct water away from the home.
b. Regular Inspections
Scheduling regular inspections of the mobile home’s foundation can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems. Kovac’s recommends annual inspections, especially after periods of heavy rain or flooding, to ensure that the foundation remains stable.
c. Skirting Maintenance
Skirting is essential for protecting the underside of the mobile home from moisture, pests, and debris. Maintaining the skirting and ensuring that it is properly vented can prevent moisture buildup under the home, which can lead to foundation shifting or damage.
d. Foundation Anchors and Tie-Downs
For additional stability, Kovac’s can install foundation anchors or tie-downs to secure the mobile home to the ground. These systems are especially important in areas prone to high winds, storms, or seismic activity, as they help prevent the home from shifting or moving during extreme weather conditions.
6. Foundation Repair Services for Long-Term Stability
In addition to leveling services, Kovac’s Mobile Home Movers offers a range of foundation repair solutions to address more severe issues, such as cracks, sinking, or structural damage. Some of these services include:
Pier Replacement: If the piers supporting the mobile home are damaged, cracked, or no longer providing adequate support, Kovac’s will replace them with new, high-quality piers designed to withstand the weight of the home.
Beam Reinforcement: In cases where the steel or wooden beams under the mobile home have become corroded, weakened, or misaligned, Kovac’s will reinforce or replace them to ensure that the home’s foundation remains strong.
Crack Repair: If there are cracks in the foundation or skirting, Kovac’s can seal and repair them to prevent further damage. This is especially important for preventing water intrusion, which can lead to more serious issues over time.
Conclusion
Home leveling and foundation repair are essential services for maintaining the stability and safety of your mobile home. Kovac’s Mobile Home Movers offers expert solutions to restore your home’s foundation, ensuring it remains secure and level for years to come. Whether you’re dealing with uneven floors, cracks in the walls, or visible foundation issues, Kovac’s has the experience and equipment to resolve the problem efficiently and effectively.
With their thorough inspection process, precision leveling techniques, and long-term foundation repair solutions, Kovac’s Mobile Home Movers is the trusted choice for homeowners across Louisiana who want to protect their investment and ensure their home remains stable and secure.