What is a mobile home roof over?
A roof over is different from replacing your roof. It’s cheaper, quicker, and doesn’t necessarily require the help of professionals (as long as you have the right amount of experience, that is). To roof over a house means you’re placing new roof materials over your existing roof. For this process to be successful, you must fix any damages to the existing roof first.
Roofing over your mobile home comes along with a number of benefits aside from aesthetic appeal. Adding that extra layer to your roof will help improve energy efficiency during both the winter and summer, and will help your roof better withstand the elements. This extra protection could also improve the resale value of your mobile home later on.
There’s not one way to do a mobile home roof. If you’ve done any research already, you’ve probably figured out that there are a lot of different materials used for roofing. Each comes with their own pros and cons. Read below for an outline of the three of the most popular materials used in a DIY mobile home roof over.
Aluminum/metal
Roofing over your mobile home with metal is a popular option for many reasons. One of the great advantages to working with metal is that you don’t have to remove any parts of the original roof before you install. (Just make sure all leaks and damage are repaired beforehand.) Many metal roof kits also have a warranty of 40-60 years, which eliminates any maintenance you’d have to complete on your end.
It’s also easier to add insulation if you’re working with metal. This added insulation will not only keep your home warm but also save you a lot of money in energy bills later on. We suggest purchasing a metal roof kit that’s bundled with insulation as those are quite common.
In addition to being easy to work with, metal roofs can add value to your mobile home. This is mainly due to the fact that metal roof kits come at a higher upfront cost. Insulated metal products can cost around $3,000-$4,000 for a single-wide or $7,800-$8,000 for a double-wide, according to CostHelper. Many mobile homeowners are willing to pay more as metal roofs are known to last longer and better protect your home from the elements.
TPO or rubber membrane
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. It is a single-ply reflective roofing membrane with three layers: TPO polymer base, a polyester-reinforced fabric center (scrim), and a thermoplastic polyolefin compounded top ply.
This material is known for its reflective property. Mobile homes with TPO can cut down on heating costs during the warmer months as TPO roofing does an effective job at reflecting heat. The most common type comes in white, though TPO comes in other colors that have the same reflective property.
One of the biggest benefits of TPO is ease of installation. While it’s easier said than done, a PTO roof over can be completed in a single day by simply rolling it onto the roof. Many people prefer this material as it can fit on a variety of different roof types and sizes.
Make sure to consult with your local experts to see if a membrane roof is the right choice for you. While this option has many upsides, some have speculated over how well PTO handles heat. And since it’s a relatively new option, there are still questions surrounding the longevity of the material.
CostHelper estimates you’ll pay around $1,175 – $2,295 in materials for a single-wide and $1,595 – $3,610 for a double-wide. While PTO is easier to install on your own, you may want to hire a professional depending on your experience level.
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Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are less common in the mobile home world for a few reasons, the most obvious being the weight of the material. While asphalt shingles significantly improve the overall look of your mobile home, you might be limited to adding a single layer as the weight may prove to be too much.
However, installing a single layer of shingles isn’t recommended as your roof will be more susceptible to leaks and weathering. With issues like these, you may find yourself spending more hours maintaining your home if you don’t have a proper warranty.
Despite these downsides, asphalt shingles still have some great benefits. They’re very easy to install and can be quite cheap. Expect to pay anywhere from $700 – $2,000 for single-wides or $1,200 – $4,000 for double-wides.
How to roof over your mobile home
Step 1 – Assess the damages
If you’re not sure whether your mobile home needs a roof over, there are some common signs you should be looking for. You can tell a roof is damaged from the inside of your mobile home. Look around for light showing through cracks, dark spots on your ceiling or walls, peeling wallpaper or paint, and/or sagging in the ceiling, walls, gutters, or siding.
You can’t roof over your mobile home without fixing damages first. Remember, it’s not like you’re putting a band-aid over an open wound. Please contact a professional if repairs go beyond your skillset.
Step 2 – Determine your materials
Now that you’ve seen the pros and cons of the most popular roof over materials, it’s time you choose a method that works within your budget and skill set. Many roof over kits come with an instruction kit that can guide you accordingly. While coming up with the money for repairs can be difficult for some, please don’t let your budget be the ultimate decision maker. Those will less experience should hire a professional if needed.
Step 3 – Research and consult a local expert
The roof over process is going to vary widely depending on the size of your mobile home, the materials you use, and the current state of your roof. With that said, we cannot provide a step-by-step guide for each method as it wouldn’t fit in a single article. That’s why we highly recommend consulting with a local expert who can assess your individual needs and budget first.
Before you begin the process, make sure to check weather conditions as you won’t want to be working in rain or extreme heat. It’s also important you set up the right harnesses and safety precautions if you’re working on a slanted roof.
Good luck with your DIY mobile home roof over!
As previously mentioned, a DIY mobile home roof over has both immediate and long-term benefits. Depending on the damage that’s already been done, you could save thousands in heating and cooling bills while also upping the resale value of your mobile home. We hope this guide has pointed you in the right direction!
