Mobile Home Repair DIY Tips Vent Vinyl Siding Painting A/C Heating Mobile Home Repair DIY Help Time Tested Methods to Repair Your Mobile Home
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Painting
You would primer the walls as you would any wall. You may wish to use a primer like KILZ or ZINSSER for a better looking job, this works great on ceiling stains also. These primers come in white and they will do a good job of covering any prints or stains. Then paint any color you want. Personally I use only latex paints. Less fumes and cleans up easier. Semi gloss paint will stand up to any water splash that may occur around the kitchen, bath or laundry area.
A/C-Heating Repair and Maintenance
Be sure to keep the filters changed. Check the condensing tower to be sure that it is not clogged. Check for air leaks in the a/c heating compartment around the corners and metal framing/access doors. Incoming air should only be allowed into the compartment through the filter via the return grill. If air is squeezing in around any cracks repair them with caulking. Make sure that the blades on the squirrel cage fan have no buildup on them. This will cut down on the efficiency of the fan.
Exterior Siding
Typically the "wood" type siding used on mobile homes if not maintained will start to break down causing a serious problem. The siding used is usually "MDF" board. Ask your local paint guru for recommendations for stains or paint that will hold up in your geographical location. If the siding is already starting to break down you have basically 3 choices.(1) you can remove and replace to the bad pieces. (2) you can sheet over the exterior with something similar to what is called T-111 siding. (3) cover the exterior with vinyl siding. This is my favorite, because you can easily now upgrade insulation by different methods and you now can make the appearance better. By just using "house wrap" under the vinyl siding can make a big difference in heat and cooling loss. The upkeep of vinyl siding is minimal and will last for many years. If the mobile home is new start now with coating, staining or painting. Once again consult your local paint guru for suggestions.
Vinyl Siding Over Metal
I don't see any problems with putting vinyl over the metal siding commonly used on single wides. You would need to prepare for the vinyl by removing any corner channel and installing the J channel where needed. Use sheet metal screws and affix the vinyl to the high spots on the ribs of the metal siding. Other wise the installation would be about the same as installing over any flat surface. Be sure to kill any rust with a wire brush and spray paint. Repair any air leaks that you see to help with heating and cooling efficiency.
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