The recent trend toward smaller homes and frugal living has helped to fuel new interest in purchasing older mobile homes and renovating them to live in. In many cases, families can often purchase and renovate these older units for a fraction of what they would spend on the typical site-built home. 

If you are considering the purchase of a mobile home manufactured before 1976, be aware that it will likely need a significant amount of exterior renovations, including new siding, to add insulation value and make it more comfortable to live in.

Adding an insulation barrier to a pre-1976 mobile home

When the HUD code was enacted in 1976, it made several changes to the construction standards for manufactured homes, including energy efficiency. Mobile homes built before this time were often built with little insulation and were very inefficient.

Those who have purchased one of these older homes with plans to renovate it can overcome this problem by installing an insulation wrap on the exterior of the home and then adding vinyl siding over it. Since vinyl siding is easy to work with and one of the lightest weight siding products available, it can be easily installed on walls that may be much thinner than those of a site-built home. 

When choosing an insulation barrier material to install underneath the new vinyl siding, remember to choose a product that will allow proper air flow. Doing this will help to ensure that the interior humidity levels inside the home will be within a healthy range and reduce the risk of causing mold or mildew issues to develop inside the home. 

Choosing the right siding for cold, windy, or noisy settings 

If the older mobile home you have purchased will be situated where it will be exposed to cold or very windy weather, or if it will be located in a potentially noisy setting, such as an urban mobile home community, it is wise to choose a vinyl siding product that is manufactured with a layer of insulation. In addition to making the home more energy efficient, this type of siding can also help to shield the interior from exterior noises, such as traffic, barking dogs, and children at play. 

To learn more about installing new vinyl siding on an older mobile home, contact a reputable general contractor in your area. These professionals will be able to help you choose the right product for your particular climate and needs and then install it to properly to ensure you can enjoy its appearance and benefits through years of use. 

For more information, contact your local home siding service.