How To Seal Mobile Home Water Leaks

Many of the structural elements in a mobile home will become badly damaged when they are subjected to water. If they are not repaired, extensive damage can be caused to the interior and overall structure of a manufactured home. The most common leaks will come in through a broken window panel or a crack in the ceiling. 

However, these should be an easy job to fix that only requires limited knowledge and a few simple tools. 

Step 1: Clean and Seal Windows

Remove the hex head screws from the window using the drill and an appropriate bit. Lay the window down flat and clean it thoroughly. Make sure that all sealant or putty is removed. Clean any residue off the window and wipe it down. Apply the new putty around the framework of the window on all of the sealing points and press down firmly. Replace the window and use the drill to refit the hex head screws. Cleaning the window and applying a fresh sealant should be the first step to investigate any leaks. 

Step 2: Seal Ceiling Cracks

Use a small ladder to make sure any cracks in the ceiling are easy to reach. Tear away any wallpaper, fabric or cloth that may have been used to line the ceiling. Depending on how big the crack is, either apply enough putty to cover the crack or cut out a large piece of panelling to put in its place. Screwing an appropriate sized panel over the crack and sealing the edges with putty can effectively stop leaks. 

Although this will make the ceiling look a little unsightly, it will stop water leaking in and the roof can be decorated at a later stage to hide or cover the replacement panel. 

Step 3: Measure Replacement Panels

To complete the sealing of the windows, it may be necessary to change the adjacent layers of panelling. Measure and determine how many replacement sheets will be needed and use the saw to cut out an appropriate size. Check with manufacturer specifications to determine how thick each panel should be. 

Step 4: Remove Trim and Panels

Remove any old trims or strips that cover seams around the window. Do this carefully as they will probably be very old and could be prone to breaking easily. Remove the adjacent panels around the window carefully. Once the first line has been removed, sand or wipe off any dirt to ensure there are a series of clean, flat edges. 

Step 5: Replace Panels

Use the glue and carefully apply to the back of each replacement panel from those that were cut to size earlier. Place the panels and use adhesive tape around the edges of each piece, to keep them in position while the glue dries. Panelling nails can also be used to keep the replacements in position. 

Step 6: Seal

Once the panels have all been put into place, simply apply a small amount of putty or sealant into the outstanding edges. Apply some new window trims to finish the job with a professional flourish.