Hello my mobile home is pretty old and the roof is starting to bow could anyone point me in the right direction on redoing it

 

Welcome to the forums! Is it possible for you to post pictures of your situation, since we can't see what you see. We may have some good solutions for you. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...your-post.html

 

Is this an older MH with 'flat' roof? The truss system they used is made out of 1x2s with scrap pieces of paneling strategically placed to stiffen it up. It isn't uncommon for them to break from too much weight/stress or rot if there is a roof leak. You pretty much have to remove the ceiling to repair it

There are a lot of benefits to installing a roof over; stops all leaks, gives an overhang to stop water from running down the exterior walls and depending on the design can give you an attic that can be vented making the MH easier to cool in the summer.

 

I agree that stick building a roof over your home is the best option. Whether a flat or domed roof they were lightly constructed so if water get's in it does not take long for the wood to rot through. Since yours is already bowing there may already be structural damage. A roof built on top is expensive but would allow you to add much needed insulation. It would provide extra storm protection especially if it's built with support posts set into the ground. You could have an overhang with gutters that would help protect the rest of your home. And it probably would help the appearance having a pitched roof.

Less expensive might be to repair what you have. Someone will have to look at it an see if it's better to address from the outside by removing the roof metal or from the inside by pulling down the ceiling. From the outside won't mess up the interior of your home so much but it will require a period of good weather.

 

Repairing the existing roof structure from the exterior isn't really a viable option. The metal sections are interlocked with screws on the top sides [every few inches] of the trailer the only mechanical attachment. That's why the roof rattles so much when it's windy. IMO it's a lot easier to remove/replace the ceiling than try to tackle the framing repair from the top.