Blocking and Securing your Park Model
Setting Up and Securing
The installation instructions provided in this manufacturer’s manual are intended to instruct and to assist already qualified and preferably factory-trained personnel in proper installation of Park Model’s. It is not intended to enable someone unfamiliar with home installation to perform the installation. Following setup, be sure that you retain the manual for future reference or setup at a new location. We recommend that the home be inspected after each setup by a qualified dealer or contractor.
The installation instructions cover in detail the steps required in setting up your home. However, some important facts you should know about setup are briefly covered below.
Blocking
Good blocking is essential because:
1. It places the home on a rigid foundation. It is, therefore, an important step in providing the desired structural integrity.
2. It levels the floor which gives proper slope to the drain lines and insures that the plumbing operates properly.
3. It aligns panels and walls so that exit doors, cabinet doors and windows will open and close properly.
4. It prevents sag in the structure which could result in unwanted repair bills.
5. The selected site for placement of your home must be properly graded and sloped to provide for storm drainage runoff. The area beneath the home must be graded to prevent water accumulation.
6. Proper support for your home depends on actual soil conditions in your area. Pier footings must be placed on firm, undisturbed soil (not loose fill) or soil which has been compacted to at least 90% of its maximum relative density. Support piers may be placed directly onto concrete slab designed for manufactured home placement, such as concrete slab found in many manufactured home parks.
Settling and Re-leveling
There is always the possibility that settling may occur after the home has been properly set up and blocked. Settling, if it should occur, will generally happen in the first six to eight weeks or in the spring.
Settling can affect the proper operation of doors, windows and cabinets, as well as place undue strain on the structural members of the home. Settling may also affect the tension in the tie-down devices.
The home should be checked periodically, re-leveled and re-tensioned as required.
Skirting or Crawl Space Enclosure
Skirting is usually is used to enclose the space between the home and the ground. Skirting not only adds beauty to the home, but also provides important benefits in the reduction of heat loss — as does a foundation with crawl space. Enclosure also aids in reducing the danger and inconvenience of damaged plumbing as a result of freezing. Thus, enclosure of the home underside can lower fuel bills and prevent problems and inconvenience due to frozen plumbing.
Appurtenances Attached to Home
Any appurtenances attached to the home at the site must be self-supporting and designed to resist the roof and wind loads to which it will be subjected. Examples of site-installed appurtenances are decks, screened porches, etc.
Additions to the Park model are strictly regulated under zoning bylaws of the municipality. Any addition requires the express written permission of Chemainus Garden Holiday Resort and subject to obtaining permit from the municipality having jurisdiction