Windows, Doors and Ventilation of your Park Model
Windows and Doors
Joints around windows and doors were carefully caulked before your home left the factory, but vibration and road shock in transit may have opened seams and caused leakage. These areas should be examined after you home is set up at the site. Any area where leakage appears likely should be re-caulked. Caulking compounds that remain elastic are preferable. Any loose screws around doors or windows should be retightened.
Frame
The steel frame under your home has been factory-protected with rust inhibitive coating. Under some conditions, corrosion can form on the steel surfaces, so the frame should be inspected yearly. If rust is found remove it and touch up the area with asphalt base, zinc chromate base or another paint of equivalent protection.
Air Quality
Ventilation and Condensation
Your home is designed as a tight, well-insulated structure to maximize comfort and energy efficiency. However, unless proper ventilation is provided, indoor contaminates and odors may accumulate to objectionable levels. Everyday living habits can have an important effect on indoor air quality. For example, if your home is usually kept tightly closed or there is a heavy smoker in the family, potentially irritating indoor air contamination may occur. A persistent odor can usually be reduced or virtually eliminated by frequent and regular ventilations. Open the windows a little each day to allow outside fresh air to circulate, while operating your kitchen and bath exhaust fans. Periodic ventilation should not only improve indoor air quality but can also avoid excessive condensation, especially in cold or damp weather. If you have health concerns and you adequately ventilate your home, consult your doctor.
The following may be done to reduce visible condensation:
- Ventilate your home regularly by opening doors and windows: turn on power vent fans when using the range or bathroom.
- Avoid hanging wet clothing inside your home.
- If your home is equipped with clothes dryer, ensure that it is properly vented outside.
- If you have skirted your home or placed it over a crawl space foundation, ventilate the enclosed space beneath the home. Also, dryer vents must extend outside the enclosure.
- Unless your home is installed on a concrete pad at least four inches thick, a plastic vapor barrier should be installed over the ground beneath the home—many owners use six mil polyethylene vapor barrier over the ground surface.
- Under severe cold or unusual moisture conditions, remove the excess moisture from the air by mechanical dehumidification.