Based On Performance-Based Code

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) governs mobile home construction, and their HUD-code is unique in two aspects: it is the only nationwide building code and also primarily a performance-based code. Most building codes are largely prescriptive, meaning that they specify exactly the materials and methods of construction that must be used. A performance-based code instead sets the performance standards for things like wind resistance, structural loading, weatherproofing, and insulation. This gives manufacturers some latitude in how they meet the standard. 

Depends On Wind Zone, Insulation, And Customer Preference

    The walls studs of a manufactured home may be nominal 2x6, 2x4, or 2x3, depending on the wind zone, thermal zone, and price point of the home. Hurricane zone homes must be structurally stronger, colder thermal zones need more room for insulation in the walls, and premium home buyers want a 2x6 stud wall. Some states also have what are called “HUD overrides” that set a minimum 2x4 stud size. 

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Here’s links to a collection of our blog posts about MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES:

• Where can I file a complaint if I have problems with my new or used manufactured/mobile home in Florida?

• What are the most common defects in mobile/manufactured home foundation piers?

• How do I determine the age of a very old mobile home?

• What is a "HUD label verification letter" for a mobile/manufactured home?  

• When did a ground cover vapor barrier (plastic sheet) become required under a mobile/manufactured home? 

• Is it safe to go under a mobile home? 

• Are older mobile homes unsafe? 

• What do I need to know about buying a foreclosed mobile home? 

• Does it make sense to buy an older mobile home and remodel it? 

• Where do I find the vehicle identification number (VIN) on a mobile home? 

• How do I find out how old a mobile home is and who manufactured it?

• What is the right price for a used mobile home?

• How energy efficient is a mobile home?

• When were the first double-wide mobile homes manufactured?

• How do I upgrade my old (pre-1976) mobile home to meet HUD standards?

• What size air conditioner is right for my mobile home? 

• Can you move an older mobile home in Florida? 

• What does the HUD tag look like and where do I find it on a mobile home? 

• Can you put a zone 1 mobile home in Florida?

• How can I remove water under my mobile home?

• What's the differences between a trailer, a mobile home, a manufactured home, and a modular home? 

• What is a D-sticker mobile home? 

• What walls can I remove in a mobile home?

• What can I do to prevent dampness and mold in my mobile home? 

• How can I tell if a mobile home is well constructed?

• How can I tell the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home?

       Visit our MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES  page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.