Permanent Foundations Best for Manufactured Homes

All homes need a firm foundation.  When you start building from the ground up, it is essential that the foundation used will support the house indefinitely.

Since the mid 1980’s Jensen communities has utilized monolithic concrete slabs (or a full perimeter concrete foundation in some of our newest communities) as a “best practice”.  People moving to a retirement community (or just a smaller home) do not need a basement and to save on costs, the concrete slab is the best suited for the task of supporting today’s modern (and solidly built) manufactured home for years to come.

A concrete slab will not allow variations under the home’s concrete piers and practically eliminate re-leveling.  It also creates a better base on which to install the perimeter skirting (especially the bottom track) as well as making it easier to landscape against (and not pile top soil or mulch against the skirting).  The slab allows plumbers, electricians and HVAC professionals to complete their work above ground level.

There are several things you should look for in a correctly built concrete slab used for a manufactured home foundation.  Jensen’s starts with setting the grade for the site to ensure that water will run away from the home.  Then, crushed gravel and stone are laid on undisturbed soil and compacted before the slab is formed.  In some soil conditions and climates, extra footings are dug under the home’s pier system or around the outer edge to make the slab even stronger.  The bulk of the slab is about 6” thick and poured with fiberglass or wire mesh for extra strength. To see a video of the Concrete slab, Click Here.  The slab is made 4” to 6” wider than the actual home to provide a “reveal” and ledge to install either vinyl or brick skirting to dress up the underside of the home.

Home tie-downs are anchored directly into the slab and then steel straps are run to the I-Beam frame of the home securing it according to the manufacturer’s installation manual.  Using a full concrete slab also allows the home’s electrical service to be directly mounted on an exterior wall saving costs and extra equipment resulting in a much neater look to the yard.  Setting a proper grade and landscaping up to the slab prevents water from getting under the home.

We take pride in what is under our homes because we know it is important to you and your home’s longevity.  Ask your sales representative to show you the quality of a Jensen foundation.

Kris Jensen III

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800-458-6832

www.jensencommunities.com