Mobile Home Loans

Mobile homes are very different from traditional homes in a number of ways. Their components and systems are different. So is the slang associated with them. This article is an effort to clarify some of the common terms used in the mobile home community.

Usually much is not visible underneath mobile home units. This is due to vapor barriers that are built in. These are called variously as bottom board, road barrier, rodent barrier. Much of the plumbing and electrical structure is obscured by this.

“Ribbons” is another commonly used term. These are concrete strips that provide support to the piers. These are much better that blocks that rest on bare earth. Another common term is “tie downs”. These are metal straps that tie down the home to the ground. These help in stormy conditions.

In addition tie downs are necessary for even conditions of flooding else the mobile home is liable to just float away. Where building codes exist ribbons, slabs and tie downs generally exist. Still many new mobile homes do not comply with the new standards