How to Fasten a Carport to a Mobile Home

When the weather is inclement, it is nice to be able to get from your car to your home without getting wet. One downfall to living in a mobile home is the inability to have an attached garage. Installing a carport may not completely protect you and your vehicle from the elements, but it will help you stay dry and keep your car clear of snow and ice. It is also one of the simplest additions when looking to renovate a mobile home.

Instructions

1. Check with your local building inspector to see if you will need a building permit before attaching a carport to mobile home. In many areas, any time you are making a permanent, attached change to your home, a permit will be required. While you are at the building inspector's office, also verify that you will be allowed to attach the carport to your mobile home. In some areas, there are restrictions on anything that will add weight load to your mobile home.

2. Locate wall studs on the exterior of mobile home. Carports must be attached at studs to avoid damage to the mobile home.

3. Check to be sure the roof has a 1/4-inch per foot slope away from the mobile home. This will prevent water from running toward the mobile home and causing damage. If your mobile home has a flat roof, attaching it directly to the mobile home is not advisable.

4. Install flashing between the mobile home and the roof of the carport. Use rubber washers on the screws between the mobile home and flashing to prevent water from seeping into the home at the screw holes.

5. Run silicone caulking between flashing and mobile home to further prevent water from running between flashing and home.

References

• Carports Place: Mobile Home Attached Carports
• My Great Home: Adding Attachments