Discussion:
Mobile Home Roof Rumble
(too old to reply)
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-10 22:27:21 UTC
Permalink
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof. It's
several large pieces of metal joined together to create one huge
piece that is secured only at the edges. The remainder is loose and
flexible (except around the few vent pipes). I live in an area of
higher wind speeds (especially in the spring). As the wind blows, the
moving air exerts lift on the metal which flexes up and then back down
repeatedly. This creates a horrible rumble (like jiggling a sheet of
metal to make "thunder" in a stage play).

I covered my roof with old tires. In addition to looking tacky, it
only helped marginally. At wind speeds of > 20 mph, the rumble starts.
As it continues, tires slowly slide down and fall off the roof, which
creates a safety hazard for living things and the house itself (as it
now has skidmarks down the side in several places). Snow causes the
same thing to happen.

The easiest big solution involves covering the roof with polystyrene
boards and a huge blanket of rubber
(http://www.ropac.com/rav1n1.html). That runs about $3,000. To be
honest, if I could easily lay my hands on that kind of money, I would
proably be affluent enough to afford a house that didn't come on
wheels.

Does anyone have any ideas? One option out there is rumble buttons
(http://randgsupply.com/Warehouse/Exterior/roofing.htm#Rumble%20Buttons
-- to the right a little ways down the page; the picture to the left
gives an excellent idea of what my roof looks like). I've read that
these cause leaks. Of course, my roof already has small tears along
the peak and lower edges from too much flexing anyway. If this is the
best, affordable idea out there, I'll climb up there periodically with
a tube of silicone and fix the problems.

I'm desperate. The constant noise sets everyone on edge during the day
and keeps them up at night.

-- Christian
Offbreed
2005-08-10 21:55:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by Christian M. Mericle
Of course, my roof already has small tears along
the peak and lower edges from too much flexing anyway.
Build a false roof over it. Sounds like you don't have to worry about
snow load, so you can go pretty flat with 2 foot centers and let the
trailer support the weight. The false roof does not even need to shed
water, but it's better if it does. Tie it down with cables and anchors
so it does not kite off on you.

The shade will also cut your heating expenses.

Locally, people build a carport over their trailers so the posts support
the weight, but we have snow.
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-11 15:22:58 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 10 Aug 2005 14:55:14 -0700, Offbreed
Post by Offbreed
Post by Christian M. Mericle
Of course, my roof already has small tears along
the peak and lower edges from too much flexing anyway.
Build a false roof over it. Sounds like you don't have to worry about
snow load, so you can go pretty flat with 2 foot centers and let the
trailer support the weight. The false roof does not even need to shed
water, but it's better if it does. Tie it down with cables and anchors
so it does not kite off on you.
The shade will also cut your heating expenses.
Locally, people build a carport over their trailers so the posts support
the weight, but we have snow.
I wonder if this would be much savings over the rubber blanket.

-- Christian
n***@ece.villanova.edu
2005-08-11 00:03:19 UTC
Permalink
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof. It's
several large pieces of metal joined together to create one huge
piece that is secured only at the edges. The remainder is loose and
flexible (except around the few vent pipes). I live in an area of
higher wind speeds (especially in the spring). As the wind blows, the
moving air exerts lift on the metal which flexes up and then back down
repeatedly. This creates a horrible rumble...
I covered my roof with old tires. In addition to looking tacky, it
only helped marginally. At wind speeds of > 20 mph, the rumble starts.
As it continues, tires slowly slide down and fall off the roof...
Does anyone have any ideas?
Tie the tires together with nylon rope to make a hexagonal hairnet.
Sprinkle with something fluffy if desired, eg leaves or mulch or
pine needles.

Nick
Vic Dura
2005-08-11 11:24:19 UTC
Permalink
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof. It's
several large pieces of metal joined together to create one huge
piece that is secured only at the edges. The remainder is loose and
flexible (except around the few vent pipes). I live in an area of
higher wind speeds (especially in the spring). As the wind blows, the
moving air exerts lift on the metal which flexes up and then back down
repeatedly. This creates a horrible rumble...
I covered my roof with old tires. In addition to looking tacky, it
only helped marginally. At wind speeds of > 20 mph, the rumble starts.
As it continues, tires slowly slide down and fall off the roof...
Does anyone have any ideas?
Tie the tires together with nylon rope to make a hexagonal hairnet.
Sprinkle with something fluffy if desired, eg leaves or mulch or
pine needles.
Also, how about painting the tires? Then they will look nice instead
of tacky.
--
To email me directly, remove CLUTTER.
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-11 15:18:05 UTC
Permalink
On Thu, 11 Aug 2005 06:24:19 -0500, Vic Dura
Post by Vic Dura
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof. It's
several large pieces of metal joined together to create one huge
piece that is secured only at the edges. The remainder is loose and
flexible (except around the few vent pipes). I live in an area of
higher wind speeds (especially in the spring). As the wind blows, the
moving air exerts lift on the metal which flexes up and then back down
repeatedly. This creates a horrible rumble...
I covered my roof with old tires. In addition to looking tacky, it
only helped marginally. At wind speeds of > 20 mph, the rumble starts.
As it continues, tires slowly slide down and fall off the roof...
Does anyone have any ideas?
Tie the tires together with nylon rope to make a hexagonal hairnet.
Sprinkle with something fluffy if desired, eg leaves or mulch or
pine needles.
Also, how about painting the tires? Then they will look nice instead
of tacky.
Definitely going to do this if I decide I can't find a better
affordable solution. I have about 25 gallons of white elastomeric
roofing. I've already painted the metal and plan to paint the tires if
I put them back up there.

-- Christian
Offbreed
2005-08-11 18:52:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by Christian M. Mericle
Definitely going to do this if I decide I can't find a better
affordable solution. I have about 25 gallons of white elastomeric
roofing. I've already painted the metal and plan to paint the tires if
I put them back up there.
I hope you are drilling some holes in the tires so they don't hold
water. That's prime mosquito breeding ground.
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-11 15:16:23 UTC
Permalink
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof. It's
several large pieces of metal joined together to create one huge
piece that is secured only at the edges. The remainder is loose and
flexible (except around the few vent pipes). I live in an area of
higher wind speeds (especially in the spring). As the wind blows, the
moving air exerts lift on the metal which flexes up and then back down
repeatedly. This creates a horrible rumble...
I covered my roof with old tires. In addition to looking tacky, it
only helped marginally. At wind speeds of > 20 mph, the rumble starts.
As it continues, tires slowly slide down and fall off the roof...
Does anyone have any ideas?
Tie the tires together with nylon rope to make a hexagonal hairnet.
Sprinkle with something fluffy if desired, eg leaves or mulch or
pine needles.
I tried tying the tires to keep them from sliding off. It worked until
the sun rotted the rope (which didn't take long).

-- Christian
Ann
2005-08-11 15:53:15 UTC
Permalink
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I tried tying the tires to keep them from sliding off. It worked until
the sun rotted the rope (which didn't take long).
Look in a farm/garden supply store for rope that says it has additives to
resist deterioration in outdoor use. Since carbon black is the cheapest
way to do this, the rope will often be black. (But being black is not a
guarantee that the rope has carbon black in it.) Alternatively, get some
natural fiber rope and soak it in wood preservative

Incidentally, if West Nile Virus has reached your area, make holes in the
tires so water will drain.
Norma Desmond
2005-08-11 15:57:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ann
Incidentally, if West Nile Virus has reached your area,
make holes in the
Post by Ann
tires so water will drain.
do this anyway - bites are bites, and WNV will be there
eventually.
Neon John
2005-08-11 04:25:49 UTC
Permalink
Probably the cheapest thing I can think of is to spread some roofing
tar on the roof and toss the tires on while it is still sticky. The
tar will damp the vibrations and will adhere the tires in place.

The rumble buttons will do the job (you can get 'em at Lowe's or Home
Depot as metal roof washers) but they'll require a lot of work and of
course, depends on there being good wood under the roof.

When I install metal roofing, I add a daub of RTV to each washer. So
far no leaks at all. That would add even more work to your job.

I'd probably just go with the tar and tires.

John


On Wed, 10 Aug 2005 16:27:21 -0600, Christian M. Mericle
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof. It's
several large pieces of metal joined together to create one huge
piece that is secured only at the edges. The remainder is loose and
flexible (except around the few vent pipes). I live in an area of
higher wind speeds (especially in the spring). As the wind blows, the
moving air exerts lift on the metal which flexes up and then back down
repeatedly. This creates a horrible rumble (like jiggling a sheet of
metal to make "thunder" in a stage play).
I covered my roof with old tires. In addition to looking tacky, it
only helped marginally. At wind speeds of > 20 mph, the rumble starts.
As it continues, tires slowly slide down and fall off the roof, which
creates a safety hazard for living things and the house itself (as it
now has skidmarks down the side in several places). Snow causes the
same thing to happen.
The easiest big solution involves covering the roof with polystyrene
boards and a huge blanket of rubber
(http://www.ropac.com/rav1n1.html). That runs about $3,000. To be
honest, if I could easily lay my hands on that kind of money, I would
proably be affluent enough to afford a house that didn't come on
wheels.
Does anyone have any ideas? One option out there is rumble buttons
(http://randgsupply.com/Warehouse/Exterior/roofing.htm#Rumble%20Buttons
-- to the right a little ways down the page; the picture to the left
gives an excellent idea of what my roof looks like). I've read that
these cause leaks. Of course, my roof already has small tears along
the peak and lower edges from too much flexing anyway. If this is the
best, affordable idea out there, I'll climb up there periodically with
a tube of silicone and fix the problems.
I'm desperate. The constant noise sets everyone on edge during the day
and keeps them up at night.
-- Christian
---
John De Armond
See my website for my current email address
http://www.johngsbbq.com
Cleveland, Occupied TN
Vic Dura
2005-08-11 11:24:19 UTC
Permalink
Post by Neon John
Probably the cheapest thing I can think of is to spread some roofing
tar on the roof and toss the tires on while it is still sticky. The
tar will damp the vibrations and will adhere the tires in place.
This is a very good idea for securing the tires. I would still paint
them (white) to contrast with the tar. I think it would look nice.
--
To email me directly, remove CLUTTER.
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-11 15:21:47 UTC
Permalink
On Thu, 11 Aug 2005 06:24:19 -0500, Vic Dura
Post by Vic Dura
Post by Neon John
Probably the cheapest thing I can think of is to spread some roofing
tar on the roof and toss the tires on while it is still sticky. The
tar will damp the vibrations and will adhere the tires in place.
This is a very good idea for securing the tires. I would still paint
them (white) to contrast with the tar. I think it would look nice.
I had considered trying this idea with the elastomeric roofing but I
think the tar would work better (especially at dampening the sound).
Does anyone know if, after it dries, the tar can be painted as well?

-- Christian (who thanks everyone for the ideas)
Vic Dura
2005-08-11 16:35:14 UTC
Permalink
On Thu, 11 Aug 2005 09:21:47 -0600, Christian M. Mericle
Post by Christian M. Mericle
On Thu, 11 Aug 2005 06:24:19 -0500, Vic Dura
Post by Vic Dura
Post by Neon John
Probably the cheapest thing I can think of is to spread some roofing
tar on the roof and toss the tires on while it is still sticky. The
tar will damp the vibrations and will adhere the tires in place.
This is a very good idea for securing the tires. I would still paint
them (white) to contrast with the tar. I think it would look nice.
I had considered trying this idea with the elastomeric roofing but I
think the tar would work better (especially at dampening the sound).
Does anyone know if, after it dries, the tar can be painted as well?
-- Christian (who thanks everyone for the ideas)
I don't know if the elastomeric stuff will stick to tar, but it may
not be necessary. The contrast of the white painted tires on the black
tar roof will be very attractive an pleasing to the eye. Especially if
you arrange the tires in nice patterns, as I'm sure you would do.

I think it will be pretty and you may even get in Architectural
Digest. If you do, I hope you will mention the folks here.

But do put the drain holes in the tires. You'll be glad you did.
--
To email me directly, remove CLUTTER.
n***@yahoo.com.sg
2005-08-13 05:38:16 UTC
Permalink
Especially if you arrange the tires in nice patterns, as I'm sure you would do
I did my trailer according to the specifications for heli-pads.

Makes it a lot easier for Cabinet Secretaries to drop by. They've
all been pestering me ever since the Washington Post printed that
article about my hors d'oevres.
Neon John
2005-08-11 18:00:38 UTC
Permalink
No, the tar remains soft. But you can get tar in both white and
silver. I recommend one of the light colors for the heat rejection.

John

On Thu, 11 Aug 2005 09:21:47 -0600, Christian M. Mericle
Post by Christian M. Mericle
On Thu, 11 Aug 2005 06:24:19 -0500, Vic Dura
Post by Vic Dura
Post by Neon John
Probably the cheapest thing I can think of is to spread some roofing
tar on the roof and toss the tires on while it is still sticky. The
tar will damp the vibrations and will adhere the tires in place.
This is a very good idea for securing the tires. I would still paint
them (white) to contrast with the tar. I think it would look nice.
I had considered trying this idea with the elastomeric roofing but I
think the tar would work better (especially at dampening the sound).
Does anyone know if, after it dries, the tar can be painted as well?
-- Christian (who thanks everyone for the ideas)
---
John De Armond
See my website for my current email address
http://www.johngsbbq.com
Cleveland, Occupied TN
Janet Baraclough
2005-08-11 12:06:21 UTC
Permalink
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof. It's
I covered my roof with old tires. In addition to looking tacky, it
only helped marginally. At wind speeds of > 20 mph, the rumble starts.
As it continues, tires slowly slide down and fall off the roof, which
creates a safety hazard for living things and the house itself (as it
now has skidmarks down the side in several places). Snow causes the
same thing to happen.
I think you should be very wary of fixing tyres to the roof, which
might then get snowed on. You already know it's flexible and not
strongly supported, and showing wear and tears. Together , snow and
tyres would be a significant weight burden which it probably wasn't
designed to support..The weakened, heavier roof might either fold
inwards, or buckle out the sides of the trailer.

Why not construct a freestanding roof above the trailer, supported on
its own legs? We made a large open shed like that, very cheaply. The
corner legs (concreted into deep footings) were 10" square beams taken
from an old warehouse. the roof frame was the same wood sawn smaller.
The roof top could be any second-hand roofing sheets. Farmers'
newspapers here are full of stuff like that. That shed has withstood
winds of 90mph + on many occasions. Make sure you leave enough overhang
to shed rain and snow off the trailer.

A farm neighbour lived in a trailer parked under one of his
open-sided barns for years. The barn roof deflects a lot of the wind
before it ever reaches the trailer roof, so you wouldn't get so much
flexing and noise.

Janet
AL
2005-08-14 01:56:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof.
[...]
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I covered my roof with old tires. In addition to looking tacky, it
only helped marginally. At wind speeds of > 20 mph, the rumble starts.
[...]
Post by Christian M. Mericle
The easiest big solution involves covering the roof with polystyrene
boards and a huge blanket of rubber
(http://www.ropac.com/rav1n1.html). That runs about $3,000. To be
honest, if I could easily lay my hands on that kind of money, I would
proably be affluent enough to afford a house that didn't come on
wheels.
Don't under estimate the value of a trailor - I passed by one a couple
of days ago that last sold for over $350,000. Of course location had a
bit to do with it...

:)




AL
n***@ece.villanova.edu
2005-08-14 12:53:18 UTC
Permalink
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof.
...
Post by Christian M. Mericle
The easiest big solution involves covering the roof with polystyrene
boards and a huge blanket of rubber (http://www.ropac.com/rav1n1.html).
That runs about $3,000...
Why the boards? EPDM rubber costs about 30 cents/ft^2 in 10'x50' rolls...

Nick
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-15 15:27:40 UTC
Permalink
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof.
...
Post by Christian M. Mericle
The easiest big solution involves covering the roof with polystyrene
boards and a huge blanket of rubber (http://www.ropac.com/rav1n1.html).
That runs about $3,000...
Why the boards? EPDM rubber costs about 30 cents/ft^2 in 10'x50' rolls...
I don't see how the EPDM alone would completely stop the noise. The
wind would still be able to press against the metal causing noise.
Granted the lift would be reduced so the sound we dimish some.

Does the EPDM come in rolls wider than 10'? My house is 16' wide and I
would need a bit of overhang. It would be a pain to seam over 75'.

-- Christian
n***@ece.villanova.edu
2005-08-15 21:49:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by Christian M. Mericle
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by Christian M. Mericle
The easiest big solution involves covering the roof with polystyrene
boards and a huge blanket of rubber (http://www.ropac.com/rav1n1.html).
That runs about $3,000...
Why the boards? EPDM rubber costs about 30 cents/ft^2 in 10'x50' rolls...
I don't see how the EPDM alone would completely stop the noise. The
wind would still be able to press against the metal causing noise.
The metal would be under the EPDM, no?
Post by Christian M. Mericle
Does the EPDM come in rolls wider than 10'?
How about a (600 lb--oof) 20'x100' roll?

Nick
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-16 15:39:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by Christian M. Mericle
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by Christian M. Mericle
The easiest big solution involves covering the roof with polystyrene
boards and a huge blanket of rubber (http://www.ropac.com/rav1n1.html).
That runs about $3,000...
Why the boards? EPDM rubber costs about 30 cents/ft^2 in 10'x50' rolls...
I don't see how the EPDM alone would completely stop the noise. The
wind would still be able to press against the metal causing noise.
The metal would be under the EPDM, no?
Yes, but wouldn't the push (not lift) of the wind still be able to
flex the metal beneath the EPDM?
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by Christian M. Mericle
Does the EPDM come in rolls wider than 10'?
How about a (600 lb--oof) 20'x100' roll?
That's about the perfect size. Does that run 30¢/sq. ft. as well?

Now, if I only had a forklift to get it up there...

-- Christian
n***@ece.villanova.edu
2005-08-16 18:10:41 UTC
Permalink
...but wouldn't the push (not lift) of the wind still be able to
flex the metal beneath the EPDM?
I doubt it. You might nail it down, or cover the EPDM with a tire hairnet.
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
How about a (600 lb--oof) 20'x100' roll?
That's about the perfect size. Does that run 30¢/sq. ft. as well?
I think so.
Now, if I only had a forklift to get it up there...
You might make a gable roof and drape 2 10'x75' pieces over it,
with more insulation beneath.

Nick
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-17 15:18:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
...but wouldn't the push (not lift) of the wind still be able to
flex the metal beneath the EPDM?
I doubt it. You might nail it down, or cover the EPDM with a tire hairnet.
Yeah, I think that would take care of the extra flexing.
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
How about a (600 lb--oof) 20'x100' roll?
That's about the perfect size. Does that run 30¢/sq. ft. as well?
I think so.
Who sells this stuff? I know I can't get it locally.
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Now, if I only had a forklift to get it up there...
You might make a gable roof and drape 2 10'x75' pieces over it,
with more insulation beneath.
-- Christian
n***@ece.villanova.edu
2005-08-17 16:25:10 UTC
Permalink
Who sells [EPDM]? I know I can't get it locally.
You might. It's widely used for flat roofs.

Nick

AL
2005-08-15 19:12:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by n***@ece.villanova.edu
Post by Christian M. Mericle
I live in a mobile home (trailer house) with a sheet metal roof.
...
Post by Christian M. Mericle
The easiest big solution involves covering the roof with polystyrene
boards and a huge blanket of rubber (http://www.ropac.com/rav1n1.html).
That runs about $3,000...
Why the boards? EPDM rubber costs about 30 cents/ft^2 in 10'x50' rolls...
Nick
Take care with your editing Nick - *I* did not post any of the content
above yet your 'editing' makes it appear otherwise.

AL
p***@yahoo.com
2005-08-15 05:40:35 UTC
Permalink
Post by AL
sold for over $350,000. Of course location had a
bit to do with it...
be careful on judging location values! Without a certificate of
occupancy, its value is quite small


When I first moved to Chespaeake VA, the place was still dominated by
working farmers. Plenty of extant trailers, and no snotty attitudes
about it.

then the cityfolk-turned-exurbanites started moving in, took over the
City Council. Soon enough, they wanted exurbia to be ticky-tac
suburbia: zoning rules were changed... can't even replace an existing
trailer with another trailer, much less put down a new one.

The catch-22 was, many of the trailer lots didn't meet spec for putting
in a house.

By the time I left, it looked like developers gobbling up land at
firesale prices by devious means. That doesn't happen in America, does
it?!?
AL
2005-08-15 19:08:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by p***@yahoo.com
Post by AL
sold for over $350,000. Of course location had a
bit to do with it...
be careful on judging location values! Without a certificate of
occupancy, its value is quite small
It happened to be lake front property on Lake Lure NC.

AL
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-16 15:41:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by AL
Post by p***@yahoo.com
Post by AL
sold for over $350,000. Of course location had a
bit to do with it...
be careful on judging location values! Without a certificate of
occupancy, its value is quite small
It happened to be lake front property on Lake Lure NC.
You could probably replace the trailer with a leaky shanty and it
would still be worth about the same.

-- Christian
AL
2005-08-16 17:29:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by Christian M. Mericle
Post by AL
Post by p***@yahoo.com
Post by AL
sold for over $350,000. Of course location had a
bit to do with it...
be careful on judging location values! Without a certificate of
occupancy, its value is quite small
It happened to be lake front property on Lake Lure NC.
You could probably replace the trailer with a leaky shanty and it
would still be worth about the same.
-- Christian
kinda sorta my point


Current building codes would prohibit the shanty - the trailor was
grandfathered in.

I can't help thinking what a hoot it would be to live in an old trailor
in the midst of multimllion dollar estates - wave & smile & holler "hey
neighbor!"

AL
Christian M. Mericle
2005-08-17 15:19:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by AL
Post by Christian M. Mericle
Post by AL
Post by p***@yahoo.com
Post by AL
sold for over $350,000. Of course location had a
bit to do with it...
be careful on judging location values! Without a certificate of
occupancy, its value is quite small
It happened to be lake front property on Lake Lure NC.
You could probably replace the trailer with a leaky shanty and it
would still be worth about the same.
-- Christian
kinda sorta my point
Current building codes would prohibit the shanty - the trailor was
grandfathered in.
I can't help thinking what a hoot it would be to live in an old trailor
in the midst of multimllion dollar estates - wave & smile & holler "hey
neighbor!"
LOL! "Oh, yes, him! He's our token trailer trash..."

-- Christian
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