Manufactured Homes Built to Withstand Michigan's Severe Weather


OKEMOS, MI--(Marketwired - Aug 22, 2014) -  As severe summer weather hits a peak time in the state, the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association reminds consumers about the safety of manufactured homes against destructive weather conditions.

As with everywhere else in the nation, manufactured homes in Michigan are built in compliance with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, or HUD code. This regulation, which is revised as technology and safety standards progress, guarantees the quality of manufactured home construction through inspections.

Bobby Campbell is the director of value engineering for Champion Home Builders Inc. He says third-party agencies inspect manufactured homes throughout the building process, which is not a requirement of site-built homes. This additional review often creates an added benefit to owning a manufactured home during severe weather.

"The Engineered Wood Association did a report after Hurricane Andrew hit Florida and found that when the manufactured home was properly installed, it withstood the hurricane force winds better than most stick-built homes," Campbell says.

The Michigan Residential Building Code also ensures quality is integrated into every aspect of manufactured home construction. The code, which is also used for site-built homes, makes sure homes are built to meet wind safety and energy efficiency requirements.

Severe Michigan weather is not limited to high winds. To prepare for different weather conditions, homeowners should be aware of the condition of their roofs and make sure rainwater will be directed away from the homes' foundation. They can also assess the risks trees on their lots may pose and plan accordingly.

The Michigan Manufactured Housing Association is a non-profit trade association representing the system-built industry in Michigan. MMHA works to improve the image of system-built housing by educating consumers, media and government about the quality, affordability, design and beauty of the homes. It also works to protect the interests of the industry and the owners of system-built homes. For more information about system-built housing, visit www.michhome.org, call 800.551.1315 or contact MMHA, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, MI 48864-5978; 517.349.3300.