Can a mobile home survive a hurricane? This is one of the most common questions Texas homeowners ask, and the answer is YES—when properly prepared. Modern manufactured homes are built with hurricane-resistant features designed to withstand severe weather, but taking additional steps to hurricane proof your home can make all the difference.
Unlike the mobile homes of past decades, today’s manufactured homes must meet strict HUD standards for wind resistance. However, preparing your home before hurricane season is critical to minimizing damage and keeping your family safe.
Whether you’re in coastal Texas or inland areas that can still experience hurricane impacts, knowing how to hurricane proof your home is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important steps—from securing tie-downs to protecting windows and reinforcing your roof.
Let’s get started with the actions you can take today to make your manufactured home more hurricane-resistant!
Ensure Your Windows & Doors are Secure
Preventing wind and water from entering your mobile home is one of the most important ways to make your home more hurricane-resistant. When strong winds blow inside a manufactured home, they create pressure that can cause the roof to blow off.
Protecting your windows and doors is one of the most effective ways to hurricane proof your home. When you prevent wind and water intrusion, you significantly reduce the risk of structural damage during a storm.
But let’s be realistic. Not everyone can afford to replace their windows!
Installing removable shutters is a cost-effective way to secure windows and doors. If you don’t have it in your budget to invest in shutters, you can make do with plywood. Plywood shields your door and window frames from the elements. Taking accurate measurements is also essential for your frames to effectively protect your windows.
Clean Up Your Yard
It is critical to thoroughly inspect and remove any movable items from your front and back yards. The winds of a hurricane have the potential to lift items and launch them toward your mobile home. The worst-case scenario is that any damage to your exterior structure allows winds and water to then enter your home.
Some common items you would need to move include (but are not limited to):
- Potted plants
- Patio furniture
- BBQ pit
- Garbage cans
- Lawn decor
Store these items in a garage, shed, or inside your home well before the hurricane arrives. If you have larger items like propane tanks or outdoor AC units, make sure they’re properly secured or anchored.
Inspect & Secure Your Tie-Downs
Making sure your tie-downs are secure is probably the most important step you can take in making your manufactured home more hurricane-resistant. Tie-downs are anchors and straps that keep your house standing during high winds, like those of hurricanes. Poorly installed tie-downs raise the possibility of your house collapsing or sliding.
When inspecting your tie-downs you should double-check their tightness and replace any anchors or tie-downs that show signs of damage or corrosion. Check that they are rated for the types of winds that can be expected in your area. If you don’t feel comfortable being the judge, then consider hiring a professional well before hurricane season arrives. In Texas, hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, so schedule inspections in early spring.
Reinforce Wall Joints & Cracks
Wall joints are the points where walls meet the floor and other surfaces. Water leakage into the house can be caused by cracks in these joints. As a result, you must repair these joints and fill any gaps that exist.
It is best to hire a professional to properly strengthen and fill the cracks. However, if you are confident in your abilities, you can do it yourself.
Maintain Your Manufactured Home’s Roof
Maintain the roof of your mobile home in good condition, with all edges securely fastened and all holes properly patched and sealed. If your roof is weak or damaged, it can easily be carried away by hurricane debris.
Consider roof sheathing if you want to go a step further in hurricane protection. For strong sheathing, thick plywood panels are best. Regardless of the material, use fasteners to securely fasten the roof structure to the roof sheathing. Keep in mind that even a single piece of sheathing can cause significant damage to your home.
Create a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Beyond physical preparations to your home, having a family emergency plan is essential. Know your evacuation routes, have an emergency kit ready, and keep important documents in waterproof containers. Make sure you have adequate homeowners insurance that covers hurricane damage.
For manufactured homeowners in Texas, it’s worth reviewing your insurance policy annually to ensure you have proper coverage for both the structure and your belongings. Many standard policies may not cover flood damage, so consider separate flood insurance if you’re in a flood-prone area.
Is Your Manufactured Home Hurricane-Resistant?
Manufactured homes are built with hurricane-resistant features, but it’s still a good idea to consult with a professional if you’re not confident. They can assist you in identifying risks and preparing for the upcoming hurricane season.
Installing hurricane-resistant features is the best way to make your mobile home hurricane-resistant. However, you can always make improvements for added security. Because, let’s face it, we can’t all afford a complete rehaul. Any step toward making your manufactured home more hurricane-resistant is a step in the right direction!
Have questions about hurricane preparedness or looking for a manufactured home built to withstand severe weather? Contact Braustin Homes today!
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