Whether you’re new to manufactured homes or have lived in one for years, understanding the role of tie-downs can give you peace of mind and help protect your investment. Let’s take a closer look at why tie-downs matter, how they work, and what you can do to make sure your home stays firmly in place-no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
What is a Tie-Down?
When you choose a manufactured home, making sure it’s safe and secure is a top priority-and that’s where tie-downs come in. Because manufactured homes are lighter than traditional homes, they can be more vulnerable to strong winds, especially if they don’t have skirting to help block gusts from getting underneath. In severe weather, this can lead to dangerous uplift or even the risk of the home shifting or overturning.
Tie-downs are specially designed straps and anchors that help keep your home firmly in place. They stabilize your manufactured home by anchoring it to the ground, reducing the risk of sliding or tipping during high winds. Properly installed tie-downs are essential for your safety and peace of mind, while improper installation can leave your home at risk for serious damage. Taking the time to understand and maintain your tie-downs is one of the best ways to protect your investment and keep your home secure, no matter what the weather brings.
Tie-Down Types
There are two main types of tie-downs that work together to keep your manufactured home safe and steady: over-the-top tie-downs and frame anchors. Both play a crucial role in stabilizing your home, so it’s important to have high-quality tie-downs that are installed correctly.
- Over-the-Top Tie-Downs: These straps are positioned over the roof and siding of your home, anchoring it securely from above. In some manufactured homes, these tie-downs are cleverly hidden just beneath the metal roof and siding, making them less noticeable while still doing their job. You might see the ends of these straps extending out from underneath your home. While they may not always blend perfectly with your home’s exterior, their main purpose is to provide extra stability-especially for lighter, single-wide homes. For the best protection, it’s a good idea to use both over-the-top tie-downs and frame anchors on single-wide homes.
- Frame Anchors: Frame anchors attach directly to the steel framing rails underneath your home. Thanks to improved engineering and construction, many newer manufactured homes can rely on frame anchors alone for a strong hold. Double-wide homes, being heavier and more robust, typically use frame anchors as their primary method of stabilization. Their added weight helps keep them grounded, so they don’t usually need as many tie-downs as single-wide homes.
Choosing the right combination of tie-downs and making sure they’re properly installed gives you peace of mind, knowing your home is ready to stand strong against whatever the weather brings.
Tie-Down Engineering
Tie-downs may seem simple, but they’re actually made up of three key components that work together to keep your manufactured home secure: ground anchors, tension devices, and roof protectors.
- Ground Anchors: These are sturdy metal stakes buried deep in the ground, providing a solid base for your tie-downs to attach to. The type of anchor you’ll need depends on the soil where your home will sit. For example, auger anchors are versatile and work well in both soft and hard soil. If your land is rocky or has a coral base, you’ll want to use rock or drive anchors designed specifically for those tougher conditions.
- Tension Devices: Tension devices connect the tie-down straps to the ground anchors, ensuring everything stays tight and secure. They’re built to handle the same weight and force as the anchor and the strap, so strength and durability are key. Look for weatherproof materials, and if you’re using a ground anchor with a drop-forged turnbuckle, make sure your tie-down is made from at least 12-gauge galvanized steel for maximum reliability.
- Roof Protectors: If your home uses over-the-top tie-downs, roof protectors are an important finishing touch. These pieces are placed under the straps at the edges of your roof to prevent the tie-downs from rubbing or cutting into your roofing material. Not only do they help extend the life of your roof, but they also make sure your tie-downs can do their job without causing any damage.
Together, these components form a strong, dependable system that helps keep your home safe and stable, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
If you’re looking for a quality manufactured home, check out the options we have available at our San Antonio and Odessa dealership locations. As an online manufactured home retailer, Braustin Homes delivers to all of Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Browse our inventory and discover the mobile home floor plan that feels just right for you. When you find one you love, our team is here to make the process easy and help you move into your new manufactured home as soon as possible. Let’s find your perfect home together!
If you are looking for a new manufactured home, contact us and schedule a consultation with our team to help you get into your new home today.
