What are Foundation Repairs and Retrofits?
The terminology "foundation repairs" or "retrofits" is generally used to describe proprietary systems . What is a proprietary system?????
It is a pre-manufactured, often times "beefier" support system designed to provide additional vertical and horizontal resistance in wind, snow, and seismic zones---and that the design criteria has been pre-approved and stamped by an engineer.
Having been registered as an approved plan with the state, a proprietary system has already demonstrated through testing data that it meets or exceeds certain requirements.
When utilizing a PROPRIATARY STANDARD PLAN APPROVAL, plan check fees at the building department can usually be avoided. However, a proprietary system is not the only solution.
An engineer can design a site-specific plan as long as it meets local codes and will be accepted by the building department. Another important point, adding a retrofit doesn't mean the existing components are removed (photos below). In fact, the manufactured home's existing supports are still necessary for the load displacement, reduction of floor vibration and for leveling adjustability.
The concrete block system in the upper left photo is a typical pier support system in most states other than California. The upper right photo is a steel pier support and pressure treated wood pad pier support system used throughout most of California and a few other states as well.
A retrofit is generally required to meet loan or insurance specifications for "permanent" attachment, wind resistance, snow loads or seismic resistance. Video installation of one of the ABESCO TUFF 1 FOUNDATION SYSTEM,
The individual requirements for the different systems are better detailed in the following links.
Retrofit services fall in the following 3 categories:
- Retrofit Foundation System (PERMANENT FOUNDATION GUIDE FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES, dated September 1996)
- Earthquake Resistant Bracing Systems (ERBS)
- Engineered tie-down systems.
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