Are modular homes safe to live in?

Are modular homes safe to live in?

Modular homes are considered the best answer for quick home building solutions. But people often wonder if these prefabricated homes are safe to live in as some myths follow or go around these off-site built houses.

It is a well-known fact that modular homes are cheaper than traditional homes. They are also easy to build because of the process of prefabrication in a factory and then trucked to the development site for assembly. But, these facts should not fool you that such homes have less strength than traditional ones!

You must understand that modular homes are built to comply with the local building code & standards.

Thus, making them super strong to withstand all weather conditions. 

In this blog, we'll try to burst more such myths to help you make a sound conclusion about the safety of modular homes!

The Truth:

Because of the construction method and withstand the stress of transportation of modules/ sections to the building site, modular homes are safer and better than on-site ones. 

Since a modular home has to be trucked to the built site; hence such homes contain, on average, 20-30% more building material than a site-built home to increase their strength. Also, the drywalls are not only tightened with screwed but also glued to the wall studs.

In addition to this, triple-headers are also used over the window openings and around stairwells- for better strength.

Some research has shown that the "module-to-module coupling of section/units" provides a better and more rigid system than a traditionally built home's framing. You can search for more studies on the internet.

Construction Standards and Safety Codes:

Let's find out how a modular home performs under the standard test or conditions.

Wind Loads – 

Pressure or load of wind (measured in pounds per square foot) comes on a building or structure when the wind blows. This load factor can give you an idea of how safe can you really be in a modular home when high-energy current (air) flows!

Both a modular and traditional built home are constructed on a permanent foundation. Therefore, you can undoubtedly consider modular homes safe when sustaining a really high wind load. Also, modular homes follow state and local building requirements to further ensure your safety in such houses.

Note: A permanent foundation designed & developed considering earthquake safety can be your next safe move and will help you keep the structural safety of the house intact when earthquakes hit.

Snow loads- 

If you live in a snowy area- this factor plays a key role. Snow load is a downward force or pressure on a home's roof by the weight of snow or ice because of its accumulation.

Modular homes are designed to withstand a well enough snow load.

Plumbing & Electrical Standard and Codes–

These are the set of standards for all homes. Whether it is modular or on-site built), these codes must meet. It is precisely to ensure the safety of the people living in those homes.

The Conclusion:

Being safe is one of the benefits you can clearly expect from modular homes. However, apart from being safe, affordable, and energy-efficient, there are many valid and practical reasons to own a modular home without any doubt!

If you're interested in learning more, you must contact Jaco Sales- a well-known name in modular home sales. Visit our website and browse our homes today here.