Noisy roof when the wind blows

Repair help for the do-it-yourselfer.
For mobile home parts, click here.

Moderators: Greg, Mark, mhrAJ333, JD

Locked
mimmieof5
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:38 pm

Hey Guys and Gals...This is my first post. We are moving into a 1996 single wide Fleetwood, 16x80 in a couple of weeks. It has the original peaked metal roof and there have been no leaks thus far. We were there the other day when it was windy and it sounds like thunder in the house. I was very curious if this is normal or is it a defect in the roof? I will probably be asking more dumb questions as time goes on. Thanks so much! Dona
User avatar
JD
Site Admin
Posts: 2696
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:57 pm
Location: Fresno, CA
Contact:

Hi Donna,

That sound is known as "roof rumble". The wind is making sections of the roof move up and down. It sounds bad but is normal. Some homes will make more noise than others.

People used to install rumble bolts, screws with large washers, to try to hold the roof down. I have seen many roofs with the screws. They all had leaks to some degree.

JD
☯JD♫
Today is PERFECT!

All information and advice given is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The person doing the work is solely responsible to insure that their work complies with their local building code and OSHA safety regulations.
mimmieof5
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:38 pm

Thanks so much, JD. I was afraid it was something that needed repair. Now I can breathe a sign of relief!
User avatar
Greg
Moderator
Posts: 5696
Joined: Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:01 pm
Location: Weedsport, NY

Donna, All Mobile homes have their own "Unique" noises. metal roofs do make noise, Some times just a hot sun will expand them and make them pop. Aluminum siding can also pop in the sun, Once you learn the noises you don't even hear them. Greg
"If I can't fix it, I can screw it up so bad no one else can either."
lonestar1947
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2007 8:02 pm

I have a 1959 Homette, 10' x 50'; on a windy day the roof makes quite a racket! It's never leaked though, I keep the galvinized metal painted. The Jalousie windows are not too wind or waterproof, but I love how they work and how they look.
LeeFred
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 1:56 am

Dona: Are you moving into my home? Just kidding, but I also live in a 1996 single-wide Fleetwood, 16X80 with a peaked metal roof. And yes, it is "normal" listening to the roof flex and rumble on windy days. Basically, the sheet metal was placed over the trusses on the roof, and only fastened along the sides where the roof material is folded over the outside walls. Where the roof is bending and flexing is over the trusses. Don't go up there on a windy day or you'll get seasick watching it! :) It doesn't look very sturdy, but I have lived in this particular home for over 10 years now and have only experienced one roof leak, and the roof has withstood gusts of wind that exceeded 70 mph!
mimmieof5
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:38 pm

Our dog runs and hides when the wind blows. I guess she'll get used to it once we move in. Thanks, everyone, for letting me know our home is not unique! I know I can get used to the noise. It will just take a little time. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions before long.
rickoliss
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:59 pm
Location: Finger lakes NY

When I 1st moved to up state NY I often wondered why the people that lived in older mobile homes would have used tires placed stratigicaly on the roof, Then I asked someone why the did this I guess it works but in the summer you got put up with the nasty mosquitoes swarming around ..........LOL
mimmieof5
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:38 pm

Hmmmm...doesn't sound very attractive either! I think I would rather listen to the rumble any day!!
LambChop
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 8:06 am
Location: Missouri
Contact:

We just bought out 1997 Clayton (16' X 80') a month and a half ago and I was wondering the SAME thing. 8-)

The 1st night we slept here, I was sure the roof was going to go flying off... It's good toknow that this is normal.

Thanks!
XOXO!!!

LambChop
Locked
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post