Building Homes or Extensions/berming a mobile home

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Expert: - 5/12/2010


Question
I was wondering if it is possible to berm a mobile home on three sides. I was thinking of supporting with tree trunks at the four corners and half way up, latticing over the roof with branches,covering with sheeting and soil. I would have the home situated on a dry stone bedding with a drainage trench of gravel at the base of the berm walls. The berm walls at such a slant from the roof that there is ample room for storage. an overhang at the front serving as a porch. Does this sound far fetched?

Answer
Hi mary, I don't think a mobile home has the bearing capacity to support earth berming.  The walls will collapse from the lateral pressure and the roof will cave in from the added weight on the roof.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com  

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Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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