MH Belly Repair - Soft Bottom Replacement

Select sealants that:

are compatible with their intended surfaces,

allow for differential expansion and contraction between dissimilar materials,

meet the requirements of the applicable fire safety code (e.g. thermal or ignition barriers), and

for use inside the pressure boundary select low volatile organic compound (VOC) sealants that meet independent testing and verification protocols

Select materials that:

adequately support applied load and are permanent air barriers, and

meet the requirements of the applicable fire safety code (e.g. thermal or ignition barriers).

Span each belly section with an uninterrupted section of belly material creating as few seams as possible

Lap any seams in the belly material a minimum of 6", seal with a continuous bead of sealant, and mechanically fastened every 2"

Attach belly material at opposite ends of spanned section using rigid support material (i.e., wooden furring strips)

Attach belly material to rigid support material by wrapping it around the rigid support material a minimum of 2 times and mechanically fastening every 6"

Attach rigid support material to belly at every joist or at a maximum of every 2' with mechanical fasteners that penetrate the substrate a minimum of 1-1/2"

Apply a continuous seal at all seams, cracks, joints, edges, penetrations, and connections of the belly material while applying sufficient pressure to push sealant into any gaps or cracks and contact any backing or infill material required

Install only noncombustible materials and sealants with an ASTM E136 listing in contact with any device producing 200 degrees F or more (chimneys, vents, flues, etc.)