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Over the past decade, the growth rate of the manufactured housing industry has been dramatic, and affordability has played a key role. Today's manufactured homes offer the quality, value, and technologically advanced features that homebuyers desire.
Manufactured homes are built in a factory-controlled environment and are required to meet the strict HUD Code, which was established by the Federal Government to regulate the design, construction, and safety of these homes. The HUD Code sets standards for heating, plumbing, air conditioning, thermal and electrical systems, structural design, construction, transportation, energy efficiency, and fire safety. PATH contributes to research for improved manufactured housing that will meet PATH's goal for housing throughout the next decade.
PATH Tools
Technology Roadmap for Manufactured Housing (PDF, 1.25 MB) March 2003
This document provides a roadmap for a research program that will generate the knowledge and innovations necessary to accomplish two objectives considered crucial to the future of the manufactured housing industry: continually improving the industry's core product, the single-family home; and, expanding the benefits of manufactured housing to other housing types.
PATH-NSF Research:
Manufactured Housing Production Process Analysis and Facility Layout
Modeling of Manufactured Housing Production and Material UtilizationPrediction of Manufactured Home Durability Using Field Experiments in Hazardous Winds
Manufactured Housing Publications:
Air of Importance: A Study of Air Distribution Systems in Manufactured Homes
Attic Ventilation Design Strategies for Manufactured Homes
Building Innovation for Homeownership
Design for a Cold-Formed Steel Framed Manufactured Home
Eliminating Barriers to the Use of HUD-Code Housing in Attached Construction
Factory and Site Built Housing
Guide to Foundation and Support Systems for Manufactured Homes
Home Builders' Guide to Manufactured Housing
Improving Air Distribution Systems (ADS) Performance in Manufactured Homes
Innovations at the Cutting Edge New Ideas in Manufactured Housing
Manufactured Home Installation Training Manual
Manufactured Home Producer's Guide to the Site-Built Market
Moisture Problems in Manufactured Homes
Next Generation of Manufactured Housing
Northridge Earthquake Effect on Manufactured Housing in California
Opportunities to Improve Manufactured Housing Through the Use of Advanced Adhesives and Sealants
Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing
Steel Framing Prototype Development: Final Report
Whole House Ventilation Strategies
Technology Inventory Spotlight
Hybrid Modular/Panelized Housing
Provides a compressed construction cycle, quality control, and potential cost savings.
Manufactured Housing Disaster-Resistant Pier Systems
Rigidly connects the home's chassis to a slab, grade beam, or array of pads to resist earthquakes, high winds, frost heaves, and floods.
Manufactured Housing Ground Anchor Systems
Plates or augers imbedded in the soil that limit lateral building movement down through tension members tied to the home's chassis.
Modular Multiple Dwellings
Available as customized buildings that look like site-built structures, assembled in a factory while earthwork, foundations, and utilities are prepared onsite.
Self-Contained Heat Pump/Air Handler
Designed for manufactured homes; can be installed at the factory, eliminates additional site work, saves space, and can be mortgage financed.
Steel-Framed Modular Housing
Provides for steel construction of greater quality and strength of framing than lumber.
Tilt-up Roofs for Manufactured and Modular Homes
Devices allow a high-pitched roof to fold flat during transport and provide the necessary clearance while achieving some of the savings associated with a factory-built roof.
Two-Story Manufactured (HUD-Code) Homes
Land can accommodate considerably more two-story units than ranch houses, increasing saleable area and builder profit.
Content updated on 12/22/2004