Mobile Home News
detroit man escapes from mobile home fire small

detroit man escapes from mobile home fire

If you’re a heavy sleeper, the smell of smoke or the bright orange glow of a flame isn’t exactly the most welcoming wake-up call. But Rick Kennedy, a mobile home owner from Detroit, was thankful to have woken up in time to escape a dangerous fire that threatened to engulf his mobile home.

On December 20th, 2015, Kennedy woke up in the middle of the night after he was woken by the smell of thick smoke. Immediately, Kennedy ran to the living room and discovered that the metal pipe above his wooden stove was flaming like a candle. Firefighters from Detroit, Plymouth, and Newport arrived at Kennedy’s home at around 6 a.m. and contained the fire.

Fire Chief Cautions Homeowners

Luckily, Kennedy and his loyal dog Hemi made it out unscathed. The fire destroyed all of Kennedy’s belongings, but Kennedy says he is thankful for the support of the community and his family who have come together to help him in his time of need.

Kennedy tried to put the fire out on his own, but the flames were too big to battle. It is suspected that the fire originated in the wood stove. Fire Chief Don Chute advises mobile homeowners to check their chimneys regularly during the winter to prevent such fires from occurring. Preventive measures ensure safety within your home during all seasons—it’s better to address a minor problem right away before it gets out of control.

The Dangers of a Damaged Mobile Home Roof

In manufactured homes, it is important to treat your home as you would a car—regular maintenance and inspection ensures that your home is free of hazards year-round. Severe weather and normal wear-and-tear can take a toll on a manufactured home, especially on a mobile home roof. Standard aluminum roofing tends to weaken over time. Even with regular maintenance, many mobile home owners are opting for a longer-lasting roof that has been proven to withstand the elements year after year.

The Durable Roof-Over Alternative (TPO)

TPO, a synthetic rubber that is becoming a sought-after option for mobile homeowners looking to replace their roof, is known for its durability, safety, and energy efficiency. TPO is generally more fire resistant than standard mobile home roofing. If your roof is currently in need of repair, consider a roof-over with TPO. Starting fresh with a new roof will save you money in the long run, as a damaged roof will usually need frequent repairs and patch-ups to prevent hazardous leaks and structural collapses.

Our Thoughts

Here at All Weather Roofing, we understand the fire hazards that are all too common in manufactured homes. Like Fire Chief Don Chute stated, we believe preventative measures and regular maintenance are very important for any homeowner to keep up with, and that includes roof inspection and repair if necessary. We are thankful the homeowner and his dog made it out ok, but the tragic loss of his belongings and home goes to show the true power of a household fire.

All Weather Roofing’s Professional Installation for Your New Roof

At All Weather Roofing, our professional contractors have installed roofs for manufactured homes for over 30 years and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. TPO is a relatively low-cost option for mobile home roofing, and its energy-saving properties will lower your utility bills month after month.

With a lifetime warranty on TPO roof installation there is no risk to you. If you think your roof is ready for repair or replacement, All Weather Roofing conducts free video inspections of your roof so you can determine what action to take. A leaky roof might seem like more of a nuisance than a real problem, but leaks are a telltale sign of damage. Leaky roofs can lead to the growth of black mold, rotting infrastructure that can ultimately lead to a collapse, and increase the risk of electrical fire. For professional repair at an affordable rate, contact All Weather Roofing today by calling us at 1-800-297-3758 or inquire online. We look forward to helping you!