The two main kinds of mobile home roofs are flat and peaked. Flat roofs are the most common type and the kind most likely to be original to a mobile home. Most peaked roofs are added by mobile owners after purchase as part of a home improvement project. The different types of mobile home roof materials include asphalt, aluminum and rubber.
A rubber mobile home roof is available in either a seamed or seamless type. Of these, the seamless type is considered a possible do-it-yourself (DIY) project, while the seamed roof is best installed by experienced contractors. Seamless rubber roofs are made of a mixture that is poured onto a flat topped mobile home. These must be of good quality rubber as well as thick enough in order to remain a long-lasting durable roof choice. Seamed rubber roofs must be fitted carefully on top of a mobile home; they are usually considered extremely durable options that will last many years or even decades, even though they tend to be expensive.
Used either alone or in combination with another roofing or insulating layer, aluminum roofs for mobile homes are a lightweight option. Both plain and insulated mobile home roofs are often available in kits. These kits are usually designed for homeowners to install with basic instructions and minimal parts. Mobile home parts stores typically carry aluminum roof kits that vary according to roof width as well as different thicknesses of insulation.
Asphalt is a common type of roof for a mobile home. It usually requires professional repairs, but a white asphalt roof coating available in many home improvement stores can be applied by mobile homeowners to help keep the roof's seams and vent openings from leaking. Some asphalt mobile home roofs contain a durable substance called bitumen. Bitumen-based asphalt may be used to protect a roof in an almost plastic-like coating.
Asphalt on top of layers of tar is a common type of flat mobile home roof. Sometimes, gravel may be used for the final layer over the asphalt, but this can make for a roof that may be too heavy for some mobile home structures. Peaked roofs are often used in snowy climates. The peaked roof shape, with its raised frame structure, allows for extra insulating materials to be added first. This type of roof can help increase the warmth of a mobile home by keeping more heat inside when the outside temperature drops.