How to Pour Footings for a Modular Home
- 1). Measure the modular home's dimensions. Draw out the home's shape be sure to measure the entire area. If the home is square or rectangular, the measurements are easy, but if there are parts of the building that bump out, or are irregular, you must make sure that these measurements are included correctly.
- 2). Using the string and spikes, lay out the dimensions of the home where it is to be placed. These lines designate where the footings will be poured.
- 3). Dig a trench at a minimum 6 inches wide by 3 feet deep under the string. In cold climates, dig even deeper to get below the frost line. The string should line up across the trench's center.
- 4). Place a base of gravel and sand that is 2 inches to 3 inches deep at the bottom of the trench. This base should be level and smooth. Use a tamper to tamp the base so that it is stable.
- 5). Build a form using the plywood and two-by-fours that fits into the trench and sits on the base. It should extend 1 foot to 2 feet above ground level. This will hold the concrete when poured and also gives the concrete shape. Use a level so that the top of the form is at the same height all the way around home. This will be where the home sits. Also wipe oil over the wood so that the concrete does not stick to it and it can be removed once the concrete cures. The string also should remain directly in the middle of the form.
- 6). Pour concrete into the form until it is about half full. Take the re-bar and insert it into the concrete straight up and down. Push it into the concrete so that it is about 2 inches from the bottom and when the form is completly full the re-bar will be about 2 inches from the top. It should not be sticking out of the top of the finished concrete. The re-bar also should be one foot to two feet apart all the way around the form. This task also must be done fairly quickly before the concrete dries. Resume pouring the concrete until the form is full. Tap the sides of the form with a hammer to force air bubbles out of the concrete. Use a concrete float to smooth off the top of the concrete.
- 7). Allow the concrete to cure at least three days before removing the forms. You should be able to use a hammer and tap the forms lightly to remove them from the cured concrete. Fill in on both sides of the concrete with dirt.
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