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Anchor Requirements

As a reminder from a letter sent out on September 5th, 2025, the manufactured housing industry will implement a safety enhancement for homes installed in Kentucky and the rest of Wind Zone I. This change is being made to align with the timing of upcoming updates to the HUD Code and will result in alternative foundation designs exceeding HUD Code requirements by including specific uplift protection. This change reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to improving the safety and resilience of manufactured homes. While homes built to the HUD Code have consistently demonstrated strong performance in severe weather, this new uplift protection measure adds an additional layer of security for homeowners in Wind Zone I areas.

To be clear, this is not a new HUD Code Change (yet) and is instead, a new requirement that is being implemented by the industry. This anchoring change will be part of the anchor manufacturer installation instructions and therefore compliance will be inspected by DHBC inspectors.

Here is a quick summary of these changes:

  • Vertical uplift anchorage is now mandatory for ASFS in WZ I.
  • Customers will need fewer frame straps (use OT SQ 5 straps instead).
  • Uncapped anchors are recommended for cost savings.
  • Sidewall brackets must be rated at 3,150 lbs.
  • This change ensures better storm resilience and long-term security for the home.

Here are some FAQ’s relative to these changes:

Who Does This Affect?

  • All installations of Alternative Foundation Systems (ASFS) in Kentucky and the rest of Wind Zone I (WZ I), regardless of system manufacturer or home type (single, double, or triple section).

 

What Is Changing?

  • Vertical Uplift Anchorage is now required for all WZ I installations.
  • Sidewall brackets must be added and connected with anchors using approved methods.
  • This replaces previous anchoring methods when using ASFS including frame anchors if applicable.

 

What will inspectors be looking for as it relates to these changes?

  • As you hear me say in all classes, it is the role of the inspector to inspect to the manufacturers installation instructions. So always ensure that you are installing to the manufacturers’ installation instructions. But some simple things to double-check are…
    • Proper anchor count and placement
      • Using the table from the instruction sheet, verify that the number of anchors installed corresponds with the home size.
Remember, home length refers to the actual box length of the home, not including the transportation tongue. Additional anchors are permissible if the count exceeds the minimum listed on the chart. Installed anchors should be no more than 2 feet from the end of the home and as evenly spaced as possible.
    • Proper connection of the sidewall bracket
      • The sidewall bracket should be installed on the rim joist along the perimeter of the home in most cases. It can be installed on the floor joist, within 10 Inches of the rim joist, but this may alter the minimum requirement on anchors needed. See instructions. The bracket should be centered on the joist. The orientation of the bracket is not important and can be installed with the strap slot in any direction, following the joist direction
    • Connecting the strapping to the sidewall bracket
      • Strapping can be installed in any approved manner, including "bulk" strapping, wrapped and crimped in the field, or by utilizing our SQ quick-connect strap with the large head. Installation and tension should follow our standard strapping and split bolt instructions. The strap Angle should be between 75 degrees and 90 degrees.
    • Anchor type
      • Anchor type and installation should follow the standard method outlined in our anchor instructions. Stabilization devices such as caps or stabilizer plates are not required with vertical strap installations.

 

What Do Installers Need to Do Differently?

  • Review updated instructions thoroughly.
  • Use the correct number of anchors per home size (refer to installation table).
  • Add sidewall brackets to rim joists, vapor barrier does not need to be removed, (Minimum size: 3/8"-7 x 3 1/2" with a minimum of 3 1/4" threads).
  • Connect anchor to sidewall bracket using Quick Connector or standard strapping/crimp.
    • Strap angle must be 75–90 degrees.
  • Place anchors within 2 feet of each end and space them evenly as possible.
  • No stabilizer cap or plate is required on vertical anchors
  • Side wall bracket, Quick connect strap (OT SQ 5) or crimped strapping will take the place of frame ties (OT FT 1-8) or buckle straps previously used.

 

Implementation Date

  • This change is already in effect, however, to support a smoother transition, product suppliers will allow a grace period through November 3rd, 2025.

 

As a reminder, today is the day that the new anchoring requirements will be enforced. These requirements will be enforced on homes that are installed beginning today. If a home has already been installed (prior to today) and not yet inspected, it will not be required to meet these standards. This only pertains to homes installed beginning today. The key thing to remember (as always) is to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. However, here is a high-level overview of some of those changes.

Here is a quick summary of those changes

  • Changes only affect those using an alternative foundation system (Tie Down’s Xi2, Minute Man’s LLBS Bracing System, and Oliver’s 1100 All Steel Foundation). If you are using a traditional strap and anchor system, nothing will change.
  • If using one of these systems, vertical uplift anchorage will now be mandatory.
  • While it can vary depending on the home, new changes will typically require 2 - 7 sidewall anchors.
  • These anchors will not require a stabilizer plate or an additional frame strap (vertical strap only).
  • If using a block skirting, provisions are inside the installation manual on attaching those anchors to the floor joists.
  • You will also see alternative methods in the installation instructions if you will not be using an auger-style anchor.

KMHI’s Next Steps

  • We know many of you will have technical questions on these requirements. I will be conducting a filmed interview with Tie Down, Minute Man, and Oliver next week. Please send me those questions by Friday, to ensure that they are asked. Once filmed, I will send that video out to all members. 

Where to Find Answers Now

  • Attached are several resources from Tie Down, Minute Man, and Oliver.

Tie Down

Minute Man

 Oliver Technologies

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