Mobile home door knobs and deadbolts are essential components for ensuring security and functionality in manufactured housing. Unlike traditional homes, mobile homes often have thinner doors and unique frame configurations, requiring specialized hardware. When selecting door knobs and deadbolts for a mobile home, it’s essential to choose products specifically designed for this type of housing to ensure proper fit and maximum security.
Many manufacturers offer reinforced strike plates and longer screws to compensate for the thinner door materials. Smart locks and keyless entry systems are becoming increasingly popular for mobile homeowners, providing convenience and enhanced security features. Regular maintenance and occasional upgrades of these crucial hardware elements can significantly improve a mobile home’s safety and value.
Types of Mobile Home Door Knobs
Passage Door Knobs
Passage door knobs are designed for doors that do not require locking mechanisms and serve as a handle for closets or hallway doors. Though they have limited usage, their easy fixation makes them a popular choice for mobile homes.
Privacy Door Knobs
Privacy door knobs are meant for bedrooms and bathrooms, for the locking mechanism can be easily engaged from the inside. In emergencies, it can also be unlocked from the outside. Privacy door knobs, like the rest of the types, are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any mobile home interior.
Keyed Entry Knobs
Keyed entry knobs serve the purpose of added home security and are best for main doors, such as front and back doors. These mobile home exterior door knobs can be locked and unlocked from both sides; Entry knobs feature a key lock on the exterior and a thumb-turn on the inside. Moreover, some models have built-in deadbolts for added strength and security.
Dummy Door Knobs
Dummy door knobs are used on doors that do not require a locking mechanism, such as pantry cabinet doors, or inactive doors, such as French double doors. Mostly purely decorative, dummy door knobs are available in both forms, that is, single or double-sided.
Features to Consider While Choosing a Mobile Home Door Knob
The following are the features which should be considered while selecting a mobile home door knob:
Types of Mobile Home Door Knobs
Firstly, identify the type of door knob you need. Broadly and from a practical point of view, mobile home door knobs are divided into two categories; passenger and privacy door knobs. Privacy door knobs, as the name indicates, are meant for doors that require a lock, such as bathroom and bedroom doors. Passage door knobs, on the other hand, are used on doors that do not require a lock, such as closet or pantry doors. Pick the category that suits your requirements.
Finishes
Mobile home door knobs come in a variety of finishes, including satin nickel, brass, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze. Homeowners can choose a finish that matches their home’s decor or style.
Materials and Durability
The most common materials used for mobile home door knobs include brass, stainless steel, and zinc alloy. Each material comes with specific pros and cons. Brass door knobs are known for their durability and strength. Their resistance to corrosion makes them a popular choice for mobile homes in humid areas.
Stainless steel door knobs are also highly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. Since they are easy to clean, they are perfect for homeowners who want a low-maintenance option. Zinc alloy door knobs, though less expensive than brass and stainless steel ones, are not as durable as them. They are more prone to corrosion and rust and also wear out quickly.
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Compatibility and Sizing
As mobile home doors are thinner than traditional home doors, it is essential to choose a door knob that is compatible with the door thickness. Mobile home doors are commonly between 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. Secondly, the backset is essential to a typical functioning door knob. The backset is the distance between the door’s edge and the doorknob’s centre. Mobile home doors typically have a backset of 2-3/8 inches or 2-3/4 inches.
Lastly, it is essential to ensure that the door knob is compatible with the locking mechanism of the door. Some mobile homes have a separate deadbolt and handle set, while others have a combined lockset. It is crucial to choose a door knob that is compatible with the locking mechanism of the door to ensure proper functionality.
Design aesthetic choices and finishing.
Mobile home door knobs, by default, are designed to prioritize functionality and affordability over design. Still, a middle ground between functionality and design is achievable. Matching the finishing with the existing hardware gives a cohesive look. Different finishing options include brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, black matte, and stainless steel. For a traditional look, the combo of a round knob and oil-rubbed bronze finish can go together.
Security Considerations
Mobile homes are often considered vulnerable and an easy target for burglars. But being mindful of a few things can save you in the long run. Mobile home door knobs are made from less robust material as compared to the traditional homes. So, choosing locks made of durable materials like stainless steel is vital. A door knob with a deadbolt lock offers a more vital locking mechanism.
As mobile home doors are thinner than regular ones, consider reinforcing the door frame around the knob with longer screws. Door knobs with reinforced plates and screws that are long enough to penetrate the door frame provide better resistance against forceful entry. Investing in a security door and smart lock system and upgrading the strike plate with a heavy-duty one offer additional security.
Fire Safety
Mobile home door knobs do not directly contribute towards fire safety; however, they can play a critical role in preventing or containing a fire. Door knob material must be fire-resistant and able to withstand high temperatures and pressure. Secondly, the door knobs should be easy to operate to allow fast exit during a fire, especially for the elderly and children.
As Mobile homes are more susceptible to fires than traditional homes, fire safety must be assured beyond door knobs. Having smoke detectors, regular door maintenance, investing in self-closing doors to help contain the fire, and fixing windows large enough for escape are a few such measures to be considered.
Accessibility
Mobile home door knobs must also comply with accessibility standards to ensure that people with limited agility, strength, or vision can use them. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth specific requirements for door hardware, such as the height and location of the knobs and handles. So, consider ADA-compliant door knobs.
Consider lever handles instead of round knobs. Prefer lower height door knobs to assist wheelchair individuals, contrasting colours of knobs and doors to help visually impaired people, and assist devices like door knob extenders or looped handles for bedbound people.
Cost and Budgeting
Prioritizing functionality over aesthetics, allocating an adequate budget for high-security end points of your mobile homes, and saving labour costs by installing the door knobs yourself are some budget-friendly moves. Moreover, make your budget while keeping in mind the function, material, and finishing of your mobile home door knobs,
Passage knobs and no frill door knobs are the cheapest, costing around 10 USD. However, these more affordable options might not be durable. Privacy locks are more expensive, followed by a keyed entry, with deadbolts on the most costly side of the spectrum. Plastic or composite materials are cheaper than solid metallic ones. Basic finishes like brushed nickel are generally more affordable than speciality finishes like oil-rubbed bronze.
Mobile Home Door Knobs Replacement and Installation
Fixing and assembling the mobile home parts can be exciting, provided you have adequate skill and patience.
Before heading for a YouTube tutorial, know the following steps. First, measure the thickness of the door to choose the correct latch and screws for the new door knob.
Here’s a short guide on mobile home door knob replacement:
- Measure the door thickness and existing holes to ensure compatibility.
- Purchase a door knob set specifically designed for mobile homes.
- Remove the old door knob by unscrewing the interior knob and faceplate.
- Take out the latch mechanism from the door edge.
- Please insert the new latch into the door edge to ensure it’s oriented correctly.
- Install the exterior knob through the door hole.
- Attach the interior knob and secure it with the provided screws.
- Test the knob to ensure smooth operation.
- Adjust the latch plate on the door frame for proper alignment if needed.
- Consider adding a reinforced strike plate for improved security.
FAQs
Are mobile home door knobs different from regular house door knobs?
While similar, mobile home door knobs often have specific sizes and mounting requirements to fit mobile home doors.
How do I replace a door knob in my mobile home?
To replace a mobile home door knob, remove the old hardware, ensure the new knob fits the existing hole, and install following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I use any type of door knob on my mobile home?
It’s best to use door knobs specifically designed for mobile homes to ensure proper fit and function. Standard house door knobs may not be compatible.