January 2003
Factory-produced housing provides many opportunities for adhesive-based automation and assembly line methods to significantly reduce labor and increase building performance and durability. Newer adhesives are also available that reduce worker exposure to dangerous chemicals, reduce air pollution and minimize waste disposal concerns that are becoming more common with older solvent-based products.
A team from government and industry was assembled to investigate these opportunities, including
- representatives from home manufacturers;
- adhesives manufacturers and distributors;
- engineering, testing and certification firms;
- and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Adhesive and sealant opportunities that offer the greatest potential benefit to manufactured housing construction were identified and evaluated. First, an overview of adhesive and sealant use in manufactured home production was developed. This overview was then used in conducting a survey of 21 manufactured housing plants. The survey was designed to evaluate satisfaction levels of current adhesives and sealants in use, as well as identify and characterize other manufacturing, performance and service issues related to adhesives and sealants. Next, 10 adhesive manufacturers were interviewed to get a supplier’s perspective. Ten application areas identified during the home manufacturing plant surveys were then prioritized by the industry committee for their potential to positively impact manufactured housing production. Home and adhesive manufacturers were also probed for new opportunities for adhesives in manufactured housing production.
Interior wall construction and bottom board repair were identified as the two application areas where improvements to the adhesive systems currently being used can have the greatest impact on manufactured housing quality and affordability. A research program focusing on these two areas of the manufactured housing construction process is proposed.
34 pages
Prepared for:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Affordable Housing Research and Technology Division
451 7th Street S.W.
Washington DC 20410
Submitted by:
Manufactured Housing Research Alliance
2109 Broadway, Suite 203
New York, NY 10023
(212) 496-0900