Industry Update
Industry Update
Industry Introduces Vertical Anchorage in Wind Zone I Installations
Starting September 17, 2025, the manufactured housing industry will implement a safety enhancement for homes installed in 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.
MHI commends the industry for coming together to recognize that additional vertical anchorage is a meaningful enhancement to storm safety. The manufactured housing industry has a long-standing track record of coming together to improve the performance, efficiency and resilience of our homes, including with respect to severe weather.
Homes built to the HUD Code have proven their improved durability in storms, and the industry continues to analyze performance data and implement innovations that further improve safety and reliability. In keeping with this tradition of proactive improvement, the industry has come together to enhance protections against uplift in Wind Zone I installations. This underscores the industry's dedication to continuous improvement and homeowner safety.
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Supplier's Update
9/5/2025
To Whom it May Concern
Following the recommendation of the Alabama Manufactured Housing Installation Task Force, along with a growing consensus among industry professionals, vertical anchorage for uplift resistance is recognized as a safety enhancement to any home installation.
Effective September 17, 2025, aligning with the updates to the HUD Code and supported by Industry professionals, alternative foundation designs will now exceed HUD Code requirements and include specific uplift protection for all homes being placed in Wind Zone I.
To support a smooth transition and allow distributors and installers to familiarize themselves with this change and align inventories of product, we will allow a grace period through November 3, 2025. During this time, both the prior and updated instructions will be accepted.
Installers and inspectors should refer to the updated installation instructions provided by the anchor system manufacturers to ensure full compliance with the revised standards by November 3, 2025.
Contact your local supplier for updated manufacturer’s installation instruction updates or questions regarding this change.
FAQ
Vertical Uplift Anchorage Change Wind Zone I
Who Does This Affect?
- All installations of Alternative Foundation Systems (ASFS) in 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.
When Does This Go Into Effect?
- Effective Date: Wednesday, November 3rd, 2025
- Note: Previous and New installation methods are acceptable through the effective date.
Where Does This Apply?
- All homes set in WZ I across the country.
Why Was This Change Made?
- To improve safety and reliability against severe storms and high wind activity.
- Based on guidance from:
- Industry Engineers
- Home Manufacturers
- The State of Alabama Anchor Task Force
- Supported by Manufactured Housing Institute and state associations across the country.
- Enhances uplift and protection through stronger anchoring requirements exceeding national and local codes.
- Specific placement at the sidewalls maximizes the anchors ability to protect the home from uplift.
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.
Cost Considerations
- Yes, costs will increase due to additional anchors and brackets.
- However, savings include:
- No need for stabilizing devices or capped anchors in WZ I.
- Fewer anchors required compared to traditional sets.
- Shorter straps
- Overall, ASFS remains a time-saving and cost-effective option with superior protection.
Why Not Stick with Traditional Anchors?
- Even with more anchors, the total anchor installations are lower than most traditional sets:
- Most single sections: 3-4 anchors per side
- Most double/triple sections: 2 anchors per side
- The material cost can be similar, but when combined with time savings and labor costs, ASFS always come out ahead.
- Combined with all-steel foundation systems, this provides the most secure and efficient installation method.
- Traditional Anchor sets are not always considered “Permanent Foundations” for financing
What will inspectors be looking for as it relates to these changes?
Inspections may vary by location, 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. All anchors are now placed at the side wall, not the frame.
- 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.
Key Summary Points for Customers
- 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.