What is the primary requirement for manufactured homes built before 1976 concerning fire resistance?

Manufactured homes built before 1976 do indeed have much less fire resistance than modern homes. This is primarily because they were constructed before the implementation of more stringent building codes and fire-safety regulations that came into effect after 1976, following the establishment of the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. These standards address components such as materials used in construction, design practices, and overall safety features, greatly enhancing the fire resistance of homes built thereafter.

As a result, homes built prior to this date typically utilize materials and construction techniques that do not provide the same level of fire protection. While modern homes are designed with fire-resistant materials, better compartmentalization, and sometimes include features like fire sprinklers, older manufactured homes lack these advancements, making them more susceptible to the rapid spread of fire.