Final answer:
Manufactured homes built before 1976 have less fire resistance than those of current construction due to changes in fire safety standards and materials used. Additionally, current construction standards include stricter building restrictions for improved structural stability and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Manufactured homes built before 1976 have less fire resistance than those of current construction. Prior to 1976, there were no specific fire resistance standards for manufactured homes. It was not until the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 that fire safety requirements were implemented for manufactured homes.
Current construction of manufactured homes includes fire-resistant materials, such as gypsum board, which can delay the spread of fire and give occupants more time to evacuate safely. Fire-resistant features like fire-rated doors and properly installed smoke detectors are also more common in modern manufactured homes.
Additionally, current construction standards for manufactured homes may have stricter building restrictions to ensure structural stability and safety. These standards aim to minimize the risks associated with high winds, earthquakes, and other potential hazards.