Alternatives To Plywood and Plywood Skirting

Nov 27, 2024

Alternatives to Plywood and Plywood Skirting

With today’s inflated prices, people are actively seeking alternatives to plywood, especially for applications like skirting for mobile homes. As markets fluctuate, contractors and homeowners alike are exploring more durable, cost-effective solutions. So, what are some mobile home skirting ideas that serve as excellent alternatives to plywood? Let’s explore into some top options.

Six Alternatives to Plywood

Hardie Siding

Hardie siding panels have been a popular alternative to plywood skirting for years. Known for their weather resistance and aesthetic appeal, Hardie panels can mimic the look of wood while providing added durability. However, they might not fare well in unheated crawlspaces, where moisture and condensation can compromise their longevity. This makes them better suited for short-term applications or areas with good ventilation.

FRP Wall Board

Fiberglass Reinforced Panels (FRP) are another viable substitute to plywood. These lightweight panels are available in various colors and textures, making them versatile for interior and exterior applications. While FRP is not structural, it’s an excellent option for areas requiring an easy-to-clean surface, such as mobile home interiors or covered skirting. Its resistance to moisture makes it a better choice for humid environments compared to traditional plywood.

Particle Board

Particle board, made from compressed wood particles and resin, can replace plywood in some applications. However, due to its wood content, it remains susceptible to the same price fluctuations as plywood. Additionally, particle board lacks the weather resistance needed for long-term outdoor use, making it less ideal for skirting unless sealed and protected from the elements. So, if you are trying to save money it may not be the best alternative to plywood.

Foam Board

Foam board or reinforced foam board can be a viable alternative to plywood. Designers and engineers are increasingly using foam board for various applications due to its strength and versatility. It’s a great option for those seeking mobile home skirting ideas that are both innovative and practical. The foam board is lighter and stronger and can easily replace the use of plywood in surf boards, boogie boards, and snow boards. Because of its strength and lighter weight many designers and engineers are having fun developing new uses or applications. However, additional framing may be required to support the foam panels, particularly for skirting applications.

Polycarbonate Sheeting

Polycarbonate sheets are a durable and cost-effective alternative to plywood, especially in areas prone to extreme weather. These sheets are commonly used for hurricane protection but are also finding their way into mobile home skirting designs. Their transparency or tinted options can add a modern aesthetic, and their resilience ensures long-term functionality. They are lightweight, easy to install, and can serve as a semi-permanent solution. Because of its relative low cost and availability this material is finding an ever-expanding market.

Alternatives to plywood and plywood skirting for manufactured homes.

Concrete Panels

Concrete panels are one of the most durable and cost-effective alternatives to plywood skirting especially, skirting for mobile homes. Products like DURASKIRT™ are specifically designed for mobile homes, offering unmatched longevity and resistance to moisture, pests, and weather. The ¾” thick concrete panels provide a clean, professional look and can be used in a variety of skirting applications, including:

Mobile Home Underpinning
Modern Deck Skirting
Modular Home Skirting
Park Model and Tiny House Skirting
Raised House Skirting
Shed Underpinning

DURASKIRT™ panels are a go-to option for those seeking mobile home skirting ideas that blend aesthetics with functionality. They are designed for long-term use, making them ideal for mobile homes, pole buildings, and even RVs.

Why Consider Alternatives?

Plywood has long been a staple material for construction and skirting, but it comes with drawbacks like susceptibility to moisture, warping, and cost volatility. Exploring alternatives not only offers better performance in certain conditions but can also be more affordable in the long run. Products like concrete panels and polycarbonate sheeting are excellent for homeowners who prioritize durability and appearance while keeping costs manageable.

Choosing the Right Alternative

When deciding on the best alternative, consider the following factors:

Environment: Areas with high moisture levels require materials like concrete or polycarbonate that resist water damage.
Durability: For long-term solutions, concrete panels like DURASKIRT™ offer unmatched performance.
Aesthetics: Hardie siding and polycarbonate sheeting can enhance the visual appeal of your home.
Budget: While some options may have higher upfront costs, their longevity often makes them more cost-effective over time.

Finding the perfect alternative to plywood requires understanding your needs and the unique challenges of your environment. Whether you’re looking for innovative mobile home skirting ideas or simply a durable material for a specific project, options like concrete panels, foam board, and FRP offer a blend of functionality and affordability. For long-lasting results, consider products like DURASKIRT™, which are purpose-built for mobile home skirting and underpinning needs.

Related Articles:

Six DIY Alternatives to Mobile Home Skirting

Engineered Skirting For Manufactured Homes

Manufactured Home Skirting Prices

Steps To Avoid Becoming a “Christian Cult”

Nov 16, 2024

Get your axe ready!

In this article, I will be highlighting the warning signs that your ministry is turning into a “Christian Cult.” My reason for exposing these practices is to help you navigate a way out or completely avoid them. Perhaps these practices may already exist in your organization, so then, what? Initially, you must get to the root. Why? Get your axe ready!

“The people who sat in darkness saw a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” Matt 4:16 NLT

Christian Cults always have a root. To identify the root, you need to go back to their foundation, forming or purpose. In other words, what caused the cult to form? Why? There is always a cause or need that presented itself, and their leader saw themselves as the savior. This is a dangerous mindset because it gives the enemy a strong foothold, especially because Satan is in the business of killing, steeling and destroying.

“Their leader saw themselves as the savior”

As we can see today, the church is divided. As it happens, it is a breeding ground for the devil to employ many strategies. What I am going to say now can and will be made into a book. But, for this article, I am focusing my attention on the apostolic calling. Perhaps this is you or someone you know. Either way, remember the Lord gives grace to the humble.

An “Apostolic calling” is someone who is called by the Holy Spirit to church planting and are “church guys or gals.” Therefore, if they say something like “I am not a church guy or gal” then what are they? Surely this must have been addressed somewhere in the bible, right? In fact, it was and Paul, who identified himself as an apostle, calling these people “false apostles” in 2 Corinthians 11:5-15. These are people wanting to be identified as apostles but were lacking fruit. Title worship!

“Title Worship”
Paul called these people “False Apostles” in 2 Corinthians 11:5-15

Next, let me address the leader calling themselves an apostle, but they are angry at the church(es). In fact, it is easy today to identify a problem like homelessness or drug use and see that the church is ill-equipped. Maybe, God has tugged at your heart to help solve the crisis. Yes, this truly can be an apostolic calling on your life, but it’s all in the way you use it. Simply put, it is a decision.

One, will you use it to build up or fortify the church(es), or will you use it to tear them down? Isolation is another choice, especially if you get rejected, another tactic employed by the enemy. Rejection may cause you to come out the other side saying, “I am not a church guy or gal.” Rejection can send you further downhill by the devil convincing you that you are their only savior and without you, they would be homeless.

Now, you have a choice to believe that you are their savior, say “I am not a church guy or gal”, and become the weapon the devil can use. A true in form, “Charismatic Cult Leader.” Not only does a cult leader not bear church fruit, but Paul identified them as “false apostles.” Now, get out the axe, if you find yourself down this rabbit hole, depending on how far, it is never too late to repent, ask God to show you a way out and get back on the path of true apostleship. Let’s use Paul as the example.

To begin with, Paul is a good example of someone with an Apostolic calling on their life. He was courageous and unafraid. Although there is that, he wrote his own story. Still, we can see that his calling lined up with the fruit of building churches and raising up leaders. If an apostolic leader wants to be called an apostle, he surely will have fruit to show. Paul didn’t refer to himself as an apostle until there was fruit.

Now let us explore what a “Christian Cult” looks like.

First, let me identify what a “Christian Cult” looks like so you can quickly identify the signs. For example, I will use Jeremiah Johnson’s video addressing common practices found in Christian ministries. Clearly, these are things that you should avoid. Next, I will be addressing other signs, then go into steps that you can establish to save your ministry from becoming a cult.

Let’s begin:

Five (5) Signs of “Christian Cults” That Brings Forth Leadership Worship

– The following list are excerpts from JeremiahJohnson.tv

Obsession with church leaders
Need for Titles & Recognition….” Chief Prophet” or “Apostle so-and-so” – 1 Peter 5:1-3 (A Christian apostle is one that plants churches, nurtures them, moves in signs and wonders and has a track record of growth, like Paul. Oppositely, the “false apostle” opposes churches, says things like, “I am not a church guy” but wants to be called by the title. The false apostle has a track record of cultivating disunity in churches and causing church division). I address this in more detail below.
Everyone dresses, acts or talks/prays a certain way. If you don’t fit in, you will be sent away quickly.
Questions or differing perspectives are viewed as insubordinate behavior. Phrases like, “How dare you touch the Lord’s anointed.”
Loyalty and secrecy are required. “Can you meet with me and not tell the others?”

Five (5) Signs of "Christian Cults"

More Signs that signal a “Christian Cult”

Leader shows a persistent distrust – always questioning people’s motives, showing lack of hearing from the Holy Spirit.
Stockholm Syndrome found among the “disciples” – Cult leaders routinely “discipline” their “disciples”. Disciples under the influence of a charismatic leader frequently display unquestioning loyalty and devotion. In particular, even pray with similar words or phrases, trying to fit in with others. Cult leaders skillfully employ brainwashing techniques to create a dependency among their members and isolate them from outside influences. Often times, giving them a place to live, rather than teaching them independence. Many times finding openings in their family ties that they can drive a wedge or cause a separation. This seclusion, combined with a skewed perception of reality, provides the perfect conditions for Stockholm Syndrome to develop, elevating leaders to near-savior status. If someone refers to themselves as your “Spiritual Father”, it’s advisable to leave the situation promptly.
“Spiritual Father” – cult members often refer to their leader as their “Spiritual Father.” If this happens, this needs correction immediately. If left uncorrected and is found as common-place, RUN!

If someone refers to themselves as your “Spiritual Father”, it’s advisable to leave the situation promptly. It is a Cult!

False Apostles – Apostles plant and administrate churches – Not Despise them. (Paul addressed similar issues in Corinth, calling out “false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13). Unlike these false teachers, who boasted about their credentials, Paul pointed to the transformed lives of the people he had ministered to as evidence of genuine ministry (2 Corinthians 3:1-3). True leaders glorify Christ and focus on the spiritual growth of their followers, not their personal acclaim).
Leader overworks disciples to the point of constant exhaustion. This tactic keeps disciples from hearing from the Holy Spirit. Often it is said, “we don’t need to be marinating in The Holy Spirit.”

Step One: The Light of Jesus

Every Christian organization must take steps to shine the light of Jesus over all their practices. To do this, it is best to have oversight by a trusted non-bias organization who specializes in keeping other Christian groups accountable. Yes, accountability is a must.

Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Prov. 11:14

Does your organization have non-bias oversight? If not, your ministry may fall prey to the enemy. How?

So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; COL 3:12 Amp

Step Two: Humility

Practicing humility is vital for any Christian ministry, and nourishing this root is essential for growing and bearing abundantly good fruit. Understanding humility, lacking pride or arrogance, means taking every thought or action accountable to the cross. Yes, you may say something wrong, but be quick to apologize.

Leaders Must Be Known by Their “Humble Spirit”

Step Three: Gentleness

A gentle spirit believes the best about people and never discounts God’s plans for them. We all know the scripture, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

“they didn’t share the same vision.”

Therefore, in light of gentleness, when people leave your ministry for any reason, it is never appropriate to say to others, “they didn’t share the same vision.” Since it’s Jesus’ church to build, not ours, what does it matter? Another tactic is to tell people staying to not reach out to the one(s) leaving. This tactic helps the cult leadership to minimize their perceived loss. This begs to question, what are they hiding? Shouldn’t truth be a priority?

Step Four: Kindness

Kindness is characterized by acts of generosity, consideration, assistance, or concern for others, carried out without the expectation of praise or reward. So, when a ministry administers kindness as a priority, you will see the fruits. For instance, they will never overwork their people, and their plans include breaks, food, and generous consideration for others.

Step Five: Patience / Peace

Patience and peace is something that you experience and feel as a tranquil hovering spirit. You have probably walked into a room and felt tension, which is the opposite of peace, lacking patience. To thrive in unity, a ministry must move in the spirit of patience that brings peace into all their spheres of influence.

Hopefully, these five steps found in COL 3:12 can help guard your ministry from becoming a “Christian Cult”. On the contrary, your ministry may already be showing signs of being a cult and need deliverance. Jesus is always gracious to deliver even the worst offenders. His blood is enough.

Are You Questioning Your Faith? Know This, Jesus Came to Set the Captives Free!

Are you ready? Are you willing? If so, you can say this simple prayer and this time be genuine and know Jesus came to set the captives free. The question is, “What is “Revival” waiting for?”

A Plan for Redemption

If you are like me and need to examine the things you are allowing to take up your time and make an effort to ask God to show you what needs to be removed and what needs to be added. You can begin by saying this simple prayer…..

Jesus,
I am a sinner. I’ve done a lot that is wrong or evil. Furthermore, I cannot do anything good in my own power. I need your love and forgiveness. Lord, I am sorry for all the sin that I have committed in my life, and that I know I will commit in the future. I want to live my life for You, doing what is right, and pleasing to You. I need a Savior, because I can never pay the debt that my sin has incurred. Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross, and shedding your blood to pay the price for my sin. I accept that You did this for me, and I ask that You extend Your eternal grace to me. Lord, please transform my heart and my life in Your image, write my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and fill me with the Holy Spirit. I praise You for Your love, Your righteousness, and Your infinite mercy. Thank you for saving my soul.
Today, I desire to go all in with you, Jesus. I want that set-apart life that leads me to wholeness and real happiness. I desire peace beyond understanding, as your word promises.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior,
Amen.

Now that you received Jesus and placed your faith in him, it’s time to know that He has given you His authority. You are a son or daughter of the most high God! Begin using seeds, words, that build yourself and others up and expect them to bring the peace that is promised to the sons of God.

Now share the Good News!

More Inspirations of Faith

The Best Way to Prepare A Site for DURASKIRT™

Nov 13, 2024

What Is The Best Way To Prepare A Site for DURASKIRT™?

The reason for choosing a product such as DURASKIRT™ is when you want your manufactured home pit set. Thus, we’re frequently we’re asked by contractors what is the best way to prepare a site for DURASKIRT™ mobile home skirting. Ideally, for mobile home skirting installation, the home should be set up level on a gravel pad that extends outside the homes’ perimeter by a couple of inches.

Gravel Pad & Access

The home pad should be excavated allowing 18” to 24” around the perimeter to allow for workers. One more thing to consider is accessibility. Since the panels weigh approximately 68 lbs., it makes it easier to have clean, level access from the crates to the home.

Excavating for Blocking Height

Soils preparation.

There are a few key steps to consider when preparing a gravel pad for DURASKIRT™ mobile home skirting. First, assess the soil’s ability to support the home; it’s essential to dig down to native, supportive soil free of vegetation to create a stable foundation. Next, once the site is excavated, measure the manufactured home’s waste lines to ensure there is sufficient slope toward city sewers or a septic tank. This information, typically provided by the factory before shipment, includes the exact location and dimension from floor or beam height, which is crucial for planning the layout.

With the sewer height established, adjust the level by bringing in gravel, ensuring the finished height from the gravel to the bottom of the home’s joists is exactly 31”. This optimal height minimizes the need to cut DURASKIRT™ panels for a seamless fit. Additionally, when installing DURASKIRT™ on wet soil, it’s important to lay down a layer of gravel first for drainage and stabilization. Alternatively, if the soil remains wet, digging down about a foot to reach drier soil before laying the DURASKIRT™ fabric can be effective. This dry, compacted base is essential because it provides the necessary friction for the fabric to lock in place securely, preventing shifting over time. By carefully preparing the site with these steps, you’ll create a strong, durable foundation that supports both the home and the DURASKIRT™ skirting.

A Word on Factory Installed Belly Band

Factory-installed belly band that leaves a 2” distance from the bottom of the rim joist to the bottom of the belly band is optimal. Some of the brands that do this are Marlette and Fleetwood. This saves time and material when installing DURASKIRT™.

Although these are the optimal conditions for DURASKIRT™, they certainly do not stop us from being able to prepare all sites. We’ve installed DURASKIRT™ on slopes and extreme height variations where we extend the framework under the home. This style is called a stepped foundation look and we will be covering this in another article with photos.

You can also find more information about how to install DURASKIRT™ on our Mobile Home Skirting Installation video page.

For more information about DURASKIRT™ mobile home skirting, call us, today, at 360-419-9909. You can also request information by completing the form at the bottom of this page (in the footer).

Archive

Monthly Archive for November, 2024

Alternatives To Plywood and Plywood Skirting

Alternatives to Plywood and Plywood Skirting

Six Alternatives to Plywood

Hardie Siding

FRP Wall Board

Particle Board

Foam Board

Polycarbonate Sheeting

Concrete Panels