About Richard S. Imus

Richard S Imus went to high school in Lake Arrowhead, CA then finishing in Sandpoint, Idaho. After high school he studied at College of Idaho and San Bernardino community college. His father was a contractor, so he worked as a carpenter during breaks and vacations. After college he went to work as a lead carpenter, superintendent, and project manager. Richard eventually became a master carpenter, concrete expert, and Terrazzo mechanic. Moreover, his experience ranges from building custom homes for high-end customers, designing, and building concrete formwork for industrial, commercial, and residential customers. Additionally, projects size ranges are from $5k to millions. Finding work in the manufactured home industry more than thirty years ago he began using his talents and creativity. Soon he started to imagine a concrete skirting product. He imagined the precast skirting panels to be made in high-production and eventually becoming an industry standard. During the R&D process his brother David and Father Dick came alongside to help. Richard and David are still in the manufacture home site-work business and mobile home releveling business. Even though the skirting factory is in full swing Richard and David keep contracting and skirting installations going. This aids them with their product improvements. Richard writes of his experiences to help mobile home homeowners.

Wood Skirting for Mobiles

Jun 24, 2021

Why Wood Skirting for Mobiles?

We all have seen trailer houses or mobile homes where the most defining characteristic about them is their use of cheap skirting, right? Many of these residences use vinyl, metal, or wood skirting; although wood skirting for mobile homes is probably the most prolific.

Why wood is such a common skirting method since we all know that it rots?

Rotting, however, isn’t the only issue. Because of the close proximity to the ground, moisture affects paint and stains. So, why is it widely used as a skirting product?

Image of wood skirting for mobile homes.

Price. Wood is pretty cheap. People are always looking for cheap mobile home skirting. In fact, one of the most common searches in the search engines related to skirting is, “cheap mobile home skirting.”

Is Wood Skirting Really So Cheap?

To define cheap mobile home skirting we must include overall cost and quality. You must consider things like:

- How long the skirting will last?
- What repairs will you have to make?
- How much damage could be done to the home?
- Will there be health issues?

Wait? Health issues?

Yes, health issues. Wood skirting absorbs moisture and wicks it upwards into your home. This causes a life bed for mold spores to grow. Mold can cause serious health issues and you may not even realize why you are feeling sick.

Do You Still Believe Wood Skirting Is Great?

The most common statement I hear is, “wood skirting will get us by until we can afford something better.” Really? I have seen many homes with wood skirting that has caused thousands of damage. Can you afford to replace rotten joists, insulation, crossover ducts, and water lines? This can exceed $20,000.

This is why I believe wood skirting for mobile homes is not cheap or wise. That’s why we use concrete. I believe concrete/cement skirting is of greater value, will avoid many of these problems, and can help to prevent mold-related health issues. So, I recommend considering an exterior cement board product like DURASKIRT™.

Engineered Skirting For Manufactured Homes

Six Alternatives to Mobile Home Skirting

Q. Can I reuse the skirting if I move my home?

Manufactured Home Foundation Inspection

Dec 26, 2020

What Is Manufactured Home Foundation Inspection?

If you are applying for a Manufactured home loan some lenders require foundation inspections. FHA and VA lenders have set rules for certain foundation requirements due to a manufactured homes’ mobility. Consequently, their condition is a structural engineer performs the foundation inspection.

What Are Foundation Inspectors Looking For?

A Manufactured Home on a gravel foundation with an Earthquake Restraining Bracing System meeting HUD-7584.

Basically, verifying the home’s foundation is structurally sound and is properly attaching the home with the ground permanently. Moreover, that the foundation meets the HUD-7584 federal guidebook 4930.3G for Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes. Simply put, Permanent foundation systems must be constructed to withstand both supporting loads and wind overturning loads for whichever region they are placed.

The Foundation Inspection Report

Generally, the inspection report is a one-page document summarizing the results. Although, in cases of deficiencies, it may be longer. The information contained within the report will specify detailing exactly the findings under the manufactured home. The report will also give the exact address, owner’s name, engineer’s name, and stamp.

Summarizing Details of Inspection Report:

Structural engineer contact information
Engineer stamp, license number, & signature
Borrower contact information
Property address
Date of inspection
Invoice for a foundation inspection

Other Requirements

Wheels, tongue, and axles removed
Approved Footings, Engineered Earthquake Bracing Foundation Systems
Skirting/underpinning like DURASKIRT™ meeting HUD-7584
6 mil vapor barrier on the ground covering soils within the crawl space

These requirements make good sense for homeowners desiring a good stable home. Indeed, the wisdom in making your manufactured home feel like a house is worth the effort. Next, let us explore the financing options.

Reasons to Use a VA Loan to Buy a Manufactured Home

Up to 100% financing
The seller can pay closing costs
Up to 4% of the price in seller paid concessions
Up to 55%+ debt to income ratio
No monthly mortgage insurance
Waived VA funding fee for disabled Veterans
Great rates and payments
Include taxes and insurance in the payment
Down to 640 credit score
Cash-out refinance up to 100% of the value
Learn More About VA Loans for Manufactured Homes

FHA Loans for Manufactured Homes

For buyers who are not eligible for a VA loan, there is a low-down-payment home loan option available that is, FHA loans. These loans are great at providing financing to refinancing or purchasing manufactured homes. Just like VA loans, buyers that are in the market for affordable housing can easily qualify.

This makes for a fantastic combination with manufactured home prices, low FHA down payment, and FHA flexibility, owning a home is feasible. Furthermore, there are so many reasons to use FHA loans to purchase a manufactured home with land.

Reasons to Use an FHA Loan to Buy a Manufactured Home on Land

Low down payment
The seller can pay closing costs up to 6% of the sales price
Up to 55%+ debt to income ratio
Flexible underwriting guidelines
Co signors allowed
640 credit score
Cash-out refinance up to 85% of the appraised value
Great rates and payments
Includes property taxes and insurance in the mortgage payment
Down payment may be verified gift funds

Purpose of Foundation Inspection

Lastly, the purpose of the foundation inspection is to issue a foundation certification. Furthermore, the certification is what FHA, VA, and USDA loans require for manufactured homes. In fact, they will not loan unless the home is fastened to a piece of land permanently.

Foundation Inspection Services

If you live in Washington State please contact MH SERVICE & SUPPLY for foundation inspection services.

If you live in Washington State and are needing foundation inspection services, please read the article FHA, HUD Foundation Certifications. Finally, you will find the process of foundation certifications is fairly simple but necessary. And, the more you understand it will help you make good decisions.

Related Article:

Are Piers Considered a Permanent Foundation?

Foundation Certification

Dec 20, 2020

What is FHA HUD Engineered Foundation Certification for Manufactured Homes?

An engineer’s FHA HUD foundation certification is required by lenders for manufactured homes. The main lenders for manufactured homes are VA, FHA, or USDA. Moreover, these services include an on-site inspection of the home. They will assess compliance with the requirements of HUD-7584 (Guidebook 4930.3G) Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing, dated 1996.

After an inspection, providing the home complies, the engineer issues a certified letter of compliance with a Professional Engineer seal. On the other hand, if found out of compliance you will receive a letter stating the findings. This letter will let you know exactly what is needed for your home to be brought into compliance.

What Is The Purpose of Getting This Done?

Engineering firms like Hayman can inspect your home for compliance with HUD-7584. If found in compliance they will issue you a foundation certification. If not, they will recommend upgrades to bring your home into compliance. In Washington State, we recommend MH SERVICE & SUPPLY for all your manufactured home repairs.

In 1992 Hurricane Andrew than the Northridge earthquake in 1994 thousands of federally funded manufactured homes were destroyed. As a result, the foundations were found to be inadequate for high winds and seismic events. Thus, in 1996 the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued HUD-7584 to create a higher standard for manufactured home foundations.

In most cases, HUD-7584 exceeds the requirements of most local and state jurisdictions setting a “high benchmark” to qualify for federal funding. Although this requirement does not apply to conventional bank mortgages or cash purchases, it does make good sense for your manufactured home.

Who Pays for Inspections and or Repairs?

Foundation Certification Washington State

Needing Foundation Certification in Washington State? Call 360-419-9909

Usually, the lender will require that the buyer pays for the inspection. However, in cases of non-compliance, it is typically the Seller’s responsibility to pay for any corrections needed.

Generally, the remedies vary in cost. However, in our experience homes are insufficiently braced for wind and seismic. Repairs must be made to their foundations for earthquake-resistant bracing or more tie-downs.

The Advantages for Sellers to Get Foundation Certifications Ahead of Selling

The benefit for the seller is this, listing your home as eligible for VA, FHA, or USDA financing. When buyers are made aware that your home meets all requirements for financing, they are more inclined to begin negotiations. Obviously, this is also a great incentive to both the buyer and the real estate agent.

Best Way to Pit Set A Manufactured Home

House Skirting Ideas

Oct 20, 2020

Raised House Skirting Ideas for 2020 and Beyond

People are excited about our raised house skirting delivering the new home look. Back in the day, people were building homes on piers or posts. These homes became known as raised houses. As home building moved away from piers and posts, people looked for new home skirting ideas.

Today we look around and folks are building homes on perimeter foundations made of concrete. So, you need skirting to match the newer homes in 2020 and beyond. Raised house skirting was the house skirting idea people had been looking for, especially if they wanted to make a manufactured home look like a house.

Adding wood framing under manufactured house then match the siding. The next photo shows completion with DURASKIRT™.

What is the purpose of raised house skirting?

Raised house skirting using wood upper members and DURASKIRT™ ground contact precast siding. Raised house skirting protects the underfloor area from animals, rodents, and wind. Additionally, skirting or underpinning products can help to reduce heat or cooling bills. Furthermore, you can make your raised house look like a new home built on a stem-wall perimeter foundation. So, why not choose a product like DURASKIRT֭™?

How can DURASKIRT™ improve your raised house?

DURASKIRT؇ is an essential product for skirting raised homes. The benefits include, durability, longevity, enhances look by matching a sight-built house, has a warranty, real concrete, and gives a clean look. Additionally, DURASKIRT™ prevents animal intrusion when installed properly.

How is DURASKIRT™ made?

DURASKIRT™ is a concrete panel for covering the external parts of any structure. Moreover, the chemistry of today’s concrete makes for a long-lasting desirable siding worth the initial expenditure. Although costly, the return on investment over time makes DURASKIRT™ the least expensive skirting choice on the market today.

Comparing other skirting products

Photo shows house skirting with DURASKIRT™ concrete panels.

Other skirting products for skirting your raised home are vinyl, wood, metal skirting, precast concrete siding, cement siding, or lattice. Furthermore, all these products, albeit from concrete siding, have very short lifespans. Clearly, DURASKIRT™ is the best skirting choice.

Use DURASKIRT™ for all your structures

More reason

Our clients let us know they chose DURASKIRT™ so they can be done! In truth, we are honored our customers feel this way. Besides, we have spent the past nineteen years working hard to improve our product, so we feel great accomplishment.

For more information call MH SERVICE & Supply 360-419-9909.

Precast Concrete Siding

Reasons Why You Should Choose DURASKIRT™

Q. Do your products hold up to weed whackers (string trimmers)?

Six DIY Alternatives to Mobile Home Skirting

Oct 16, 2020

Six Cheap DIY Mobile Home Skirting Alternatives

Do These Alternatives to Mobile Home Skirting Fit You?

Perhaps mobile home skirting ideas (also known as underpinning) have crossed your mind lately, and it has you thinking about cheap mobile home skirting alternative products. So, what are some alternatives to mobile home skirting? In case you’re wondering, here are six alternatives to choose from, many are DIY mobile home skirting ideas if you want to do it yourself and save some money.

If you need an idea for around the bottom of a trailer or your manufactured home, here are some examples of inexpensive or cheap mobile home skirting. Although there are mobile home skirting prices which we explore further in another article.

Alternative (1) Vinyl Skirting

How much does vinyl skirting cost over time?

Vinyl is a cheap mobile home skirting that will do a decent job, though it doesn’t look the best. Moreover, vinyl skirting, also know as trailer skirting is very inexpensive. Therefore, it’s fast and easy to replace which is great because you’ll need to replace it or fix it a number of times. Especially, over the lifetime of your mobile home.

You can find plenty of vinyl mobile home skirting on Craigslist. However, if you’re searching Craigslist mobile home skirting it’s best to call the supplier and get a sample. Moreover, ask what their warranty covers.

Alternative (2) Plywood

Plywood is a popular DIY mobile home skirting, although this alternative is not a long-lasting solution and it does tend to wick moisture. Likewise, moisture causes issues like warping and discoloration. More so, everyone knows that moisture is detrimental to your home. My recommendation is not to use plywood as a viable alternative.

Alternative (3) Straw or Hay Bales

Obviously, I cannot recommend this but when you’re in a pinch and winter is setting in, well… Yes, people have been known for using straw bales. As for alternatives for manufactured home skirting, this method attracts most rodents. So, please shy away from it.

Alternative (4) Brick or Block

alternatives to mobile home skirting (Idea for around the bottom of a trailer)

Try this alternative to mobile home skirting! DURASKIRT™ concrete skirting panels and framing on a sloped lot. (Idea for around the bottom of a trailer).

Brick or block are commonly used alternatives, though this isn’t a DIY mobile home skirting option unless you are a skilled mason. This is a great method, providing the mason does their work properly. Many times, masons neglect to seal the top of the blocks or bricks to the home. Of course, this gap attracts tiny rodents. Because everyone knows keeping your home cozy in the winter and cool in the summer, eventually mice families discover this too. Of course, this will cause a huge problem.

Alternative (5) Fake Panels

This is a great, cheap mobile home skirting in terms of aesthetics. But given time and weather situations like heavy storms, this alternative can fail. Recently I had a customer call after a windstorm asking if our skirting will fly off their home like faux (fake) panels did. Surely, it’s always up to you to decide what’s best.

Alternatives to Mobile Home Skirting (6) Concrete

A proven method is concrete skirting which naturally fire-resistant. We love this alternative to mobile home skirting best. Notably, DURASKIRT™ concrete skirting panels are outstanding and look like a custom-made foundation. Best of all, DURASKIRT™, skirting panels for mobile homes, allows you to pit set your manufactured home.

How you might ask? Owing to our engineering, research and development, and field testing for nearly 20 years our concrete skirting panels work great for pit setting. These concrete skirting panels are strong, durable, lightweight, can be used even on sloped lots, and will hold up and look great over time. Moreover, they are the best cold weather skirting product.

For more information about concrete fire-resistant skirting panels please visit www.Duraskirt.com or call 360-419-9909. We are based in Washington State, but can easily ship to most areas.

DIY Information:

Mobile home setup

Mobile home setup guide

Mobile home skirting installation

Other Articles:

Mobile Home “Hidden-Vent”

Rock Skirting Products for Mobile Homes

DURASKIRT™ Concrete Board Is Exterior Use & Back-Fill Ready

What to Put Around the Bottom of Your Shed

Oct 14, 2020

Q: Shed Skirting – What is the Best Way to do it?

Closing Off (Shed Skirting) the Bottom of Your Shed the Easy Way

We’re well into the new millennium and there are several great ways to close off the bottom of your shed. Moreover, whether you own a shed, portable building, or outbuilding this skirting hack is for you. Not only will we discuss closing off the bottom of the shed but we will touch base on how to hide the bottom of the shed.

How to Seal the Bottom of a Shed from Rats?

Lets’ face it, sheds are necessary for protecting your stuff. So, knowing how to seal the bottom of your shed from rats is a good thing. Moreover, your belongings can mean all sorts of things from lawn equipment to Christmas valuables. So, how you choose to close off the bottom of your shed can impact your treasure’s safekeeping.

Accordingly, the materials you use to close off the bottom of your shed need to protect your valuables from weather, pests, and ground moisture. More so, the materials need to be durable, ventilated and resist rodents.

Quite frankly, the best materials to chose from are made of concrete and bricks. Consequently, I will explore the differences between each of these products. Likewise, explaining the best ways for installing them so they will effectively close (hide) off the bottom of your shed and showing you the easy way.

Here’s What to Put Around the Bottom of Your Shed. Choose From These Materials:

DURASKIRT™ shed skirting kits provide a great rodent barrier for your outbuildings or portable buildings!

Brick
Cinder Block
DURASKIRT™ Shed Skirting / Underpinning Prices
Landscape Block

Brick is an age-old material that does an exceptional job protecting homes and, in this case, sheds from unwanted guests. Follow these simple steps installing bricks:

Tools you will need are masonry tools, brick saw, wheelbarrow, shovel, string, hammer, joint tool, trowel, and grout bag.
Excavate down below frost depth and at least 8” wide.
Set level grade marks by driving stakes into the soil and either cutting or marking them for the desired elevation and minimum 6” thickness.
Mix concrete to fill to the top of stakes and carefully grading to flatness although leaving a slightly rough surface.
Next, mix mortar for bricks then begin stacking them to the desired height. Some people may like to stack them high enough to protect the lower portions of the framing from the weather. If you do this use a good brick flashing on top to shed rain outside the bricks.

Cinder Block, less expensive compared to brick, is also a great material to use. Depending on the block thickness, 4”, 6”, or 8” you will need to provide an appropriate footing width. The installation is much the same as a brick so following the same steps and tool needs will suffice.

DURASKIRT™ is by far the easiest way to close off the bottom of sheds (no footing required). Furthermore, cutting these panels requires a diamond blade in a circular saw. The only tools needed for DURASKIRT™ shed skirting are a saw, shovel, and a caulking gun. For figuring materials measure the outside lineal footage and desired panel height.

What’s more, is many times panels can be ripped down in half to save money. DURASKIRT™ can also be used for storage sheds. Ordering is also easy and delivery to your home is by LTL freight. Call 360-419-9909 and order your shed skirting today!

Landscape Blocks are another way you can close the bottom of sheds. Can be used and does not require a footing either. The main drawback is their exceptionally wide widths. Otherwise, they are a very good way of keeping varmints from taking up residence under your shed. You will also need to add a brick metal over the top of them.

Now that you know the best ways for closing off (hide) the bottom of your shed it’s time to stop procrastinating and do the job! Yes, it will be rewarding, and you’ll be glad you did it.

Links:

Wrap Around Shed Base Kits

Related Topics:

How To Hide Bottom of Shed

Related Articles:

Best Skirting for Mobile Homes

Q. Are samples of your products available?

Concrete Skirting for Manufactured Homes

Should I insulate my mobile home skirting?

Jun 5, 2020

Why Insulating Mobile Home Skirting Is Unnecessary

This is an excellent question, (Should I insulate my mobile home skirting?) although you will be surprised by the answer. Undeniably, mobile homes have been known in the past to be poorly insulated. That is why people questioned, “should I insulate my mobile home?”

So, the idea of insulating mobile home skirting began being a common practice. So, why did this idea die out?

Today’s mobile homes otherwise known as manufactured homes are made with heating bills in mind. Indeed, these homes have great insulation offering a sealed road barrier extending the interior comfort even more. Therefore, the skirting needs only provide thermal shielding.

Good Idea! Best Thermal Shielding Skirting Product

Should I My Insulate Mobile Home Skirting

A man installing mobile home skirting.

So, what skirting offers the best thermal shielding? Obviously, concrete or cementitious skirting products do the best thermal shielding. In Fact, concrete offers both heat and cold transfer resistance. Therefore, lending companies prefer concrete skirting over other skirting materials.

There’s Another Thought Besides, “Should I Insulate My Mobile Home Skirting?”

Personally, the reason I do not insulate mobile home skirting is that the crawlspace needs to breathe. In fact, the underfloor can be a place where toxic gasses can seep from the ground. More so, good ventilation for the mobile home skirting is a must.

Not to mention, radon gas is a big concern for many areas of the country and needs to be vented outside. So, insulating the skirting is needless or unnecessary.

So, What Is the Best Way to Keep Underfloor Drafts from Entering My Home?

This is a great question because, like me, others are irritated with cold drafty floors. In Addition, we have found through the years the best way to solve this problem is three-fold.

Creating a dry crawlspace or underfloor area.
The “Hidden Vent System” creating a dry crawlspace.
A fully closed underbelly with loads of insulation directly under your floor.

Finally, the DURASKIRT™ skirting system offers the best solution. Offering the best in the industry ventilation system, concrete thermal barrier, with a long-lasting material result. For more information please call 360-419-9909.

Related Articles:

Q. Can I use your skirting products on conventional homes?

Q. Can a concrete backer board be put on the ground?

Six Alternatives to Mobile Home Skirting

Mobile Home Improvements

Jun 1, 2020

Five Mobile Home Improvements You Must Do

What is the first thing you think about when mobile home improvements come to mind? Perhaps, carpets, cabinets, doors, or windows? Yes, these are all things that need your care and maintenance. But, why simply cover up the real mess that is your homes undercarriage or underfloor.

What Lurks Below Your Mobile Home?

Well, like the mantra says, “every good house is built on a solid foundation” so, let us begin discussing it. Moreover, what does that mean for your mobile home to have a solid foundation? In fact, there are two codes governing manufactured or mobile homes.

Two Codes Governing Manufactured Homes & Mobile Home Improvements

One code is meant for temporary use and the other is for permanent use and title removal. For this article I will be emphasizing permanent foundations for manufactured homes. Certainly, you want a solid foundation under your home.

Foundation – Mobile Home Improvements Priority

Chiefly, permanent foundations require good planning and execution. What is more, they should be at the top of your mobile home improvements list. Namely, they need to have excellent drainage, provide solid support, and keep rodents out. By far the best way to accomplish this is a gravel pad, for drainage and support then a decent earthquake resistant bracing system (ERBS).

Once the concrete blocking is installed along with the earthquake resistant bracing the next vital improvement is the skirting. Next, decide which skirting or underpinning you’re going to use. For this, we choose DURASKIRT™ concrete mobile home skirting for its longevity and looks. Looks? Yes, if you want your mobile home to look like a real house or authentic, you will want this product.

FYI we do not recommend insulated mobile home skirting and if you read the article you’ll understand why.

Windows

Due to the cost of energy, heating bills, you will want double pane windows. Surely, vinyl windows will do the trick. Moreover, if you finish them off correctly from the outside with painted wood trim, they will look great. Besides, you will be proud to show them off.

Doors – We recommend This Mobile Home Improvement

A mobile home improvement project would not be complete with new interior and exterior doors. In fact, new doors and the latest hardware will give your home a great look and feel. Since you will be bringing in guests you will not want to be embarrassed when your great them at your door. Furthermore, they will probably want to use your restroom and thus a new bathroom door.

Bathroom, Kitchen & Flooring

In general, Bathrooms, kitchens and floor coverings seem to always be the things taking the most abuse. These areas of your home require remodeling and periodic upgrading from time to time. Thus, choosing more modern colors, cabinets, and counter-tops with suffice. Especially, when you have company over for dinner and a game of cards.

Roofing, Exterior Paint & Siding
A mobile home being painted.

These Days, a mobile home improvement project would not be complete without upgrading the siding and roofing. Besides, you will want to change your siding to a more durable cement board with a wood grain pattern. Not to mention, the roofing needs to match a more modern shake look style to complete the house like look that everyone loves.

Finally, the exterior needs a more modern color scheme. To clarify, painting the siding with a more vivid color and the trim color being a complimentary light color. As you know, trim always seems to do better with lighter colors due to heat. To emphasize, light colors on wood trim tend to make the trim last longer.

In conclusion, we want to say it is your home and your choices, so we recommend choosing carefully. And, if you would please kindly share our article with your family and friends maybe we will have a mobile home improvement revolution. For more information please stay tuned or call MH SERVICE & SUPPLY 360-419-9909.

Related Articles:

Modern Deck Skirting

Q. Can you bury cement board?

Concrete Skirting for Manufactured Homes

Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes

May 30, 2020

What is considered a permanent foundation for a manufactured home?

Constructing manufactured homes on permanent foundations differ from stick-framed homes. Although they use similar building methods, these homes also incorporate techniques gleaned from commercially built structures. So, “what is a permanent foundation for a manufactured home?

Since 1976 with the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Act (42 U.S.C.), manufactured home innovations keep expanding. One such innovation came in September 1996 when the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (4930.3G) passed congress. Additionally, this law requiring foundation certification set precedence for manufactured homes to be considered real property. So, what does that mean for you?

What Are Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes?

Understandably, with the passing of the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (4930.3G) these homes became a popular alternative to site building. Moreover, their foundations began transforming. You see, the Guide made provisions for innovators and engineers to establish better methods of making manufactured homes look like a home.

So, What Types of Advances Are We Talking About?

Beyond the prescriptive methods for establishing a foundation for a manufactured home there are now many innovations. But before we discuss them let us review the prescriptive methods established by federal and state guidelines.

Prescriptive Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes

There are three main ways code allows you to build a prescriptive permanent foundation for manufactured homes. Here they are:

Concrete slabs of either 4” or 6” thickness. Additionally, securing the home using metal tie-down straps to the steel beams and slab at intervals established by the manufacturer’s manual. Block skirting must be mortared, reinforced and cavities filled.
Concrete runners. These are footing strips poured longitudinally the entire length of the home. In particular, these footing strips are made to fit the homes’ beams, marriage line and perimeter. Again, block skirting must be mortared, reinforced and cavities filled.
Perimeter wall foundation with ribbons. This method replaces the block skirting with a poured wall. Moreover, positioning horizontal footings for all blocking supports and anchoring tie-down strapping for securing the steel girders.

Alternative Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes

Excitingly the code allows for innovation and since 1996 many manufactures are making more efficient foundation systems for manufactured and mobile homes. Since this is ever expanding, I will only make mention of a few manufactured home foundation systems.

Before I begin let me say the reason behind many of these methods is:

A) cost savings
B) site-work construction speed
C) better quality and reliability
D) re-usability

Note) Let me emphasize that the code specifically says that all engineered systems must use concrete in contact with ground. (Not all systems meet this code although they may currently get approvals.)

Our Recommendation

We recommend choosing a system that meets code now, particularly the requirement for concrete to be in contact with soils. Our reasoning is because nobody knows what the future holds for systems not meeting these requirements.

Methods Using Gravel Pads Meeting All Code Requirements

PSC-ERBS - Earthquake Resistant Bracing System

The photo shows a PSC or Earthquake Resistant Bracing System. By Foundation Works.

Concrete in Contact with Ground.

Central Piers

Foundation Works

Methods Using Gravel Pads Meeting Some Code Requirements

May Not Meet Concrete in Contact with Ground.

LLBS Foundation Bracing System

Xi2 System

Note: Our DURASKIRT™ brand mobile home skirting fits well with all systems we have discussed.

In conclusion, we recommend choosing a permanent foundation system meeting all intents and purposes of the code. This way you will be on a firm foundation for years to come and not just figuratively.

Other Articles:

Manufactured Home Tie-Downs

Mobile Home Setup Footsteps Guide

Are Piers Considered a Permanent Foundation?

4 Reasons Why Mobile Home Skirting Should Be Vented

Apr 26, 2020

Why Mobile Home Skirting Should Be Vented

Perhaps you have seen a neighbor, family member or friend buy vent plugs to plug their homes vents. Most of the time the excuse is “it will save me the heating bill.” Right? So, it made good sense but still, “why mobile home skirting should be vented.”

Here are a few justifications for good underfloor ventilation:

Vents prevent the buildup of moisture. Everyone knows moisture causes mold and mildew and is harmful to your health.
Saves energy. Venting the crawlspace keeps insulation dry. Moist insulation transfers both heat and cold more easily. Obviously, this can cause higher energy bills. Hence, vents make good sense.
Ventilation clears gases rising from the soil. Gases such as radon and methane coming up from the soils can cause serious health consequences. Building codes require 6 mil poly to stop moisture and ventilation to keep gasses clear.
Venting a crawlspace rids odors. Soil odors can be strong so venting can help by exchanging air. The best venting is “The Hidden Vent System” because of the continuous venting with no dead air between vents.

As you can see whether continuously or by mechanical means venting your crawlspace is a must. Not only does it protect your investment, but it is investing into yours and your family’s health. So, do not cover your vents.

Long-Term Effects from Un-ventilated Crawlspace

Moreover, there are long-term consequences to covering vents. We have seen homes destroyed in some cases due to their covering for long periods of time. Additionally, people forget they covered their vents leaving them in several seasons. Obviously, this can be bad.

With DURASKIRT™ and the “Hidden Vent System” there is no need to ask why mobile home skirting should be vented. Our information is backed by many years of experience and good reasons.

Periodically Inspect Your Vents

Finally, keep your underfloor venting free flowing and clear. We recommend inspecting your venting annually and cleaning it if necessary. Generally, a leaf blower can clear grass, leaves and spider webs.

We hope this information has helped you and we look forward to serving you. For more information please call MH SERVICE & SUPPLY 360-419-9909 or email us.

You may also be interested in these:

Q. Do I need ventilation? If so, how much?

Six Alternatives to Mobile Home Skirting

Q. Can concrete backer board be put on the ground?

Posts by Richard S. Imus

About Richard S. Imus

Why Wood Skirting for Mobiles?

Is Wood Skirting Really So Cheap?

Do You Still Believe Wood Skirting Is Great?

What Is Manufactured Home Foundation Inspection?

What Are Foundation Inspectors Looking For?

The Foundation Inspection Report

Summarizing Details of Inspection Report:

Other Requirements

Reasons to Use a VA Loan to Buy a Manufactured Home

FHA Loans for Manufactured Homes

Reasons to Use an FHA Loan to Buy a Manufactured Home on Land

Purpose of Foundation Inspection

Foundation Inspection Services

What is FHA HUD Engineered Foundation Certification for Manufactured Homes?

What Is The Purpose of Getting This Done?

Who Pays for Inspections and or Repairs?

The Advantages for Sellers to Get Foundation Certifications Ahead of Selling

Related Article:

Raised House Skirting Ideas for 2020 and Beyond

What is the purpose of raised house skirting?

How can DURASKIRT™ improve your raised house?

How is DURASKIRT™ made?

Comparing other skirting products

Use DURASKIRT™ for all your structures

More reason

Six Cheap DIY Mobile Home Skirting Alternatives

Do These Alternatives to Mobile Home Skirting Fit You?

Alternative (1) Vinyl Skirting

Alternative (2) Plywood

Alternative (3) Straw or Hay Bales

Alternative (4) Brick or Block

Alternative (5) Fake Panels

Alternatives to Mobile Home Skirting (6) Concrete

Q: Shed Skirting – What is the Best Way to do it?

Closing Off (Shed Skirting) the Bottom of Your Shed the Easy Way

How to Seal the Bottom of a Shed from Rats?

Here’s What to Put Around the Bottom of Your Shed. Choose From These Materials:

Why Insulating Mobile Home Skirting Is Unnecessary

Good Idea! Best Thermal Shielding Skirting Product

There’s Another Thought Besides, “Should I Insulate My Mobile Home Skirting?”

So, What Is the Best Way to Keep Underfloor Drafts from Entering My Home?

Five Mobile Home Improvements You Must Do

Foundation – Mobile Home Improvements Priority

Windows

Doors – We recommend This Mobile Home Improvement

Bathroom, Kitchen & Flooring

Roofing, Exterior Paint & Siding

What is considered a permanent foundation for a manufactured home?

What Are Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes?

So, What Types of Advances Are We Talking About?

Prescriptive Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes

Alternative Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Homes

Our Recommendation

Methods Using Gravel Pads Meeting All Code Requirements

Methods Using Gravel Pads Meeting Some Code Requirements

Why Mobile Home Skirting Should Be Vented

Here are a few justifications for good underfloor ventilation:

Long-Term Effects from Un-ventilated Crawlspace

Periodically Inspect Your Vents

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