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.
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).
Answering Common DURASKIRT™ Installation Questions
Q: The installation time for DURASKIRT™ mobile home underpinning can vary. For one person, it may take approximately one 9-hour day or up to three 7-hour days. For two people, the installation could be completed in about 4.5 hours or up to 10.5 hours.
Answer:
This question comes up frequently. A straightforward method is to time the installation of a single panel and then multiply that by the total number of panels your home requires. For example, the average home needs about 60 panels. If we assume it takes 5 minutes to install one panel, then 5 minutes times 60 panels, divided by 60 minutes per hour, equals 5 hours.
However, if your mobile home skirting installation takes longer, there’s no need for frustration. Some can complete an installation in under three hours, which is exceptionally quick. Most homeowners take about twice as long, and it could take even more time if the site isn’t properly prepared.
Remember the five P’s?
The adage ‘Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance’ is pivotal. If the five P’s are new to you, it’s crucial to embrace and internalize them. Before delving into preparation, it’s essential to underscore the concept of installation times, as understanding this is fundamental.
Time To Install
The installation time for mobile home skirting varies depending on the home. Typically, removing existing skirting takes 3–8 hours. After removal, inspect for rot at the attachment points and replace any decayed wood. Once preparations are complete, installing DURASKIRT™ panels ranges from 3 to 7 minutes each, based on skill and site conditions. A single person could finish in one 9-hour day or spread over three 7-hour days. With two people, installation might take as little as 4 1/2 hours or up to 10 1/2 hours.
For wet soil conditions, laying gravel or reaching drier soil is necessary before setting down the DURASKIRT™ fabric.
Should I insulate mobile home skirting?
In the north, older homes were constructed with minimal insulation. However, it is advisable to insulate the floors rather than the skirting. If the homes have wood or vinyl skirting, insulation is possible, but it is also necessary to ensure proper ventilation of the area. New constructions are well-insulated.
1″ to a 1 1/2″ gap from the top of the skirting panel to give good ventilation.
Begin by grading the site; measure and mark a 31″ point on your shovel handle or a stick. The shovel handle is most convenient as it’s already in use. Ensure the site is leveled so that there’s a 31″ distance from the rim-joist to the ground for the skirting panels. The panels should have at least a 1″ clearance from the ground but can allow up to a 1 – 1/2″ gap.
Receiving Your DURASKIRT™ Packages / Crates Now What? Manufactured Home Skirting Kits
Transport Times
So you ordered your DURASKIRT™manufactured home skirting kits to place on your manufactured home, mobile home, tiny home, or post & pier house. Now, you can expect approximately two to five days for your skirting packages to process into shipping. Additionally, the crates look like the photo above when they’re ready to leave our factory. Once the skirting kitleaves our factory on an LTL truck, expect varying times for transportation up to seven days or in rare instances up to two weeks. In reality, we are speaking about the lower 48 United States shipping lanes.
Shipping Costs Are Flat Rate for Manufactured Home Skirting Kits
Surprisingly, most areas of the United States have very competitive shipping lanes and therefore, these results are low pallet shipping cost. We manufacture DURASKIRT™ skirting packages in a way that minimizes the freight charges. Moreover, so our customers gain affordable concrete skirting. Most recently, one of our customers met the delivery truck and received his mobile home skirting packages.
Preparation & Receiving
We ask that you be prepared for the LTL truck. Moreover, the trucks have a liftgate and use pallet jacks. For this reason, you will need a firm flat surface so they can pull the pallets off the liftgate and onto your flat, firm surface. Alternatively, you can provide plywood for protection of driveways, recommended, or over gravel and or firm grassy areas.
Note: Crate should be set level.
Safely Unpacking Your Crates
A level crate is vital for your safety. If, for instance, the crate must be set slightly out of level, then make sure the crate front labeled “OPEN HERE” (see photo) is facing up hill. Next, you can cut the straps with nippers or sheet metal cutters. Following this, look for the screws, TORX 20 or TORX 25, that secure the crate’s top and begin backing them out. Next, pull off the lid and place it aside.
Now, begin looking for the screws securing the front of the crate and back them out to pull the front panel marked “OPEN HERE” (see photo). Then you will see the lumber, cross-beams, that secure the panels from movement during shipping. When you’re ready to start your installation, you can back the side screws securing the beams on each side to get to your panels. You will notice that the panels are tilted backwards for your safety, using gravity to hold them from tumbling outward. This is why it was important to make sure the crates were set level or slightly backwards.
Important: Use safe lifting methods and unobscure pathways to begin moving the panels around your home.
Finally!
Can you picture yourself ready for a DIY skirting celebration? Talk to your family and friends and ask them if they will participate in a day of skirting with you. I am certain they will help after you inform them it will be the last time you will need their help as far as skirting for your home.
One customer responded, “DURASKIRT™ and Be Done.”
After your skirting is finished, you will be glad you made the investment in time, cost, and effort. Your home will be happy for years to come. I’m sure if it could, your home would smile and wink with pride. You can take advantage of purchasing DURASKIRT™ by calling 360-419-9909 or visit our website at www.Duraskirt.com. The next blog topic will be “How to Safely Open A DURASKIRT™ Crate.” Please keep in mind your safety first!
Why Insulating Mobile Home Skirting Is Unnecessary
Is it a good house skirting ideato insulate the skirting? You may be surprised by the answer. Undeniably, mobile homes have been known in the past to be poorly insulated. That is why people have asked, “should I insulate my mobile home?” when starting their mobile home skirtinginstallation.
Today’s mobile homes, otherwise known as manufactured homes,are made with heating and cooling bills in mind. Most of these homes have great insulation, offering a sealed road barrier to give good interior comfort. Because of this, the skirting needs only provide thermal shielding.
Good Idea! Best Thermal Shielding Skirting Product
Mobile Home Skirting Installation
What skirting offers the best thermal shielding? Concrete or cementitious skirting products offer the best thermal shielding. Concrete offers both heat and cold transfer resistance, which makes it a great house skirting idea. It is also why lenders prefer concrete skirting over other skirting materials.
There’s Another Question to Ask 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. This includes radon gas, which is a big concern for many areas of the country. So, good ventilation for the mobile home skirting is a must, and insulating your skirting would hinder the ventilation.
So, What Is the Best Way to Keep Underfloor Drafts from Entering My Home?
This is a great question because, like me, you are probably irritated with cold, drafty floors. Over the years, we have found 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.
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 priceswhich we explore further in another article.
Vinyl is a cheap mobile home skirting that will do a decent job, though it doesn’t look the best. Moreover, vinyl skirting, also known 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
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 is 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 settings. 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 Duraskirt.com or call 360-419-9909. We are based in Washington State, but can easily ship to most areas.
Maybe (7) Too – SDG™ Rigid Foam Insulation Covering
Also, it wouldn’t be fair not to mention DURASKIRT’s SDG™ Rigid Foam Insulation Covering. DURASKIRT™ has developed a product called SDG for protecting rigid foam insulation & ICF. Not to mention, protecting 2″ or 3″ of rigid foam on the exterior of basement foundation walls can be a challenging. So, what product are people using to protect the foam below grade to the mud sill? Details often call out “Protective board”? This is why DURASKIRT has developed a product called SDG. Most importantly, SDG keeps the site-built look that looks familiar and proven to last.
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. Here are some other ways Duraskirt™ is the mobile home skirting solution for you.
Has an SDG protection in place of the fabric and has a plastic insert
Duraskirt™ has a waterproof additive to the concrete mixture that should make the product last around 100 years.
Duraskirt™ & SDG™ resist freezing and thawing weather conditions, so it is made for the exterior of your home in all climates
Cutting edge concrete technology allows much higher strengths also extending durable life more than 60+ years beyond the average 40+ years most other concrete is expected to resist surface breakdown. that’s more than 100+ years of expected surface durability. No other skirting product comes close.
Our concrete is fireproof & non-flammable for the purposes of the WUI code. Duraskirt™ has been used under the WUI code in California since the codes adoption.
Our new concrete technology resists chemical intrusion by soil or gardening chemicals, chemical densifiers, entrained air (for freezing and thawing also enhanced with the waterproofing agent), chemical stability that resists warping, and very high 7 1/2-sack cement to yard ratio (most foundations use a 5-sack mix).
Ground burial is not an issue
SDG™ and DS-SHED have varying sizes to fit your project. (All panels are 37″width and made in varying heights at 11″, 15.5″, 18″, 24″, 30″ and 33″)
DURASKIRT™ PRO is made in four heights fitting most home applications. (PRO24 , PRO30 and PRO33 are 37″ widths and PRO37 is 30″ wide)
Our DURASKIRT™ high-strength concrete mixture just got better. The thickness of concrete does not matter if it is treated fully with PENETRON™. Therefore, we have exciting news. DURASKIRT™, DURASHEDSKIRT™ & SDG™ products all are made with PENETRON™ waterproofing additive. Permit me to say, “this is an enormous upgrade.”
The thickness of concrete does not matter if it is treated fully with PENETRON™.
Although, PENETRON™ was developed primarily for commercial applications, we believe it makes our products more desirable. In fact, you will agree DURASKIRT™, DURASHEDSKIRT™ and SDG™ products are greatly improved by its advantages.
Why Buy Concrete Products Like DURASKIRT™, DURASHEDSKIRT™ & SDG™?
DURASKIRT™, DURASHEDSKIRT™ & SDG™ Made With PENETRON™
Because you’re looking to prolong the service life of your building or home. DURASKIRT™, DURASHEDSKIRT™ & SDG treated with PENETRON™ ADMIX-treated concrete eliminates further maintenance and repair costs, saving you money. Moreover, it will outlive untreated concrete by 60 years or more.
So, What Are The PENETRON™ Advantages?
PENETRON™ is a crystalline technology that enhances the overall performance and lifespan of concrete. Indeed, its primary intention is to waterproof concrete. Even so, the benefits keep adding up:
Resists high hydrostatic pressure
Provides self-healing capabilities for cracks up to 0.5 mm
Enhances the compressive strength of concrete
Non-toxic and contains no VOCs (NSF 61-certified for potable water applications)
Resists chemical attacks (pH3–11)
Significantly reduces chloride penetration and carbonation
Effectively counters alkali silica reaction (ASR)
Prevents corrosion of reinforcement steel
Not a vapor barrier; allows concrete to breathe
Protects against sulfate attack
Exceeds requirements of ASTM C494-S (Specific Performance Admixtures)
Provides a fully waterproof and permanently dry concrete structure
Preventing Water Permeability
A key characteristic influencing concrete durability is permeability by water, carbon dioxide, chloride, sulfates and other potentially harmful substances. PENETRON™ ADMIX enhances concrete by increasing durability, reducing the ingress of harmful substances, and by improving many aspects of concrete performance by the following benefits:
More Notable Benefits:
Increases durability and lifespan of concrete by 60 years or more (the PENETRON™ ADMIX-treated concrete added up to 60 years or more to the service life of conventional concrete before the onset of corrosion)
Increases durability and lifespan of concrete by 60 years or more
Increases compressive strength by 13%
Concrete self-heals new cracks (PENETRON™ ADMIX is a hydrophilic product that reacts with moisture and concrete minerals to form crystals in cracks and voids. This gives concrete a permanent self-healing capability. Whenever new moisture enters, PENETRON™ ADMIX develops new crystal formations that seal newly formed micro-cracks).
Acid Resistance (When under acid attack, some projects face potential dissolution of the concrete matrix and a subsequent loss of structural integrity. PENETRON™ ADMIX offers protection against chemical attack (pH 3-11) and is the preferred and widely used solution for wastewater treatment plants).
In cold climates, freeze-thaw cycles are a major factor in the deterioration of exposed concrete structures (bridges, roads, etc.). Water inside the concrete expands when it freezes, causing internal pressure; this leads to cracking, and the following thaw allows water to penetrate deeper into the newly formed cracks, then expanding again and causing further damage as the cycle repeats itself. Tests of PENETRON™ ADMIX-treated concrete show a 90% reduction in length changes due to freeze-thaw cycles
Increases compressive strength by 13%
Eliminates the need for any surface-applied protection systems
Corrosion resistant. Corrosion is an electrochemical process that occurs with a difference in electrical potential of steel and the surrounding cement matrix. Chloride-induced corrosion of steel is one of the most important aspects of concrete durability. Concrete dosed with PENETRON™ ADMIX ensures huge reductions in rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) values (as per ASTM C-1202 and AASHTO T-277 tests) by reducing chloride ion permeability.
Saves money—a lifetime concrete product
“Green” product that contributes points to LEED projects
It provides self-healing of cracks (up to 0.5 mm) over the service life of product.
Improves permeability: While an optimal W/C ratio is crucial in achieving the desired overall concrete performance, permeability is crucial for concrete durability: decreased permeability means increased durability. PENETRON™ ADMIX reduces shrinkage cracking and seals micro-cracks. It provides self-healing of cracks (up to 0.5 mm) over the service life of the structure/product. Finally, our admixture provides a 70% or more permeability reduction as per ACI guidelines for PRAH (permeability-reducing admixtures for hydrostatic conditions).
Mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes, have come a long way in terms of design, comfort, and functionality. Yet, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is skirting for mobile homes.
Skirting serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, contributing to the stability, appearance, and energy efficiency of these dwellings. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade your current skirting or in the process of building a new mobile home, understanding various skirting ideas is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore ten mobile home skirting ideas that can transform the look and performance of your dwelling, ensuring you’re well-equipped to make informed decisions about your home’s foundation and exterior. Let’s dive in!
1. Inspect and Repair Rim Joist Before installing skirting, it’s essential to inspect and repair the rim joist, especially in older homes. Damaged rim joists can compromise the integrity of the skirting installation.
Inspect Rim Joist: Conduct a thorough inspection of the rim joist around the entire perimeter of the home.
Check for Damage: Look for signs of damage such as rot, decay, or structural weakness in the rim joist.
Address Issues: If any damage is detected, take the necessary steps to repair the rim joist before proceeding with the skirting installation.
Ensure Structural Integrity: Repairing the rim joist ensures the structural integrity of the skirting installation and prevents potential issues in the future.
Consider Professional Help: In cases of extensive damage or structural issues, consider hiring a professional to inspect and repair the rim joist.
2. Level the Ground
Ensure that the ground around the perimeter of your home is level. This ensures that the skirting fits evenly and provides a seamless look.
Check for Consistency: Ensure that the ground level is consistent all around the home to achieve uniform skirting installation.
Assess Ground Level: Use a level or measuring tool to determine the evenness of the ground around the home’s perimeter.
Remove Uneven Areas: If any areas are uneven or sloped, consider leveling them by removing excess soil or gravel.
Use Leveling Tools: Employ tools such as shovels or a grading rake to level the ground effectively.
Adjust as Necessary: Make adjustments as needed to create a flat and even surface for the skirting to sit on.
Verify Fit: Before installing the skirting, double-check that the ground is level to ensure a proper fit and a seamless appearance.
3. Consider DURASKIRT™ for Longevity
DURASKIRT™ offers durable and long-lasting skirting options that enhance the appearance of your home while providing protection against pests and weather elements.
Durability and Longevity: DURASKIRT™ stands out for its exceptional durability and long-lasting performance. Crafted from high-quality materials, DURASKIRT™ skirting options are designed to withstand the test of time, offering reliable protection for your home’s foundation.
Enhanced Appearance: Beyond functionality, DURASKIRT™ skirting elevates the aesthetics of your home. With various styles and finishes available, you can choose a skirting option that complements your home’s exterior, enhancing its overall appearance and curb appeal.
Protection Against Pests: One of the key benefits of DURASKIRT™ is its ability to effectively ward off pests and rodents. The solid construction and seamless installation of DURASKIRT™ panels create a barrier that prevents pests from infiltrating the underfloor area of your home, safeguarding against potential damage and infestations.
Weather Resistance: DURASKIRT™ skirting is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Its resilient construction ensures that your home remains protected from external elements, maintaining its structural integrity over time.
Low Maintenance: Additionally, DURASKIRT™ requires minimal maintenance, saving you time and effort in upkeep. Unlike traditional skirting materials that may require frequent repairs or replacements, DURASKIRT™ is designed for hassle-free maintenance, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind and long-term satisfaction with your investment.
4. Explore Different Materials
From vinyl to concrete panels, there are various materials available for mobile home skirting. Consider the durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal of each option before making a decision.
Vinyl Skirting: Vinyl skirting is a popular choice for mobile homes due to its affordability and ease of installation. It comes in a range of colors and styles to suit different preferences. However, while vinyl skirting is relatively low-maintenance, it may not offer the same level of longevity as other materials. Vinyl is also very flammable. When the fires went through Hawaii and California, the fire quickly burned through vinyl and wood skirting.
Concrete Panels (e.g., DURASKIRT™): Concrete panels, such as those offered by DURASKIRT™, are renowned for their durability and longevity. These panels provide robust protection for the underfloor area of your mobile home, shielding it from pests, weather elements, and wear and tear. It also does not burn. Additionally, concrete skirting panels offer a sleek and modern aesthetic that can enhance the overall appearance of your home. While initially, they may require a higher investment, their longevity and low maintenance make them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Metal Skirting: Metal skirting is another option to consider, offering strength and durability. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and provides reliable protection for your mobile home. Metal skirting is available in various finishes, including painted or textured options, allowing you to customize the look to match your home’s exterior. However, metal skirting may be susceptible to dents and scratches over time.
Wood Skirting: Wood skirting can add a rustic charm to your mobile home, but it may require more maintenance compared to other materials. Properly treated and sealed wood skirting can offer decent durability, but it may be prone to rot, warping, and insect damage if not adequately maintained. Additionally, wood skirting may not provide as much protection against pests and weather elements as other materials. We had one homeowner who was replacing their wood skirting. Their old wood skirting had allowed water to absorb into the wood and then into the house causing about $40,000 worth of damage to their home.
Faux Stone or Brick Panels: Faux stone or brick panels offer a classic and elegant aesthetic for mobile home skirting. These panels mimic the look of natural stone or brick but are lightweight and easy to install. They provide decent durability and can withstand various weather conditions. However, faux panels may not offer the same level of protection as concrete panels and may require occasional cleaning to maintain their appearance.
When exploring different materials for mobile home skirting, it’s essential to consider factors such as durability, longevity, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal. By weighing these factors carefully, you can choose the option that best suits your needs and budget, ensuring a functional and visually appealing skirting solution for your mobile home.
5. DIY vs. Professional Installation
While some homeowners opt for DIY installation, others prefer professional help. Consider your skill level, time, and budget when deciding between DIY and professional installation.
DIY Installation: Opting for a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation of mobile home skirting can be a cost-effective choice for homeowners who are handy and have the necessary tools and skills. DIY installation allows you to save on labor costs and gives you greater control over the project timeline. However, it’s essential to consider your skill level and experience with construction projects before embarking on a DIY skirting installation. While some aspects of skirting installation, such as measuring and cutting panels, may be relatively straightforward, other tasks, such as leveling the ground and ensuring proper ventilation, may require more expertise. Additionally, DIY installation may take longer to complete, especially if you encounter challenges or setbacks along the way.
Professional Installation: Hiring professionals for mobile home skirting installation can offer several advantages, particularly for homeowners who lack the necessary skills, tools, or time to tackle the project themselves. Professional installers have the expertise and experience to ensure that the skirting is installed correctly, efficiently, and according to local building codes and regulations. They can also help you navigate any challenges or complexities that may arise during the installation process, ensuring a seamless and high-quality result. While professional installation may involve additional costs compared to DIY, it can provide peace of mind knowing that the job is being handled by skilled professionals. Additionally, professional installers may offer warranties or guarantees on their work, providing added protection and assurance for homeowners.
When deciding between DIY and professional installation for mobile home skirting, consider factors such as your skill level, available time, budget, and the complexity of the project. While DIY installation can offer cost savings and a sense of accomplishment, professional installation ensures expertise, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. Ultimately, choose the option that best aligns with your preferences, resources, and priorities, ensuring a successful and satisfactory outcome for your mobile home skirting project.
6. Understand Permit Requirements
Familiarize yourself with local building codes and permit requirements for mobile home skirting installation. Compliance with regulations ensures safety and structural integrity. In fact, in the last few years, many municipalities are restricting the types of materials that can be used for mobile home underpinning to protect homeowners. Materials, especially wood, are being prohibited due to the damage they can eventually cause to the home.
In conclusion, mobile home skirting is a vital component of maintaining and enhancing the appearance, stability, and energy efficiency of your home. By exploring different ideas, materials, and installation methods, you can make informed decisions that best suit your needs and preferences. Whether opting for DIY installation or professional help, prioritize quality, durability, and compliance with regulations for successful skirting installation.For more information on mobile home skirting options, contact DURASKIRT™ at (360)419-9909. Our team is dedicated to providing quality products and assistance to help you achieve the perfect skirting solution for your mobile home.
Skirting for Manufactured Homes Made to Look Site-Built
Considering community desires today, manufactured homes must be able to fit into residential neighborhoods. In order to accomplish this, the home essentially needs to look site-built. This is where concrete mobile home skirting is useful.
Most often, site-built homes have a poured-in-place perimeter foundation, stem wall, and footing. Calling this a perimeter foundation for a manufactured home is wrong. Just because it can support the weight of the home on the perimeter does not mean it is a foundation. In some ways, this can be detrimental as it is subject to weather and moisture, not to mention it gets in the way of properly securing the tie-downs. The better system is to support the structure under the home, tucked away from nature’s elements.
Manufactured homes are supported away from the perimeter of the home. This is a great design but leaves a distinctive space beneath the manufactured home. So, how do you take a great design still find a way to skirt match site-built structures? Well, there are a couple of methods to accomplish this.
The stem-wall foundation. The first method is pouring a stem-wall foundation, although entirely unnecessary, around the perimeter. This methodology is costly in requiring a manufactured home to be lifted over and set inside the wall. Although, sometimes the wall can be poured under the home after the setup. Obviously, many contractors loathe doing this for customers.
Concrete mobile home skirting kits. Installing concrete mobile home skirting kits can give an appearance similar to a poured stem-wall foundation. However, Concrete mobile home skirting installation can be done without removing the manufactured home, thus making it much simpler.
DURASKIRT™ Mobile Home Skirting Kits
Consequently, the most popular method is using concrete skirting for manufactured homes like DURASKIRT™. The system consisting of concrete boards or panels set up around the perimeter is a genus. This system serves the following purposes:
Guarding the underfloor with concrete.
Site-built look.
Meets FHA & VA loan requirements.
A long-lasting skirting solution.
Best for matching residential neighborhoods.
Two more reasons for choosing DURASKIRT™ concrete skirting for manufactured homes are simple installation and great customer support.
How Do You Skirt A Manufactured Home on A Sloped Lot?
If you have a sloped lot for your mobile home, you may know that mobile home skirting installation on sloped lots can be a challenge. For almost 25 years, we have been skirting manufactured homes across the United States. Sometimes, though, it can be a thought-provoking experience.
Being the manufacturer of DURASKIRT™, we are sometimes asked, “How high do your mobile home skirting panels reach?” Our answer is always, “as high as you need.” The reason we say that is because we have ways to accomplish almost any height.
Use DURASKIRT™ For Breaking Through the Ground
There has always been a demand for mobile home skirting to look like an extension of the home. This, however, is a problem for wood skirting as wood shouldn’t be in contact with the soil. This is not a problem for DURASKIRT™, since it is made for ground burial. A hybrid solution can also solve the issue of a sloped lot.
By using both DURASKIRT™ and wood, you can achieve the site-built appearance for manufactured homes that are on sloped lots. Just imagine, no more rotting skirting and tremendous rodent prevention. We recommend at least a 6” distance between wood and the dirt. So, plan your siding step-downs accordingly.
How to Frame Step-Downs on Sloped Lots
Using standard framing materials and siding to match, extend siding to form step-downs that conform to the slope. Remember to add paper under the siding to prevent moisture from entering the crawlspace. After the framing is installed under the homes’ exterior rim-joist brace, it back to the I-beams. See Photo.
Things to Keep in Mind
Framing lines up with house above.
Siding matches brand and style.
Showing the siding and framing stepping down. Ready to install DURASKIRT™ concrete panels below.
Lap siding reveals are same as home.
Framing is braced adequately to support back-filling DURASKIRT™.
Wood is no closer than 6” away from soil.
Use hot-dipped galvanized nails into siding.
Once all the framing is braced, papered and sided, it’s time for the mobile home skirting installation by adding DURASKIRT™. We recommend digging DURASKIRT™ into the soil a minimum of 6” and back-filling with a coarse rock. This helps to prevent rodents from digging under the mobile home skirting.
Finally, your home will look like a site-built home. Your friends and neighbors will be surprised to know it is in fact a manufactured home. Furthermore, if you haven’t begun your search for new mobile homes, you may want to read our article “Finding The Best Mobile Home Brands.“
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