We have people asking us this question all the time. The simple answer is to calculate the time to install one panel at a time then multiply it by the number of panels needed for your home. Once you know this you can simply do the math. The average home takes approximately 60 panels. So let’s assume 5 minutes each multiply by 60 panels then divide by 60 minutes per hour = 5 hours.
Now do not be frustrated if it takes you more time. We have people that can install a home in less than three hours which is flat out moving. Don’t be shamed because most homeowners average twice this rate and it can take even longer if the site is not prepped properly.
Remember the five Ps?
Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. If you have never heard of the five P’s well, it’s about time you learned and take it to heart. I want to continue by emphasizing the following before we go into preparation because I feel it very important to get this concept down first, that is, install times.
Again, How long does DURASKIRT™ installation take?
Really it depends on your home. Usually, it can take 3 – 8 hours to remove existing skirting from your home. Then you need to inspect and see if you have and rot where you need to attach the new …skirting and if so you must replace these areas with new wood. When this is all finished, DURASKIRT™ installation can take between 3 to 7 minutes per panel to install depending on your skill level and the home site. So one person can install DURASKIRT™ in one 9 hour day or up to 3 seven-hour days. Two people can install DURASKIRT™ in 4 1/2 hours or up to 10 1/2 hours.
1″ to a 1 1/2″ gap from the top of the skirting panel to give good ventilation.
Grade the site first by measuring and placing a 31″ mark on your shovel handle or a stick. A shovel handle works best because it is already in your hand. A properly prepared site is graded so that the skirting panels have a 31″ gap to the ground from the rim-joist. When the panels go in they need at least a 1″ gap but can go as much as 1 -1/2″ gap. This photo helps explain:
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.
Have you been contemplating buying a trailer skirting kit lately? Are you having trouble deciding which one to choose from? We will attempt to make it a bit easier for you by giving you five tips to look for before purchasing your mobile home skirting kit whether it’s a 16×80 kit, 28′ x 60, or some other size.
Warranty: Good skirting kits always come with a warranty. Typically, a one-year unconditional warranty is best so you can get it.
DURASKIRT™ Kits
Having a warranty can give you peace of mind if you ever need to replace a portion of the skirting if needed because of damage.
Quality of Material: The best trailer skirting kits are made of long-lasting material. Wood and vinyl just don’t last as long as Concrete. Concrete skirting kits are what we consider to be the best.
Ease of Installing: Read through the skirting products literature which includes product manuals, photos, installation videos, and online help. Indeed, the best trailer skirting kits have phone help from qualified staff members.
DIY Skirting Help: Most people exploring DIY mobile home skirting are not professionals. Although they are smart enough to find great products and do the work, some products require specialized equipment and tools which you are unlikely to have and can get very expensive. So, make sure the product claims DIY skirting.
A Good Track Record: Finally, be certain the skirting material and the company you purchasing from has a good track record. The material should boast of longevity with more than a decade of use behind it and it should do a good job of keeping critters out from under your home. The best trailer skirting kit companies often have a good following on social media, too.
Skirting Kits Recap
Doing a little research before you purchase can save you money and headaches. It can also keep you from having to redo your work only a few years later. We want you to have peace of mind when buying your trailer skirting kit. Your choice is going to last you a long time (if you choose the right material) We want you to feel right with your choice. So, if you have any questions, please contact us and we’ll work to answer your questions, explain the process, and help you make the best choice.
What do we recommend?
My best advice is to buy a DURASKIRT™ concrete skirting kit because I know you will love the way it performs. Call 360-419-9909 today and order yours.
Okay, Let’s Set The Distance for The Front Edge of High-Wind Tie-Downs
CLICK TO ENLARGE
High-Wind or Hurricane Tie-Downs can pose a problem with skirting your manufactured home. That’s due to the extra strapping that is fastened to the front of your homes’ rim-joist or floor framing. Since, pictures are worth a thousand words we have a drawing and photos in order to aide you in understanding what you need to do. Furthermore, for those that prefer we explain step by step please follow these directions.
Chose a skirting material but in this case we will be explaining the use of DURASKIRT™.
After the home setup and before adding High-Wind Tie-Downs install 2″ x 2″ drip metal around the bottom of your home. (Photos shown below).
Now install the High-Wind Tie-Downs, also shown in the photos, although carefully considering the tie-down materials must be set at least 2 1/2″ behind belly-band trim or backside of drip cap metal (photos below).
If using drip metal the L-shaped bracket securing the tie-down to exterior rim-joist (framing) will need to be bolted through drip metal into floor framing. This is shown in detail drawing.
Now that you followed these steps begin using the DURASKIRT™ manual for a successful installation.
Manufactured Home Skirting Kits, Follow These Do’s and Don’ts When Purchasing!
If you own a manufactured home, you’re likely required by local law to put skirting on it. However, before you simply reach for the first mobile home skirting kits you can find, take advantage of these dos and don’ts. They’ll help you make a good choice and give you more bang for your buck!
— DO purchase direct from DURASKIRT™ – Not Home Depot or Lowes
We have always sold our skirting and underpinning kits directly to the public. So when searching for DURASKIRT Lowes call us 360-419-9909!
— DO pay close attention to how it’s made
All manufactured home skirting kits are not created equal. Some are made with vinyl while others are made with aluminum or concrete. There are brands that have special vents to even out airflow. While others have a finish that’s designed to look like stacked stones. Still, more boast of being the best cold weather skirting product.
Bottom line — there’s a variety of options out there, so do some homework! For example, learn about the durability of different materials (concrete skirting, vinyl, and aluminum) and additional expenses which may come up over time if the skirting material doesn’t hold up (rodent infestations, etc.) We think you’ll find concrete skirting is more effective and durable than vinyl or aluminum and will save you money in the end. Also, understand how air circulates inside your crawl space, and thus, why a special vent would be important. The more informed you are, the better-finished product you can purchase!
— DO buy your manufactured home skirting kits from a company that’s happy to help!
Some manufactured home skirting kit manufacturers only care about making money. Once they’ve sold you a kit, they could care less if you struggle to install it. Others intentionally make the instructions difficult to comprehend so that you give up and hire them (or their buddies) to install everything for you.
You can do better than that!
A good manufacturer will be happy to help with your skirting even after your purchase has gone through. Specifically, they’ll have an instruction manual that’s written in plain English, and they’ll post videos and other tips right on their website. Sure, they’ll offer their own installation services, but they’ll also make it relatively easy for you to do the installation work yourself, instead of trying to get you to spend more money!
— DON’T take winter for granted
If you live in a place that gets a lot of snow and ice, you’re going to need a manufactured home skirting kits that can keep up with weather changes, extreme temperatures, and moisture. Because of the way it’s constructed, it isn’t good to let a bunch of snow and ice pile up against ANY type of skirting, but some kits are better prepared to deal with nature’s wrath than others.
Before you buy anything, talk to the manufacturer about how their skirting is going to withstand winter. If you don’t like the answer, look for another kit!
— DON’T forget about your other structures
Yes, it’s called “mobile home skirting“, but these kits can also be used to finish off your deck, above-ground pool, or hot tub. Skirting is alsowhat to put around the bottom of a shed or the storage building you’ve got sitting in the backyard. So, before you put away the calculator, add up the space these structures take up. Odds are some mobile home skirting will make them look AND perform better!
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 DURASKIRT, LLC 360-419-9909 or email us at richardimus@duraskirt.com.
If you have determined it’s time to replace skirting on your mobile home then it’s time to explore your options. So, what do you use for mobile home skirting? There are many materials you can choose for skirting you home. For this article we chose DURASKIRT™ brand mobile home skirting for obvious reasons.
To replace skirting on a mobile home begin by planning materials, sketching drawings and adding dimensions so you can make a material list.
Order new skirting materials, preferably DURASKIRT™, making sure you have a place cleared for their arrival. (Getting prepared for DURASKIRT™).
Assuming this project is replacing old materials, you can start off by taking down existing skirting.
Removal, Inspection & Restoring for Preparing to Replace Skirting on A Mobile Home
Termite damage in mobile home caused from wood skirting attracting termites.
After removing aged skirting, you need to inspect the homes’ rim-joist for rot replacing the rotten or termite eaten members if necessary.
Next begin to inspect the under-crawlspace blocking, tie-downs, belly wrap, piping, and vapor barrier for water or rodent damage. Moreover, this step is very important to replace skirting on a mobile home.
Also, looking underneath the vapor barrier begin inspecting the soils for settling filling and compacting low areas. Obviously installing a new skirting is easier on level earth.
Replace Skirting on A Mobile Home – Installing “ON Gravel or Dirt”
Start with leveling the grade around the home with a shovel making sure to the soils are firm. If uncertain about soils ability to support skirting I recommend using a compactor.
Now that the soils are level where you’re going to be installing new skirting it’s time to proceed.
Begin by placing panels at corners of the home using the larger brackets and venting for the long sides and the short brackets on the ends.
It’s important to keep panels plumb as you go and adding the venting before proceeding to the next skirting panel.
When all panels are set it’s time to for caulking and concealing the joints.
It’s best to caulk from the bottom of the panels upward scraping the excess with a used caulking tube. After scraping use the joint concealing powder over the fresh caulking.
Alternatively, Installing New Skirting “On Top of Concrete”
The only difference installing DURASKIRT™ panels on concrete is that you will need to cut them to height first.
When you replace skirting on a mobile home start measuring the panels making sure to leave a 1” gap between the top of the panel and the rim-joist.
We hope this was helpful and informative. Please call DURASKIRT or email us if you need further guidance 360-419-9909 or email richardimus@duraskirt.com.
If you’re considering buying a manufactured home, it’s probably crossing your mind to make manufactured home look like a house. Right? That’s exactly why DURASKIRT™ began. Because no other skirting or underpinning makes a manufactured home look like a house like DURASKIRT™.
At DURASKIRT we have managed to create a very durable long-lasting product giving homeowners a real foundation look. Moreover, the quality of our product is unmatched in the manufactured home industry. Indeed, DURASKIRT, LLC is a premium USA skirting manufacturer.
Overcoming challenges to make manufactured home look like a house
Making a manufactured home look like a house sounds simple. Right? Not so, because of the costs. Okay then you say, “what costs are you talking about. Please explain. Right?” When we began the process of developing DURASKIRT™ there were companies pouring footings and stem-wall facades.
Stem wall foundation (non-supporting façade)
This method requires rolling or crane setting the mobile home over the facade. Ridiculous and expensive right? Moreover, people were willing to pay the price because this method accomplishes the look they were after. However, many began thinking of more economical ways to do this.
Treated Plywood Skirting Method
One method that was tried and failed was painting treated plywood a grayish concrete color. Though, the finished product looked okay it soon was needing painting and eventually replacing. Likewise, the treated plywood in due course rots when back-filling.
Hardie skirting
When Hardie panels hit the market the mobile home industry jumped at the chance to use this product for skirting. Additionally, contractors were quick to paint this concrete color too to make a manufactured look like a house. But, like any other papier-mâché products this material hates ground moisture.
Ground moisture quickly taking its course within a few years this product began deteriorating. Besides, witnessing our customers replacing Hardie skirting with holes is sad. Also, this product was never designed for ground contact although one ingredient was cement.
Buy the right skirting products
Firstly,Mobile home skirting, products need to survive the environment of ground contact. Likewise, looking for ground contact skirting products are very few but worth it. Ultimately, DURASKIRT™ is an intelligent skirting choice for preventive maintenance.
For more information call DURASKIRT, LLC 360-419-9909.
There is more than the cement board and well frame. You will need to know the materials and tools before beginning. As you will see assembling the DURASKIRT™ cement board well is easy. Begin by gathering your supplies and tools as shown below.
Materials Needed for Making The Cement Board Well
Begin by placing a cut cement board and DURASKIRT™ well frame.
Well sides being cut after measuring. Notice the 2″ slope.
Cement Board Well Installation
Begin the cement board well by placing a panel on each side of the desired underfloor opening using the Access Well Frame between them to determine the opening width (approx. 34 ½”). Next, lay down two DURASKIRT™ panels with their backs together, white mark to white mark. Now layout and mark with the pencil the desired height and width (may vary 24 1/8”) leaving ¾” short for well front and giving the top a 2” slope. Finally, cut the two sides of the well making sure to leave the fabric at the bottom edge.
Following the above procedure, carry the cement board pieces to the opening and place them on each side of the well-frame. Using the frame, you can set and level both pieces with white marks inward, fabric outward, and using the frame to hold them in place. Make sure to leave a gap between
After finishing the cement board well sides and front leaving a gap for the lid to slide underneath the siding.
the top of the well-frame and the bottom of the siding. Now measure the outside width (35 ½”) for the front well panel so it spans over the side panels for support.
Cement Board Sides & Lid
The next step for building the cement board well is to cut the lid placing the white markdown. The lid will be 37” x 25 ½” (Cut the fabric edge off). Also, it’s important to choose a panel that is free from chips. Moreover, install it under the front edge of the Access Well Frame where you left a gap. When finished the lid should fit firmly underneath the belly band orprecast concrete siding.
For more information call DURASKIRT, LLC 360-419-9909.
If you are wanting to pit set your manufactured home you need an exterior house skirting product like DURASKIRT™. Besides, being an exterior product make certain they can be back-filled. Additionally, this makes the product more valuable especially if you plan to pit set your home.
DURASKIRT™ concrete skirting panels for mobile homes is a wonderful product. Great for pit set homes.
So, what is pit setting a mobile home or trailer house?
Pit setting is when you excavate the soils burying the blocking height into the ground. Likewise, this method is preferred so that decks or walkways to enter your home have an easier access. Too, as we grow older less steps or ramps are more desirable.
Therefore, finding an exterior house skirting with the ability to pit set it is vital. This takes some reading of the fine print, so I recommend taking your time. Moreover, when you do find a skirting product for back-filling it’s time for planning.
Planning Pit Setting Your Manufactured Home Using Exterior House Skirting?
Now that you understand what pit setting is, you need to understand the components. Also, the functions of each component of your manufactured homes’ foundation. More still, there are four major components that make for a very secure manufactured home.
Components for Preventing Earthquake or Heavy Wind Damage
The Floor Fame: Your manufactured home comes with a flooring system that is secured to a steel structure. This structure is engineered to support the home and occupants and receive
Solid Blocking: Cement or concrete blocks are the best support for manufactured homes. They provide great support when following the manufacturers specifications.
Individual Concrete Panel Skirting: The best exterior house skirting for resisting damages from earthquakes is a concrete panel skirting system. This allows for maximum movement without damaging the home or skirting. More so, the flexibility of having individual panels and a system like PSC’s is the best.
For this reason, I recommend DURASKIRT™ concrete panel skirting. In addition, this system also works for pit setting your home. Finally, it is a great exterior house skirting.
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