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.
If you’re a mobile or manufactured homeowner looking for mobile home skirting kits, you’ll find that DURASKIRT™ is an excellent choice. Many of our customers prefer our kits, and here’s why:
Our product has an SDG protection in place of the fabric and has a plastic insert
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 therefore, Duraskirt™ being concrete is designated “Concrete” Which is Non-Flammable for The Purposes of The WUI Code. DURASKIRT™ has been used under the WUI code in California since the codes adoption.
Integrated Waterproofing Agent, 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). Therefore, 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)
DURASKIRT™ mobile home skirting kits are durable, long-lasting, and doable.
As one customer put it, “It’s DURASKIRT™ and done.”
House skirting products have a tough job.
They need to beat the elements, keep critters out, and uphold a home’s curb appeal. A lot of house skirting products don’t seem to last, such as wood or vinyl skirting. In areas that receive a lot of rainfall or frequent intense weather, wood skirting absorbs the water and can cause the house structure to get wet as well and cause the house to rot or build up mold. If the structure of the house develops rot or mold, this can be a $40,000 home repair or mold remediation fee. Other products also tend to last 10 to 15 years.
DURASKIRT™ lasts longer. Our mobile home skirting kits have galvanized reinforcement and strong concrete that can withstand the elements and last. Our DURASKIRT™ mobile home skirting kits are great to use in both hot and cold climates due to the concrete being a good insulator.
DURASKIRT™ can do that job.
That being said, there are areas when extra precaution is needed. If the soil in your area contains high acidity, you’ll need to coat the cement to protect it better, since cement and acidity don’t get along. A layer of tar works really well for this application and will help the house skirting remain durable and long-lasting. We also recommend adding a layer of gravel down before installing the house skirting.
It’s not just about the product. It’s also about the service.
Aside from the quality of DURASKIRT™ house skirting, our company also offers excellent customer service. When a customer receives their kit, they’ll also be given
Access to instructional videos
Tutorials
Contact information to be able to speak with one of our staff
New laws and restrictions have been created to prevent Mobile home skirting from being created with certain materials. Duraskirt complies with the new laws and restrictions
We are consistently learning about the newest and best products on the line to bring our clients the best products.
Even on a Saturday or Sunday, we are always available to answer questions and help customers through their house skirting project.
We want our house skirting customers to feel confident yet know that we are here for them when needed.
Having these resources make our product doable for our customers, at a time that works best for them. We have helpful DIY Videos & Images of How To Install Mobile Home Skirting by DURASKIRT™ here
DURASKIRT™ has been providing customers with house skirting kits for 20 years.
The combination of our durable, quality product and engaging customer service has earned the trust and satisfaction of many customers. We are here for you, too. If you would like to learn more about our product or to find out if DURASKIRT™ would be a good option for you, give us a call at (360)419-9909. We are available to answer any questions you might have and to help you get started on your own house skirting project.
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.“
The quick answer is that there are differences, but let’s look at what those differences are so you know you are using the correct word.
Although each type of home shares similarities, each one is different in the way it is constructed or tied to a property. If you’ve been looking into house skirting, you might be wondering if it’s right for your kind of home. While differences exist, each of these types of homes benefits from mobile home underpinning.
Here are the key differences in each type of home.
Mobile Homes: Mobile homes originally had tires and were very much mobile. They could be moved from setting to setting and weren’t tied down to a piece of property. Over time, the industry changed to produce the manufactured home. People often refer to manufactured homes as “mobile homes,” but technically, if your home doesn’t have wheels, it’s not a mobile home. As for skirting, if you are moving your mobile home a lot, you probably can’t have and don’t need skirting.
Manufactured Homes: Manufactured homes do not have wheels and look like stick-built homes. They can be built on a cement slab or can be built on stilts. This adaptability provides two options for manufactured homes.
They can be titled and sold as real estate with a piece of property.
They can be left mobile – not built on a foundation – and not titled with a piece of property. The home could be relocated if desired.
They are mobile or permanent homes that, in regards to skirting, can benefit from mobile home skirting kits 16×80 or whatever size is appropriate for your manufactured home.
Helpful Tip – Because of the confusion between the names, these kits are often referred to as mobile home skirting kits. So, if you see “mobile home skirting,” it will likely work with your manufactured home.
Modular Homes: Modular homes are similar to permanent manufactured homes in that they are often built on a cement slab or even a basement, and are titled with a piece of property. The way they differ is that modular homes are engineered in separate modules. Each unit, or module, is delivered to the building site where the home is put all together which gives some variety to how your module home is designed. If your module home is elevated off the ground, you should have skirting.
Park Homes: Park homes are different still, in that they are smaller dwellings that are built to a certain size that allows for municipalities not to have to inspect these homes. They are small enough to fit on a city lot in the backyard; for example, a mother-in-law or may live in a park home on the same lot as her child. The idea is that it provides another residence onsite, often just temporary. Though smaller and maybe only being used for a few years, park homes need skirting just like manufactured homes for the same reasons.
While each of these four types of homes has slight differences, all of them greatly benefit from manufactured home underpinning. If you’ve been searching for mobile home skirting kits 16×80, get in touch with DURASKIRT™. We are a house skirting company that can assist you with any questions or inquiries you might have, and we have house skirting kits for mobile, manufactured, modular, and park homes. Call us today at (360)419-9909.
Tips For Installing Skirting On Older Mobile Homes
If you’ve been researching how to install mobile home skirting on your manufactured home, there are some important factors to consider before you start your project. While DIY mobile home skirting is an option and this kind of project certainly can be completed by homeowners, it’s important to note the proper considerations and prepare in advance before jumping into this job.
One of the first things you’ll need to do is consider the age of your manufactured or mobile home. New homes or houses fresh out of the factory will require different preparation than homes that have existed for 15 or 20 years or more. If your home is new, check out our article on tips for how to install mobile home skirting on new homes, here. The following tips will focus on older homes and how to prepare to install mobile home skirting on an aged manufactured or mobile home.
Tips for Preparing Older Homes for Mobile Home Skirting:
Inspect the Rim Joist – First, inspect the rim joist around the entire perimeter of the home. Often, the rim joist can become rotten or damaged.
Repair the Rim Joist – Not all older homes will have rim joist wear and tear, but many do. So, repairing it now is vital before installing new mobile home skirting. To make repairs on a rim joist, you’re going to have to cut some siding off. Take care to set your blade depth because there are metal stops that come down into the rim joist. Moreover, setting your blade too deep, your saw blade will cut those off. Then, you’ll need to pull those stops up to get to the rim joist properly. Once you do that, you can start pulling the rim joist off and begin repairing it.
Inspect and Repair the Material Behind the Rim Joist. – For any part of the rim-joist, you need to repair, inspect the material behind it. If the material behind the rim joist is rotten, that will need to be repaired, too. Now place a new rim-joist in its place.
Level the Ground – The next thing to check is the soil, gravel, or dirt around the perimeter. Thus, ensuring a level surface is important. You’ll want the home skirting to fit evenly all the way around the home, so make sure the earth is level, first. Here’s a tip: measure 31 inches on your shovel and mark it with a piece of tape. Then go around the perimeter of the home and you can easily measure and see where some soil may need to be dug away or leveled better.
Once these checks and repairs are completed, house skirting can be applied to the home. For more information on DIY mobile home skirting options, get in touch with DURASKIRT™ at (360)419-9909. We’ll be happy to assist you and get you ready for your own mobile home skirting project.
Building skirting on your manufactured home can be a challenge. More so, if your lot is out of level. You can see from these photos we have overcome this with DURASKIRT™ CMU panels. More still, mobile and manufactured home production has come a long way – homes are straighter, constructed faster, and their price tag is still significantly cheaper than that of a stick-built home. There are many positive aspects to manufactured homes; however, no home is perfect.
Even factory-built mobile homes can have imperfections which can result in the house not being perfectly square and having the absolutely correct angles. While this may not affect the overall structure of the home, it can make installing concrete board and other mobile home skirting a bit tricky. However, we’ve got some tips about how to install mobile home skirting when your house isn’t straight that will allow you to save money, prevent frustration, and have a good looking home when you’re done.
4 Tips For Installing Skirting When Your Lot Is Not Level
Take Your Time – When your house isn’t straight, you’ll have to devote a bit more time and attention to the installation of the concrete board or other house skirting. You could, simply, install it quickly, following the lines of the house as best you can, but what could result is a crooked-looking DIY job. Your home’s appearance is important and this is one area that is worth taking the time to get right or every time you pull up to your home, you’ll be disappointed.
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools – Depending on the skirting you use, there will be specific tools you need for the installation. However, because you will need to make adjustments to your skirting to form it to the imperfections of your house, you will need the tools to properly measure, note imperfections, and cut or form the skirting.
Level the Ground – Check the soil, gravel, or dirt around the perimeter of the home to ensure that it’s level. You’ll want the home skirting to fit evenly all the way around the home, so make sure the earth is level, first. One way to quickly do this is to measure 31 inches on your shovel and mark it with a piece of tape. Then go around the perimeter of the home. You can easily measure and see where some soil may need to be dug away or leveled better.
Find Balance Between the Skirting and the Siding – In order to get the job done well, you will probably have to do a little work on the siding of the house just above the house skirting as well as feather in the skirting to the home to try and make it as straight as possible. Completing the job in the best way means finding a happy medium between the siding and the skirting. Using some judgement and finesse, the job can be done well. Try to split the difference and make sure your lines are straight and smooth.
The same principle applies when you’re considering what to put around bottom of shed buildings or other outdoor buildings that may need some house skirting. If the building isn’t quite straight or square, level the ground, work the house skirting around slowly, and make sure to use the proper tools.
House skirting is an important component for manufactured and mobile homes, but it’s also a visual component. Keeping the home’s lines as straight as possible greatly increases curb appeal and keeps your home’s appearance neat and attractive. It will be worth the extra time to complete the job well.
For more information about cement board or what to put around bottom of shed buildings or homes, get in touch with DURASKIRT™ at (360)419-9909. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and get you started on your house skirting project.
Skirting Panels for Mobile Homes — How Exactly Do They Work?
If you’re about to buy a mobile home, you’ve undoubtedly heard of (CMU) skirting panels, but how exactly do they work? And what makes skirting panels for mobile homes or shed skirting so important?
Mobile home skirting kits cover up the crawl space underneath your home
DURASKIRT™ concrete skirting panels for mobile homes are easily installed.
(CMU) Skirting panels are not simply to make your home more fashionable. Skirting panels will provide some very important functional benefits for your mobile home.
Keep Critters Out – Your home is a shelter, but you want it to be your shelter, not a shelter for various animals. By adding skirting panels, critters like raccoons, rats, and snakes won’t be able to set up their home underneath your home. This is true for sheds, too. Shed skirting can keep animals from nesting or relieving themselves under your shed.
Help To Stabilize the Temperature Inside Your Mobile Home – All homes lose a little bit of losing a bit of their temperature throughout the day, including through the floor. Skirting panels enclose the crawl space under your home, thus helping to insulate your home and maintain the temperature. This will help to keep the inside of your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Protect Against Back-Fill – Before your home can be placed on its lot, the ground must be excavated. Meaning, that some of the dirt must be scooped out so that your home will be level. However, that dirt isn’t just carted away. Instead, it’s piled up evenly around your home which is called back-filling.
Mobile home skirting needs to be vented very carefully
Let’s say we attach some solid, concrete board, skirting panels to the bottom of your mobile home. What would you think will begin happening? You would wind up with a space that’s warm and muggy. Why? The moisture that naturally rises out of the soil ends up being trapped underneath your home.
Over time, all that stale, moist air will create dangerous mold and cause the underside of your home to rot. Talk about a major mess! That’s why skirting panels must come with special vents that are specifically designed to give the underside of your home the airflow it needs without giving critters a space to wiggle through. A good skirting manufacturer will also space those vents very carefully so that the underside gets good cross-ventilating.
Some venting systems can allow water to get into the crawl space under your home. Just like the moisture from the ground can cause mold or rot, if the venting system for your home allows water in, it can allow for sitting pools of water as well as humidity and cause great damage to your home.
Mobile home skirting needs to use quality materials
Even though you can find skirting panels in a variety of materials and finishes, they’re not created equally. Some last longer than others and some are more easily chewed, scratched, or broken by animals. Some provide good venting and others do not. DURASKIRT™ Concrete Board provides strong, long-lasting protection, and our special vent well technology will keep your crawl space well vented and help to prevent water from collecting under your home.
Contact us today to find out more or order your mobile home siding.
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