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 skirting installation.
Today’s mobile homes otherwise known as manufactured homesare 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.
Concrete wheel stops offer plenty of advantages for parking lots and businesses. They keep vehicles orderly, protect curbsides, signs, and property, and ensure that sidewalks stay clear for customers and visitors to pass by safely. If you are considering the advantages of concrete wheel stops – also called parking stops – for your parking lot, you may wish to learn more about them. Below are some frequently asked questions about concrete wheel stops.
How Much Do Concrete Parking Stops Weigh?
Concrete wheel stops are heavy, weighing about 200 pounds each. They need to be solid enough to do their job of stopping vehicles as well as weathering outdoor elements.
How Tall Are Concrete Parking Stops?
Concrete wheel stops are about 5 inches tall.
How to Move Concrete Parking Stops?
During a new installation, concrete stops would be delivered to the parking lot and placed with a forklift. If only one or even a few wheel stops needed to be replaced, then they would be moved by a crew by hand or with the help of a dolly.
How to Make Concrete Parking Stops?
Concrete wheel stops are made by pouring a cement mixture into a mold and letting it set to dry. Once dry, the stops can be removed from the molds and stored away until they are purchased. Current concrete wheel stops are made from concrete mixed with chemicals that allow the wheel stops to last longer and hold up better against water damage and other outdoor elements. While older concrete wheel stops are prone to cracking and exposing the metal rebar, new wheel stops hold their shape and last for years.
How Long Should Concrete Parking Stops Last?
The technology used in concrete wheel stop making has allowed wheel stops to last as long as 30 or 40 years, and possibly even longer.
Where Can I Buy Concrete Parking Stops?
DURASKIRT™ sells to a large geographical area. We have sold concrete wheel stops as far as the greater Seattle area and up to the Canadian border.
These are some basic FAQs about wheel stops, but to learn even more about them or for purchasing information, get in touch with DURASKIRT™ at (360)419-9909. We’ll be happy to help you learn more about concrete wheel stops. We also offer mobile home skirting kits for mobile and manufactured homes. Our mobile home skirting is also made of durable concrete.
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.
Manufactured or mobile homes need to have their foundations certified. A foundation certificate must certify that foundations are compliant to HUD/FHA, VA, and Conventional Lending guidelines. This requires Professionally Licensed Engineers to ensure that the homes’ foundations are in compliance with HUD/FHA, VA, and Conventional Lending requirements and other national standards.
Engineers Report or Foundation Certificate
After performing an 0n-site inspection an engineer will provide you with a Foundation Certification for the Mobile Home or manufactured home. This certificate insures that the home is compliant to federal government regulations for mortgage lenders, loan officers, real estate agents, insurance agents, and homeowners. If the manufactured (mobile) home foundation is in conformance with governing HUD/FHA, VA, and Conventional Lending standards, an Engineer’s Foundation Certification is provided to ensure loan guidelines are met.
What Will The Engineers Report Have?
The engineers report will simply state if the home complies to current regulations. If the home complies the engineer will issue a certificate. If not, the engineers report will issue structural engineering suggestions for compliance. This is when you will need to hire Foundation Certificate Repair Professionals.
How The Process Works
After calling an engineering firm, they make it simple getting the engineering documents for your manufactured home loan process quickly. Using a streamlined process involving four easy steps, allowing you to confidently move forward with your home purchase. Placing your order to receiving your compliant report, you will be kept informed every step of the way. Finally, the engineering processes will make sense as you read below and how you will secure the necessary engineering documents for your manufactured home loan.
It’s as easy as ABCD!
Step A
Place your order online or call an engineer. Now begin their processes.
Step B
Someone will reach out to your home contact to verify information and answer questions you may have. Having the correct and accurate information will speed up the processes. Most engineers provide excellent customer service and ensuring that you have all the information you need to move forward with confidence.
Step C
A field technician will schedule a site survey to collect data and ensure compliance with engineering standards. Today’s technicians and engineers utilize the latest technology and methods to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.
Step D
Our engineering team reviews the data and issues a report to your lender, providing the necessary engineering documents for your loan process. You can trust the delivery of high-quality, compliant reports in a timely manner.
This service repairs manufactured (Mobile) home foundations bringing them into compliance with engineering reports so the home qualifies for a Foundation Certificate.
A parking lot may seem like a simple space to maintain, but there are definitely considerations to keep in mind when you own one or are in charge of one. One important aspect is wheel stops. In order to save money, some people think,
Truthfully, no, they wouldn’t. Read on to discover the benefits and safety precautions that concrete wheel stops offer.
Concrete Parking Curbs vs Wheel Stops
A lot of the parking lots now are designed to save space. Less asphalt is poured and parking spaces can be tighter. Storefronts or businesses might just use the concrete parking curbs as the wheel stop. What happens, however, is that the curbside starts to deteriorate. People tend to park right up against something. The curb receives that wear and tear and can start to crumble and crack. For the business owner, that’s a big expense to get repaired and a lot of concrete to maintain.
Wheel stops prevent that damage and costly expense. Since they can be removed and replaced, they are easier to repair and less expensive, too.
Concrete wheel stop and mobile home underpinning companies are using a smaller design because many car designs have gotten smaller and sleeker. The bumper won’t rub right up on the wheel stop. Not only that, but technology has employed the use of chemicals in the make-up of the wheel stop that prevents cracking and breaking.
Expert Tip: Modern wheel stops can last 30 years or more, and aren’t prone to the unattractive look that older wheel stops take on.
Wheel Stops Also Help with Safety.
What is more, concrete wheel stops offer safety for your clients, customers, buildings, and overall spaces. Concrete wheel stops keep cars from parking way up on the sidewalk and prevent possible damage to signs and other items. They help keep the cars on the lot and not too close on the sidewalk, where people need to walk. If you can imagine a crowded sidewalk because the nose of a car is hanging way over the curb, wheel stops prevent that intrusion and allow for a safer passageway along sidewalks.
If you’d like to learn more about modern, concrete wheel stops, get in touch with DURASKIRT™ at (360)419-9909. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have and share more about our product. We also offer concrete mobile home underpinning and skirting solutions for manufactured homes as well.
We all have seen trailer houses or mobile homes where the most defining characteristic about them is their use of cheap skirting, right? Many of these residences use vinyl, metal, or wood skirting; although wood skirting for mobile homes is probably the most prolific.
Why wood is such a common skirting method since we all know that it rots?
Rotting, however, isn’t the only issue. Because of the close proximity to the ground, moisture affects paint and stains. So, why is it widely used as a skirting product?
Image of wood skirting for mobile homes.
Price. Wood is pretty cheap. People are always looking for cheap mobile home skirting. In fact, one of the most common searches in the search engines related to skirting is, “cheap mobile home skirting.”
Is Wood Skirting Really So Cheap?
To define cheap mobile home skirting we must include overall cost and quality. You must consider things like:
How long the skirting will last?
What repairs will you have to make?
How much damage could be done to the home?
Will there be health issues?
Wait? Health issues?
Yes, health issues. Wood skirting absorbs moisture and wicks it upwards into your home. This causes a life bed for mold spores to grow. Mold can cause serious health issues and you may not even realize why you are feeling sick.
Do You Still Believe Wood Skirting Is Great?
The most common statement I hear is, “wood skirting will get us by until we can afford something better.” Really? I have seen many homes with wood skirting that has caused thousands of damage. Can you afford to replace rotten joists, insulation, crossover ducts, and water lines? This can exceed $20,000.
This is why I believe wood skirting for mobile homes is not cheap or wise. That’s why we use concrete. I believe concrete/cement skirting is of greater value, will avoid many of these problems, and can help to prevent mold-related health issues. So, I recommend considering an exterior cement board product like DURASKIRT™.
If you have a parking lot in need of wheel stops, you might be wondering which kind is right for you. There are options, and each deserves consideration. However, concrete wheel stops lead to longevity, price-point, and overall curb appeal. Here are some factors to ponder.
Rubber Wheel Stops
Rubber wheel stops are more expensive.
Rubber wheel stops are also more prone to weathering. This reduces their longevity. After 5 or 10 years, rubber stops tend to age, curl, and peel and start to take on a worn-out and unattractive look. That is the nature of rubber.
Rubber is a recyclable material. On a positive note, rubber wheel stops can be made from recycled tires and other materials, and in turn, when they need to be replaced, it is possible that rubber can be recycled again. However, rubber doesn’t last forever. Eventually, it will reach its lifespan and usable potential.
Concrete Wheel Stops
Concrete wheel stops are less expensive.
Concrete wheel stops resist weathering. Additives go into the concrete to prevent it from cracking or breaking when moisture is applied. One chemical keeps it from shrinking, which in turn can help it from eroding. Another chemical keeps air bubbles from forming; instead, it creates elongated ovals (non-circular shapes) which allow for space for moisture to go so it won’t expand and crack the concrete. There are also additives to reduce the water content, which makes the concrete stronger.
Concrete wheel stops are long-lasting. Concrete wheel stops have come a long way. New concrete stops won’t have you seeing exposed, rusty rebar and cracking. Due to advancements in technology, concrete wheel stops last longer and cost less than rubber stops.
All new concrete walls and bridges are using this technology, too. It is lasting a lot longer, and it still looks good 20 years later. New cement wheel stops can last 30 to 40 years, which is about three or four times longer than rubber wheel stops last.
If you’re looking for more information on concrete wheel stops or for inquiries about mobile home skirting, get in touch with DURASKIRT™ at (360)419-9909. Our cement products, both wheel stops and mobile home skirting are using new technology which makes our cement last longer and weather the elements. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help determine if our product will be the best fit for you.
If you’re a mobile or manufactured homeowner seeking options for mobile home skirting kits, know that DURASKIRT™ is a great choice. Many customers choose our kits, and here’s why:
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, however. In areas that receive a lot of rainfall or frequent intense weather, other products 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 lasts.
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.
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
Even on a Saturday or Sunday, we are always available to answer questions and help customers through their house skirting project.
We want our 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.
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.
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