Plywood & Cement Siding Use In Crawl Spaces as Skirting
Beginning in the 1980’s and throughout the 1990’s continuing into the 2000’s plywood, cement siding was a staple in the manufactured home industry. What’s more, there were no regulations for skirting products being used to enclose crawls. Finally, years into their use we have seen widespread failure with rotting, rodent infested homes. Why? What happened?
Reasons for Their Use
Money. As you may surmise, cost is always the driving factor for decisions. Likewise, both Plywood & Cement Siding are easy candidates for skirting homes. The reasons are simple, cost and ease of use. They also are easy to attach to a wooden framework and paint to match the home. At first they look great and in a subdivision of new homes they appear normal and secure. Compared to the old subdivisions these homes showed well. Likewise, new buyers, not wanting anything to do with looking like their grandparents, viewed these homes as modern.
However, there was an underlying problem that would begin to appear as time went on. Rain, humidity and temperature changes began to reveal their weakness. Moreover, a question emerges as rodents began to chew their way in and rot began to set in. Besides, with rising replacement costs, also expensive repairs to the undersides of these homes like new insulation and plumbing. The obvious culprit being the skirting. Why the failure? What was being overlooked?
Why the failure? What was being overlooked?
Rotten treated plywood with a hole made by rodents.
Reasons for Their Failure
Let’s begin with the old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pond a cure.” Getting back to the reasons for failure. Plywood and cement board products were not meant to be used for crawl spaces. Simply put, they do not hold up to constant moisture being expelled from the crawlspaces. For example, many of these products were never meant to be used as skirting they were meant to be used as siding. Although clearly, they make great siding products!
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pond a cure.”
As a lesson, always look for products that say they’re made for skirting use. Of course, skirting product manufactures take into consideration the elements that a crawlspace enclosing material must endure. Undoubtedly, crawlspaces are the primary defense to the living space. Hence, I feel the following consideration must be:
Weather
Moisture contact
Weed Eaters
Rodents
Venting
Some Things To Consider
Personally, I have been installing and replacing skirting products for more three decades. Usually, I get a call stating, “I have rodents” can you help me? Of course, this is only the beginning. Actually, what many people don’t realize the potentially tremendous cost this has already caused. Over and over I have witnessed thousands of dollars…$25,000 and upwards for not only skirting replacements but insulation, piping, vapor barrier, cleanup, transport barrier and more. As it happens, this could have been prevented. And, it’s not just because I invented a solution, but that the solution came from the desire to help people.
New Regulations
As it happens, when problems begin to arise regulators begin to look for solutions. Some jurisdictions have been moving to help residents by forcing them to re-skirt their homes with approved materials. I am not necessarily a fan of this approach, but it does make sense from the alternative of waiting for a major problem to burst forth. Still, if this is you and you are without means to purchase new skirting this can pose a burden. I do feel for you.
Fortunately, I have been working on this solution for both new and used homes for quite some time and I feel DURASKIRT™ is the best solution. Actually, it is real concrete and best of all, it is considered a waterproof concrete.
DURASKIRT™
Yes, I had a hand in getting DURASKIRT™ to where it is today. Considering all skirting products available, I know I would use DURASKIRT™. Why? Because DURASKIRT™ is designed to provide protection to your manufactured home investment. I offer samples of the product if you are seriously considering my skirting. Yes, I do charge for shipping the sample but I will credit that back if you order my skirting. So, order a DURASKIRT™ Sample now!
Why DURASKIRT™? A Component of a Manufactured Home Foundation
Reason #1 – Proprietary Manufactured Home Foundations
E.R.B.S. Make Up Another Component of a Manufactured Home Foundation. They are also great when you pit set a manufactured home. Although there are more advantages we first want to discuss the kinds of E.R.B.S. so you can determine which one you need.
E.R.B.S. Earthquake Resistant Bracing System
Let’s talk about the reasons, why you should use DURASKIRT™? Did you know, over the past twenty-five years the manufactured home industry has undergone many changes? This includes new forms of mobile home underpinning (skirting) and new processes for how to install mobile home skirting. Another of those changing aspects is the use of proprietary engineered manufactured home foundations called E.R.B.S.
Earthquake Resistant Bracing Systems (E.R.B.S.) replacing tie-downs, runners and slabs. Additionally, these systems are replacing the need for concrete. Of course, the rising needs for a concrete skirting supporting itself on native soils or gravel pads.
Reason #2 – Better Rodent Deterrence
Many people living in manufactured homes can attest to having rodent problems. Moreover, the causes for this can be attributed to only one thing, namely, poor quality mobile home underpinning (or skirting). As a matter of fact, the list of problems rodents are causing is vast.
The bottom line is the costs of dealing with the rodents and repairing the home can be well into tens of thousands of dollars in damages. That doesn’t include months or years of higher heating or air-conditioning bills due to rodent holes through insulation and ducting.
We have years of experience crawling under theses homes and being firsthand witnesses. In the light of these issues is more reasons we began producing DURASKIRT™. Equally important, we understanding people needing a quality durable reasonably priced barrier system.
Not only can it be back filled without quickly rotting away but made strong to keep rodents at bay. We also observed a problem with venting and solved this issue with the “Hidden-Vent.”
Reason #3 – Hidden-Vent
Why DURASKIRT™? Hidden-Vent Feature.
Uniquely, the “Hidden-Vent” allows continuous airflow so there’s no dead airspace. Because of its location and size, it performs well as an rodent guard as well. There are other surprising features to the “Hidden-Vent” as well:
Deters Large Animals
No Vent Wells Needed
Preventing Lawn Sprinklers from Soaking Crawlspace Through Vents
Continuous Airflow (No Dead Air Between Vents)
Reason #4 – Why DURASKIRT™ – Protects Against Rot
We commonly find that homes we inspect are rotting at the contact points of the skirting. As a matter of fact, after investigating, we find that moisture is being trapped, which is detrimental to the integrity of the mobile home underpinning and the home, itself. This has led to replacing hundreds of skirtings made of wood, vinyl and masonry block.
The solution:
An important feature is designing DURASKIRT™ leaving airspaces between the top of the panels and the base of the home. This unique feature is working preventing trapping moisture and as a result rot. This is very important for the longevity of your manufactured home.
Conclusion
DURASKIRT™ is the most comprehensibly designed mobile home underpinning (skirting). Additionally, it’s engineering makes for a wonderful manufactured home skirting product. Call 360-419-9909 to order yours.
Clients ask how much doesvinyl skirting costsfor my mobile home or trailer? To best answer, this is by asking them how long do you expect to own your home? Why should that matter?
The reason is simple. Because vinyl offers very little protection against animal or rodent intrusions. For this reason, I tell them the experiences find on homes we’re re-leveling or re-skirting.
Truth About Vinyl Skirting
How much does vinyl skirting cost over time?
Vinyl skirting for mobile homes is designed for very short-term use. Any longer than a few years at best you’ll need to replace it. Waiting too long to replace torn or chewed-through areas will result in full under-floor insulation and cleanup.
Avoid Future Costly Repairs
The cost of insulation repair and rodent damage is tens of thousands of dollars. Moreover, when we get called out to replace worn-out vinyl skirting there is almost always extended damages.
These reparations almost always are replacing insulation, water lines, heat ducting, transport barrier, and vapor barrier. For these customers, vinyl skirting has cost more than any other type of skirting. In fact, saving a few dollars on skirting has cost them thousands.
Moreover, comparing various types of manufactured home skirting products, I tell my clients to look over the costs over time. For obvious reasons, this is the correct way to view these costs. Moreover, mobile home skirting prices can really break your budget over time if you let it. So, take charge and do it right from the start.
Furthermore, let’s say you decide to use plywood skirting or Hardie skirting instead of real concrete skirting. Plywood and Hardie seem to be a better choice than vinyl although, over time, they can cost you even more.
Since dump fees are paid by weight and plywood and Hardy weigh more. Besides, the rot from plywood wicking moisture upward into the structural members. Finally, are you getting a clear picture now of why you need to avoid some products?
A Review of the Costs
Replacing structural members, insulation and damaged belly-wrap, Hardy skirting, plywood skirting, vinyl skirting. Additionally, these costs can go upwards of $20,000 to $25,000 dollars (2018). So, the answer is simply preventative maintenance by using a concrete skirting product.
Let’s Recap the Replacement Materials:
Skirting
Dump fees
Insulation
Vapor Barrier
Heat Ducts
Water lines
Transport Barrier
Our Skirting Recommendation
DURASKIRT™ is a preventive measure that saves you money over time. Why? Simply read through the skirting brochure provided and read our reviews. Moreover, we have addressed all the skirting mistakes made in the past and this engineered the best skirting solution.
There Are Mobile Home Skirting Options to Meet All Budgets
– But Are They All Okay?
There are many advantages to installing skirting for your mobile or manufactured home. It can help hide the structural parts and thus improve the appearance of your home. Also, mobile home skirting options listed here can prevent air conditioning and heating from escaping your home.
Moreover, skirting can reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, it also helps in protecting the bottom side of the home from insects and animals. In addition, your home is protected from severe weather conditions too.
Likewise, there are various options available for home skirting or underpinning. Hopefully, this information can help you choose the one that best suits you. The following are the various mobile home skirting options available so you to make an informative decision.
Composite Skirting
Mobile home composite skirting is an expensive skirting material. Also, this type of skirting material does come in various colors and textures. The composites used also vary and have varying lengths of longevity depending on climates. Unless you get a great deal on a manufactured home composite skirting This is one to avoid.
Vinyl Skirting
Obviously, vinyl skirtingis the cheapest and also easy to install. Likewise, it can be installed on your own or with the help of a professional. Besides, it is not a very strong option to protect your home from animal or climatic influences.
Subsequently, vinyl skirting is better than having no skirting at all. Moreover, vinyl skirting is available in various colors to choose from. As for longevity, well, it depends on how long you can keep a weed-whacker away.
Stone and Concrete Skirting
Concrete skirting panels being installed on a mobile home. DURASKIRT™ for Life!
This is the choice I love. Concrete skirting, although one of the more expensive mobile home skirting options, will act as a good barrier for your home. Also, it improves the protection quality of your mobile home from animal and climatic damages. Additionally, it’s a better value for money.
Better still, it can also help to have a better resale value for your home. Plus, it gives an authentic and firm look to your mobile home. Finally, these are good mobile home skirting options for the long-term life of your home.
While choosing the skirting for your mobile home, choose a company that is front runners. Moreover, a company that provides the highest quality skirting products at a fair cost. Lastly, they should have good customer service and should add value to your mobile home.
Metal Skirting
This type of skirting is made from galvanized metal or aluminum. Since it is a bit tougher to install, it’s better to have a professional install it. Although, it’s a long-term option and comes in various styles and colors.
Brick Skirting
Brick skirting requires a footing or concrete slab. For this skirting option, it’s better to use professionals. Plus, it is a very robust option and protects the home against weather and animal attacks.
Like concrete skirting bricks increases your mobile home value. Furthermore, this mobile home skirting option gives a solid look. To end, the market offers various styles and colors.
Simulated or Faux (fake) Skirting
This type of skirting is paneling that looks more like brick and wood. Normally, this is a cheaper skirting option compared to brick or metal skirting. Be mindful although, you will spend money on a framework to support it.
Likewise, it is also lightweight and relatively easier to install. Faux skirting comes in various options of colors and style choices.
Lattice Skirting
This is a cost-effective skirting option and comes in plastic or wooden materials. Also, the panels are not very durable and do little to protect your home in all weather conditions. Finally, these types of skirting also cannot withstand extreme weather conditions or resist moisture.
Smart Panel Skirting
Concrete is the best smart panel skirting choice! DURASKIRT™ for Life!
There are a couple of skirting products that fall under the heading smart panel skirting. One is made of wood and the other is made of concrete. Let’s explore the differences.
Smart panel wood product is made of chipboard and although it’s used as skirting it does not meet the requirements for HUD, FHA, or VA. Consequently, many jurisdictions and banks are not allowing its use.
The concrete smart panel skirting is approved and meets all skirting requirements. Therefore, it’s a wise and smart choice to use this qualifying skirting product.
Last Mobile Home Skirting Options – DURASKIRT™
DURASKIRT™ mobile home skirting options providers provide versatile concrete products. Besides, these products and services come with various skirting options.
Moreover, you can rely on their products which provide a solid warranty. Additionally, their warranty proves their products are manufactured with the highest quality.
Lastly, DURASKIRT™ also provides repair and replacement prices for defective products. Call 360-419-9909 today for info.
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