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.“
Is DURASKIRT™ A Good Cold Climate Skirting Product?
A History Behind the Making of DURASKIRT™
This is a legitimate question because we began by desiring to make the best cold-weather skirting product. We hope this article will answer your question to your satisfaction. DURASKIRT™ underwent an extensive engineering and design process before manufacturing our well-known concrete board skirting panels. This process considered various climate conditions to ensure the skirting could withstand extreme temperatures, including harsh winters.
You’ll be glad to know that we addressed this question and more during the design and manufacturing phases. As a result, our durable exterior cement board skirting was created, offering a reliable and long-lasting solution. Today, DURASKIRT™ is installed on thousands of homes across the country, delivering proven results.
The Beginning of DURASKIRT™
DURASKIRT, LLC began manufacturing and selling DURASKIRT™ in several states with some of the nation’s most severe and variable weather conditions. Naturally, we had to meet and exceed rigorous testing standards. As homeowners explored various house skirting ideas, we wanted to provide a concrete board skirting system they could trust for both durability and aesthetics.
True Quality – How Durable Is DURASKIRT™?
Installing a DURASKIRT™ panel on a manufactured home.
Without revealing all our proprietary secrets, DURASKIRT™ incorporates a high-quality concrete additive package into the panels. These concrete additives give our panels unique properties, such as resistance to cracking and chipping during freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, they help prevent expansion or warping during drastic temperature changes.
The designers of this product have decades of experience in concrete board construction and have worked extensively with manufactured homes, modular homes, and site-work contractors. This wealth of expertise made it possible to engineer a premium exterior cement board skirting solution that meets the highest standards.
Exceptional Circumstances Lead to Innovation
An exceptional set of circumstances led to the creation of this innovative house skirting idea. Many attempts had been made by others, but they failed to develop a long-lasting, reliable product. DURASKIRT™ emerged as a breakthrough solution—a concrete board skirting system designed for durability, ease of installation, and a sleek, professional appearance.
Two Schools of Thought
When we started our quest for the perfect skirting product, the manufactured home industry had two primary schools of thought. One prioritized affordability, while the other emphasized quality, durability, and longevity. Since both perspectives have merit, our goal was to merge them—leading to the development of DURASKIRT™.
Certain Design Stipulations
From the start, we established critical design criteria:
Aesthetic Appeal: The panels had to look great and function effectively for years in diverse climates.
Cost-Effectiveness: The product needed to meet the affordability demands of the manufactured home industry.
These guiding principles shaped our approach to designing, testing, and manufacturing exterior cement board panels that combine high durability with an attractive finish.
No Outside Assistance – A Commitment to Quality
It’s worth noting that DURASKIRT™ was developed without any government or private grants. While we recognized the need for capital, we preferred to maintain full control of the process, avoiding red tape and external interference. This allowed us to focus entirely on creating the best concrete board skirting product available.
Lean, Efficient, and Customer-Focused
“Free” money often brings constraints, and we wanted the freedom to innovate. By maintaining a lean and focused approach, we could prioritize efficiency and quality while serving the needs of our customers.
Throughout the years, DURASKIRT™ has gained both critics and loyal supporters. Overcoming outdated industry notions has been challenging, but we remain committed to providing homeowners with a superior skirting solution. Many of our biggest advocates were once skeptics, but after seeing DURASKIRT™ in action, they became dedicated supporters.
For everyone who has asked, “Why hasn’t anyone made a durable, affordable, and high-quality skirting product for our industry?”—we believe DURASKIRT™ is the long-awaited answer.
Selling Mobile Home Skirting Kits
DURASKIRT™ Mobile Home Kits
Using the latest molding techniques, we began selling mobile home skirting kits nationwide. These exterior cement board kits have become a major part of our business, providing homeowners and contractors with an easy-to-install, high-quality skirting option.
Does DURASKIRT™ Deliver on Its Promises?
It’s natural to wonder, “Does DURASKIRT™ do what you say it does?” Our response:
21+ years of real-world testing and proven results
Engineer’s stamp of approval
Thousands of satisfied customers
If that’s not convincing enough, perhaps our exceptional customer service will win you over. We are committed to delivering not just a great product but also a great experience.
Welcome to the DURASKIRT™ Family
At DURASKIRT™, we consider our customers part of our family. We appreciate every person who chooses our skirting solutions, and we are grateful for the word-of-mouth referrals that continue to grow our community.
By choosing DURASKIRT™, you’re investing in a concrete board skirting system designed to withstand the test of time—no matter the climate.
DURASKIRT™: Securing Your Investment with Quality Products
Enhancing Building Stability and Longevity
DURASKIRT™ is a premier manufacturer of high-quality products designed for both exterior and interior applications. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions that enhance the security and longevity of your investments, particularly at the vulnerable base of your buildings. By using superior materials and craftsmanship, we ensure that your home or commercial building stands the test of time.
Our Product Line
Exterior Skirting Solutions
DURASKIRT™ specializes in exterior skirting solutions that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property but also provide robust protection against the elements. Our exterior skirting products are made from durable materials that are resistant to moisture, pests, and environmental wear and tear. These skirting solutions are ideal for mobile homes, manufactured homes, and commercial buildings, providing a seamless and polished look while safeguarding the structural integrity of the foundation.
Interior Applications
Beyond exterior applications, DURASKIRT™ offers products designed to improve the interior spaces of your buildings. Our interior solutions focus on providing additional support and protection, ensuring that every aspect of your property is fortified. Whether it’s basement skirting, crawl space encapsulation, or interior wall protection, we have the products you need to maintain a secure and durable environment.
The Importance of Securing the Base
Protecting Against Environmental Damage
The base of any building is crucial to its overall stability and longevity. Environmental factors such as moisture, pests, and extreme weather can compromise the integrity of the foundation if not properly protected. DURASKIRT™ products are specifically designed to mitigate these risks. By securing the base of your building with our high-quality skirting solutions, you can prevent common issues like water damage, mold growth, and pest infestations, ultimately extending the life of your investment.
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal
In addition to providing protection, DURASKIRT™ products also enhance the visual appeal of your property. Our skirting solutions are available in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing you to choose the perfect look to complement your building’s exterior. A well-maintained and attractive foundation not only boosts curb appeal but can also increase the overall value of your property.
Cost-Effective Investment
Investing in DURASKIRT™ skirting solutions is a cost-effective way to protect and enhance your property. Our products are designed to be long-lasting and low-maintenance, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. By choosing DURASKIRT™, you are making a wise investment that will pay off in the long run through increased property value and reduced maintenance costs.
Why Choose DURASKIRT™?
Commitment to Quality
At DURASKIRT™, we are committed to delivering the highest quality products to our customers. Our skirting solutions are manufactured using the best materials available, ensuring durability and reliability. Each product undergoes rigorous testing to meet our stringent quality standards, so you can trust that you are getting the best possible protection for your investment.
Exceptional Customer Service
Customer satisfaction is our top priority at DURASKIRT™. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that our clients have a positive experience from start to finish.
Innovative Solutions
We continuously strive to innovate and improve our product offerings. Our team of experts is dedicated to researching and developing new solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. By staying at the forefront of industry trends and advancements, DURASKIRT™ remains a trusted leader in the field of building protection.
Conclusion
DURASKIRT™ is your go-to manufacturer for high-quality skirting solutions that secure and enhance your property. Our products are designed to provide superior protection against environmental damage, improve aesthetic appeal, and offer a cost-effective investment for long-term durability. With a commitment to quality, exceptional customer service, and continuous innovation, DURASKIRT™ is the trusted choice for safeguarding your building’s foundation. Choose DURASKIRT™ and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment is well-protected.
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, that 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 need for concrete skirting supports 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). 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 these homes and being firsthand witnesses. The light of these issues are more reasons we began producing DURASKIRT™. Equally important, we understand people need a quality, durable, reasonably priced barrier system.
Not only can it be backfilled 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 the replacement of hundreds of skirtings made of wood, vinyl, and masonry blocks.
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, its engineering makes for a wonderful manufactured home skirting product. Call 360-333-5498 to order yours.
Receiving Your DURASKIRT™ Packages / Crates Now What? Manufactured Home Skirting Kits
Transport Times
So you ordered your DURASKIRT™manufactured home skirting kits to place on your manufactured home, mobile home, tiny home, or post & pier house. Now, you can expect approximately two to five days for your skirting packages to process into shipping. Additionally, the crates look like the photo above when they’re ready to leave our factory. Once the skirting kitleaves our factory on an LTL truck, expect varying times for transportation up to seven days or in rare instances up to two weeks. In reality, we are speaking about the lower 48 United States shipping lanes.
Shipping Costs Are Flat Rate for Manufactured Home Skirting Kits
Surprisingly, most areas of the United States have very competitive shipping lanes and therefore, these results are low pallet shipping costs. We manufacture DURASKIRT™ skirting packages in a way that minimizes the freight charges. Moreover, so our customers gain affordable concrete skirting. Most recently, one of our customers met the delivery truck and received his mobile home skirting packages.
Preparation & Receiving
We ask that you be prepared for the LTL truck. Moreover, the trucks have a liftgate and use pallet jacks. For this reason, you will need a firm flat surface so they can pull the pallets off the liftgate and onto your flat, firm surface. Alternatively, you can provide plywood for the protection of driveways, recommended, or over gravel and or firm grassy areas.
Note: The crate should be set to level.
Safely Unpacking Your Crates
A level crate is vital for your safety. If, for instance, the crate must be set slightly out of level, then make sure the crate front labeled “OPEN HERE” (see photo) is facing uphill. Next, you can cut the straps with nippers or sheet metal cutters. Following this, look for the screws, TORX 20 or TORX 25, that secure the crate’s top and begin backing them out. Next, pull off the lid and place it aside.
Now, begin looking for the screws securing the front of the crate and back them out to pull the front panel marked “OPEN HERE” (see photo). Then you will see the lumber, and cross-beams, that secure the panels from movement during shipping. When you’re ready to start your installation, you can back the side screws securing the beams on each side to get to your panels. You will notice that the panels are tilted backward for your safety, using gravity to hold them from tumbling outward. This is why it was important to make sure the crates were set level or slightly backward.
Important: Use safe lifting methods and unobscure pathways to begin moving the panels around your home.
Finally!
Can you picture yourself ready for a DIY skirting celebration? Talk to your family and friends and ask them if they will participate in a day of skirting with you. I am certain they will help after you inform them it will be the last time you will need their help as far as skirting for your home.
One customer responded, “DURASKIRT™ and Be Done.”
After your skirting is finished, you will be glad you invested in time, cost, and effort. Your home will be happy for years to come. I’m sure if it could, your home would smile and wink with pride. You can take advantage of purchasing DURASKIRT™ by calling 360-333-5498 or visiting our website at www.Duraskirt.com. The next blog topic will be “How to Safely Open A DURASKIRT™ Crate.” Please keep in mind your safety first!
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).
DURASKIRT™ November 06, 2022 – Price Drop Story – MAKE DURASKIRT™ INDUSTRY STANDARD!
The DURASKIRT™ price drop happened when a large developer approached me asking if we can do better with our pricing. If so, they would be awarding us with 500 plus homes over a two year period. This inspired me to test a method I have been wanting to try in production for years Making DURASKIRT™ Industry Standard. So, we tried it and it succeeded better than expected. Unfortunately the developer backed out before I had our volume pricing fully calculated thus, leaving me with hundreds of thousands in extra inventory. Therefore, I had a problem. But, a good problem, that is, for you.
We now had our hard numbers for volume pricing and plenty of product in stock. Fortunately, for our retail customers, we needed to sell off the extra inventory to pay off our suppliers. Thus, we did a huge price reduction. Personally, I would rather sell to the public a great product at a more than fair price. Besides, we have the best service in our industry and I am pretty sure we are on our way to making DURASKIRT™ Industry Standard skirting product in the United States.
Here Is What Our Advertisement Said….
11/06/2022 Note from owner/inventor about Higher Volume Price Drop:
“When I invented this American-Made skirting product the words “Industry Standard” came to mind. Thank all of my customers over the past 23 years for pushing me toward my goal. I know price has always been a factor but quality has always been number one. We’re pleased to announce with the help of our new manufacturing facility and largely to our employees we are announcing a price drop of approximately 15%. I will continue to push towards the goal of DURASKIRT™ one day being known as the “Industry Standard” product for skirting your manufactured home.”
PRICE DROP MESSAGE 1/14/2023 | HELP MAKE DURASKIRT™ INDUSTRY STANDARD!
We announced the 20% added discount late last year. The message said, “To Add: As a result of being overzealous we accidently made too much DURASKIRT™ and need your help clearing some inventory. We made too many 30″ and 37” (CMU) panels so enjoy this short time 20% off discount.” We are now sold out of this stock but we decided to keep our overzealous workers producing. As long as we keep selling kits at this rate why stop the sale? Keep buying and we will keep producing!
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.
Is DURASKIRT™ the only engineered skirting for manufactured homes?
Compare DURASKIRT™ engineered skirting with other mobile home skirting choices like, Hardie, Hardie Backer, Cement Board, DUROCK, Treated Plywood. Moreover, read about the differences, misconceptions, and notions about skirting products.
Intelligently Engineered Skirting for Manufactured Homes
DURASKIRT™ engineered skirting for manufactured homes, mobile homes, sheds, decks, park models and more.
Have you spent any time considering skirting products for manufactured homes or mobile homes? If you have, you will know that not all products will perform well outside of their original intended use.
For example, we have seen a few products fail miserably when using the as skirting. Indeed, plywood, Hardie siding, Hardie backer and DUROCK tile backer are some to name a few. More so, skirting is located where moisture, sun and extreme weather conditions are existing. Thus, you need a product designed specifically to handle these extremes.
Hardie or cement board skirting, when used as siding is a great product. Used as skirting exposed to under floor moisture, it begins to warp inward and eventually pulls from the nails and screws. Following the dry summers, it gets brittle then begins to fall away leaving the home vulnerable to rodents and the elements.
DUROCK, on the other hand, is a great product when used properly as an interior tile backer. But when DUROCK is used as mobile home skirting it eventually crumbles to pieces in a rather short period of time. The reason is simple, the netting is not UV resistant thus it rots away quickly. To add to its demise the cement used is not air en-trained for freezing and thawing weather conditions, so it crumbles.
Plywood is another material that is frequently used. Some refer to plywood skirting as “poison plywood.” Treated plywood is another material that was and is widely used as skirting and has proven to not last. In many cases we see rotten rim-joists that is caused by trapping moisture where it connects directly to the home. We also find the plywood eventually rots when back filled with soil.
Before you consider a skirting product please consider these questions:
Is the intended use of this product meant for skirting?
As a consumer what should I be looking for in a skirting material?
Is the product engineered for manufactured homes or mobile home skirting? If engineered skirting, does it meet the HUD Permanent Foundation Code?
Does this skirting product have a proven history for skirting manufactured homes or mobile homes?
Is the product warranted for skirting use?
What are my expectations from the skirting and does the skirting literature cover them?
Making An Informed Choice
Believe me when I say, “which skirting material you use can have detrimental effects.” For this reason, I am writing to inform consumers of problems we’re encountering. More so, for helping new customers quests for making a more informed skirting choice. Because their efforts and money they will be investing money into their homes future.
Since 2000 when I envisioned a concrete skirting for manufactured homes we were one of many thousands of contractors routinely grabbed products from the cheapest sources. Trained like rats we were constructing these materials to fit the manufactured home. Likewise, we routinely did this because it’s how everyone else did it. Nevertheless, this was acceptable to almost every building jurisdiction and thus sold by sales personnel at the dealerships.
Many home dealerships had a series of skirting products showcased for visual aides to offer their customers along with a set of fixed costs for each. Granted, these sales professionals generally had no clue of the products benefits or long-term use. Many of these products had skirting manuals or warranties. Furthermore, after offering DURASKIRT™ engineered skirting publicly we became aware of these other products that were failing and the reasons why.
Over the past thirteen plus years since the first DURASKIRT™ panels were making their way onto manufactured homes we have learned much about our industry and its needs. The product has improved but the purpose remains clear as the day we began. To bring an affordable durable manufactured home skirting product to last the life span of the home itself.
DURASKIRT™ is intelligently engineered unlike many other products.
What I mean by intelligently engineered becomes very apparent as you dissect the way it’s made. We start by using steel molds that are coated with a renewable resource, corn oil. We then use a galvanized welded wire that is set purposely to the back of each panel to take a frontal force. The panels are marked to indicate the back of the panels.
The concrete mix is designed for exterior adverse weather conditions with en-trained air, super plasticizes, and shrinkage reducer to prevent warping high cement ratio that is considered a waterproof concrete mix. The concrete mix also has fiber reinforcement added to prevent cracking.
Another addition and first is the use of Geo-tech fabric for holding the panels in place for back-filling. The use of a Hidden-Vent is also a breakthrough for manufactured home skirting. As you can see we have been hard at work developing a superior product for our industry.
What is also a first is a concrete skirting product that is packaged for the DIY consumer.
DURASKIRT™ panels weigh less than 65 lbs. each and can be installed by the average consumer. This saves tons of money. Whether your project is large or small DURASKIRT™ is suited to meet most home sets. The panels are 30” x 37” x ¾” and can be ordered with the fabric on either end. This allows DURASKIRT™ engineered skirting to be used on homes that is set an extra block high. Being ¾” thick the panels fit easily on homes that are not foundation ready. This saves money because some factories charge more for ordering your home foundation ready. One other added benefit is that non-foundation ready homes experience less drywall damage during shipping saving the dealership and home manufacturers repair costs.
DURASKIRT™ has an easy to follow manual and installation videos that make it the most popular DIY skirting in the industry. Our goal is to set the industry standard for excellence in manufactured home products.
How do I order DURASKIRT™?
DURASKIRT™ is priced by the height of skirting and lineal foot of the perimeter of the home. Measure your home and call for pricing. Use the Pre-Order form to make it clearer what you need. A customer service agent can help you fill out the sheet and either fax, mail or email us a copy. Phone numbers are listed on the website as are emails.
— 4 Reasons Why Concrete/Cement Board Skirting Is the Right Choice
There is plenty of mobile home skirting options out there, but if you want to do what’s best for your home and your family, you’ve got to opt for concrete.
Whether you live in a place where the temperature routinely goes over 100°, you live in a place that’s always rainy, or you live in a place where even polar bears would shiver during the winter months, concrete mobile home skirting can deal with it. That’s a big difference from wood, which can rot after a summer’s worth of thunderstorms.
It’s also a big difference from metal skirting, which can rust in high humidity. And, it’s a big difference from vinyl skirting, which can tear off in high winds or get brittle in cold temperatures.
If you don’t want to replace your skirting every few years, you’ve got to go with a material that’s able to withstand anything that Mother Nature throws at it. Concrete board skirting is the only material that can handle everything!
2) It can lend your utility bills a helping hand
The crawl space underneath your mobile home can be murder on your utility bills. After all, it gives the outside air a place to swirl around — and, thus, affect the temperature inside your home. It also gives your climate-controlled indoor air a place to escape.
But when you’ve got concrete board mobile home skirting, these problems disappear. That’s because the skirting is tough enough to keep even the coldest, most blustery of winds from sneaking under your home. And, it will keep any heat that escapes from your home underneath it, where it can still help keep you warm and toasty.
You won’t just see a big difference in the winter, though. Once summertime comes calling, your concrete mobile home skirting will prevent your home’s air conditioned air from escaping, and it will keep the hot outside air from making its way into your crawl space.
3) It keeps all of those pesky critters out
No matter where you live, there is a family of raccoons, rats, snakes, or insects that would love to move into your crawl space! If you’d like to keep the underside of your home critter-free, you’ve got to opt for concrete mobile home skirting. It’s so tough that even the most determined of critters won’t be able to eat their way through it.
Let’s face it — having a mobile home that’s simply propped up with blocks doesn’t offer much of a “homey” feel. It makes your home look like it can be loaded onto a truck and driven away at a moment’s notice.
But once you install some concrete board skirting for mobile homes, that “temporary” look will disappear. You’ll have a home that looks like it has a traditional concrete foundation — making it the perfect place to set down roots!
Recent Comments