Call with your question about
MOBILE HOME ROOFING
800.633.8969
Call with your question about
MOBILE HOME ROOFING
800.633.8969
Installing skirting around your mobile home is a vital step in protecting your home from the elements, enhancing its appearance, and ensuring long-term durability. While the process may seem straightforward, there are crucial steps and considerations to ensure a successful installation. Follow this comprehensive guide to get the most out of your skirting system.
Before you begin the installation, it’s important to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with your skirting kit. Every kit is slightly different, and following these guidelines will help you avoid mistakes.
Level the Ground: Start by leveling the ground around the home's perimeter. This ensures a smooth surface for your skirting installation, preventing uneven gaps or misalignment.
Remove Vegetation and Debris: Clear away any grass, weeds, or other debris from the installation area. This not only provides a clean working space but also helps prevent future growth that could interfere with your skirting.
Install a Ground Moisture Barrier: Lay down a ground moisture barrier in the crawl space, allowing it to hang out at least 6 inches beyond the perimeter. This barrier prevents grass and other plants from growing too close to the skirting, reducing maintenance and potential damage.
With the groundwork laid, it’s time to install the skirting.
Install Vents or Venting Panels: As you install the skirting, make sure to include vents or venting panels. Proper ventilation is crucial for preventing moisture buildup in the crawl space.
Cutting the Skirting: Aluminum and vinyl skirting are relatively easy to cut. You can cut parallel to the corrugations with tin snips, and across the corrugations with either tin snips or an electric saw. For the best results, use a carbide-tipped fine-tooth circular saw blade.
Installing Blowout Rods: If your skirting panels are 32 inches or taller, consider installing blowout rods. These metal rods reinforce the panels, preventing them from blowing out during high winds—a common issue in areas with strong weather.
Once the skirting is installed, it's important to manage the ground and moisture around your mobile home effectively.
Avoid Solid Skirting in Wet Areas: If your mobile home is situated on chronically wet ground or has standing water issues, solid skirting may not be the best choice. Tightly enclosed crawl spaces can lead to moisture problems inside your home. Consider these alternatives:
Install a Drainage System: Proper drainage can help alleviate moisture problems by diverting water away from your home.
Elevate the Home: For homes in flood-prone areas, consider elevating the home on a flood-resistant foundation and forgo skirting entirely.
Use Venting Panels: In damp locations, install venting panels all the way around the home to allow for adequate airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
Manage Nearby Vegetation: In damp areas, avoid planting or watering closer than 2 feet from the home's edge. Also, ensure that dryer vents and air conditioner drains are routed through the skirting rather than terminating in the crawl space, as they can exacerbate moisture problems.
Consider Closable Vents for Warm, Wet Climates: In humid climates, outdoor air entering the crawl space can carry moisture, which may condense in the cool space. Installing closable vents allows you to ventilate during drier periods and close the vents when it's wetter.
Proper skirting installation is more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it's a crucial element in protecting your mobile home from moisture, wind, and unwanted pests. By following these guidelines and paying attention to the specific needs of your environment, you can ensure that your skirting performs effectively for years to come.
Remember, always refer to the instructions provided with your skirting kit, and consider the unique conditions of your site. With careful planning and execution, your skirting installation will be a success. This is just information supplied as we do not install skirting.
For additional insights on mobile home care and maintenance, check out "Your Mobile Home" by John Krigger, an excellent resource for homeowners.
For more information about enhancing your mobile home’s durability and appearance, consider the Perma-Roof system from Southern Builders. The Perma-Roof offers unmatched protection with architect-certified #1 Commercial Grade Heavy Duty 29 Ga Steel and a lifetime workmanship warranty against leaks. Contact us at:
Your mobile home deserves the best—inside and out. Make sure it's protected from top to bottom with the right skirting and roofing solutions!
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