How To Replace Mobile Home Skirting

Is your mobile home looking a little…undressed? Let's face it, mobile home skirting often gets overlooked, but it's a critical component for both aesthetics and functionality. Beyond simply improving curb appeal, skirting acts as a vital barrier against the elements, protecting pipes from freezing in the winter, keeping unwanted pests from setting up shop under your home, and even contributing to energy efficiency by reducing drafts. Neglecting your skirting can lead to costly repairs down the road, so taking the time to replace or repair it is an investment in your home's longevity and your comfort.

Replacing mobile home skirting might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little guidance, it's a manageable DIY project. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, from choosing the right materials to ensuring a secure and professional finish. We'll cover essential techniques and address common challenges to help you achieve a skirting system that's both durable and visually appealing, adding value and protection to your mobile home.

What are the different types of skirting and which is best for my home?

What type of skirting is best for my climate?

The best skirting for your mobile home depends heavily on your climate. In colder climates prone to freezing, insulated skirting or solid materials like concrete or durable vinyl are ideal to prevent frozen pipes and maintain heat. In warmer, humid climates, materials that resist moisture, mold, and pests, such as vinyl or fiber cement, are preferable. Consider ventilation needs as well, balancing insulation with airflow to prevent moisture buildup, regardless of your climate.

For colder regions, skirting insulation is key. This can be achieved by using insulated skirting panels or adding insulation behind non-insulated skirting. This will help prevent heat loss from under the home, reducing energy bills and protecting pipes from freezing. It’s also important to properly seal the skirting to prevent cold air from entering. Proper sealing might involve using expanding foam around pipes and the base of the skirting, as well as ensuring the ground beneath the home is properly graded to prevent water from pooling near the skirting. In warmer, wetter climates, moisture resistance is paramount. Vinyl skirting is a popular choice because it doesn’t rot or support mold growth. Fiber cement is another good option, but it requires painting and may be more expensive. Regardless of the material chosen, proper ventilation is crucial. This might involve installing vents in the skirting that can be opened during warmer months to promote airflow and closed during colder months to retain heat. It is essential to inspect the skirting regularly for signs of mold or pests, and address any issues promptly to prevent more significant problems. Consider wind exposure in your climate as well. Some skirting materials and installation methods are more resistant to high winds than others, preventing damage to your home.

How do I properly measure for replacement skirting?

To accurately measure for replacement mobile home skirting, measure the linear footage around the entire perimeter of your home. Then, measure the distance from the bottom of your home's siding to the ground at multiple points, noting the largest measurement. This vertical measurement, plus a couple of extra inches for overlap or burial, will be the height of your skirting panels. Finally, account for any access doors or special cutouts needed.

Accurate measurements are critical to ensure your new skirting fits properly and provides adequate protection. Don't rely solely on the measurements of the old skirting, as the ground may have shifted, or the old skirting might have been improperly installed. Measuring at multiple points around the perimeter helps to account for any inconsistencies in the ground level. When determining the height of your skirting panels, remember to add a few extra inches. This allows for either burying the skirting slightly in the ground for a more secure fit and aesthetic appeal or provides enough overlap for proper fastening to the siding. Consult the skirting manufacturer's recommendations for their suggested overlap or burial depth. Factor in any ground slope or unevenness as well, which may require custom cuts or adjustments. Finally, remember to account for any access doors. You'll need to measure the dimensions of the openings and consider how the skirting will be installed around them. Often, a separate frame or trim piece is used to create a neat and functional access point. Double-check all your measurements before ordering your skirting to avoid costly errors and ensure a professional-looking installation.

What's the easiest way to remove old skirting?

The easiest way to remove old mobile home skirting is usually by gently prying it away from the ground and the attachment points on the mobile home's frame or siding. Use a flat pry bar or a wide putty knife to avoid damaging the siding or foundation. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing any screws, nails, or adhesive as you go.

Removing skirting requires a bit of patience. Start by inspecting the skirting to understand how it's attached. Common methods include screws, nails, adhesive, or a combination of these. Skirting panels are often interlocked or slide into channels, so identify the release points. Apply gentle pressure with your pry bar or putty knife, being careful not to bend or break the old skirting if you intend to reuse it for measurements or templates. If it’s nailed, use a nail puller to minimize damage. If adhesive is the primary fastener, a heat gun can sometimes soften the adhesive for easier removal, but exercise caution to avoid damaging surrounding materials. If the skirting is particularly stubborn or fastened with numerous screws, an impact driver can speed up the removal process. For panels that slide into channels, look for a locking mechanism or tabs that need to be disengaged before sliding the panel out. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and debris. Once removed, properly dispose of the old skirting or store it safely if you plan to reuse it for measurements or templates for your new skirting.

How do I ensure proper ventilation when installing skirting?

Adequate ventilation is crucial when installing mobile home skirting to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage. Integrate vents strategically around the perimeter of your mobile home, aiming for a net free ventilation area of at least one square foot for every 150 square feet of crawl space area. These vents should be evenly distributed and ideally positioned to allow for cross-ventilation.

Properly installed skirting should never completely seal off the underbelly of your mobile home. Consider using manufactured skirting vents specifically designed for this purpose. These come in various styles, including louvered vents, which help prevent rain and debris from entering while still allowing airflow. Alternatively, you can create screened openings in the skirting itself. Regardless of the vent type, ensure they are positioned relatively high on the skirting to avoid being blocked by snow or landscaping. Regularly inspect your skirting and vents to ensure they remain unobstructed. Leaves, debris, or even snow accumulation can block airflow and negate the benefits of ventilation. Depending on your climate, you might consider installing adjustable vents that can be closed during the coldest winter months to prevent pipes from freezing but opened during warmer periods to promote ventilation. Always prioritize year-round ventilation to maintain a healthy and stable environment beneath your mobile home.

What's the best way to secure skirting to the ground?

The best way to secure mobile home skirting to the ground involves creating a stable, buried perimeter system that prevents the skirting from shifting and keeps out pests and the elements. This is typically achieved using a combination of ground anchors, a base rail system (often made of treated lumber or composite materials), and backfilling around the base to ensure a tight seal and prevent movement.

A well-constructed skirting base is crucial for long-term stability and appearance. The base rail, which is partially buried, provides a solid foundation for the skirting panels. Anchoring the rail securely to the ground using ground stakes or concrete footings is paramount. The type of anchor used will depend on the soil conditions. Sandy soil might require longer, more robust stakes or wider footings than firmer clay soil. Proper depth is also vital; the rail should be buried deep enough to prevent frost heave in colder climates. After the skirting panels are attached to the base rail, backfilling with gravel or soil helps to further stabilize the system and create a weather-resistant seal. Furthermore, consider adding a layer of weed barrier fabric beneath the gravel or soil backfill. This will minimize weed growth and prevent plants from pushing against the skirting, which can eventually cause damage or displacement. Regular inspection of the skirting and its ground anchoring system is recommended, particularly after severe weather, to ensure its integrity and make any necessary repairs promptly. A properly installed and maintained skirting system will not only enhance the appearance of your mobile home but also provide valuable insulation and protection.

How do I prevent pests from getting behind the skirting?

The best way to prevent pests from getting behind your mobile home skirting is to create a solid, well-sealed barrier. This involves properly installing the skirting, sealing any gaps or cracks, and regularly inspecting and maintaining the area around the base of your home.

To elaborate, meticulous installation is key. Ensure the skirting panels fit snugly against both the ground and the bottom of your mobile home. If you're using vinyl skirting, proper overlap between panels is crucial. Use appropriate fasteners, like screws or specialized clips designed for skirting, and space them according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent gaps from forming. Don't skimp on the quality of the materials; durable skirting will resist damage that can create entry points for pests. Regular maintenance is also essential. Periodically inspect the skirting for cracks, holes, or loose panels. Pay close attention to areas around vents, pipes, and other penetrations where pests are likely to find their way in. Seal any cracks or gaps with caulk or expanding foam specifically designed for exterior use. Consider these preventative measures: By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of pests infesting the area behind your mobile home skirting.

Can I install skirting myself, or should I hire a professional?

Whether you can install mobile home skirting yourself depends on your DIY skills, the type of skirting you choose, and the tools you have available. While simple vinyl skirting installation is often manageable for homeowners with basic carpentry knowledge, more complex materials like concrete or stone veneer, or dealing with uneven ground, are best left to professionals.

Installing mobile home skirting is more than just aesthetics; it provides insulation, protects pipes from freezing, and prevents animals from getting under your home. Vinyl skirting, being lightweight and easy to cut, is often a DIY-friendly option. Kits come with instructions and are designed for relatively straightforward installation. However, proper leveling and ensuring a secure fit are crucial for both appearance and function. Incorrect installation can lead to gaps, drafts, and potential damage to the skirting itself. More challenging skirting materials, such as concrete or stone veneer, require specialized tools, knowledge of masonry techniques, and potentially even building permits depending on your local regulations. These heavier materials demand a solid foundation and precise installation to prevent cracking, shifting, or collapse. Furthermore, if your mobile home site has uneven ground or requires significant site preparation before skirting can be installed, the expertise of a professional will ensure proper drainage and a stable base, ultimately saving you time, money, and potential headaches in the long run.

And there you have it! Replacing your mobile home skirting might seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and these steps, you can definitely tackle it yourself. Thanks for checking out our guide, and we hope you found it helpful. Feel free to swing by again for more DIY tips and tricks!