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As a mobile home owner, you know how important it is to keep its exterior in top shape. Skirting or underpinning is a key element that plays a significant role in aesthetics and protection. When it comes to options, Deluxe Vinyl skirting shines as a dependable and attractive choice.
But you might be wondering if it’s the right fit for your mobile home. What are the advantages, and how do you go about installing it? This article is here to guide you on using deluxe vinyl skirting for mobile homes, providing all the essential information to help you make a well-informed decision.
Understanding Mobile Home Skirting
Let’s start with the basics. Mobile home skirting involves installing a paneling system around the bottom of a mobile home. These panels act as a barrier, separating the underside of your house from the outside environment. But it’s far more than just a matter of curb appeal.
Here’s a quick look at the benefits of mobile home skirting:
- Keeps pests away
- Protects plumbing and structure from weather
- Helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures
- Prevents moisture buildup and harmful mold
- May reduce insurance costs
- Improves the appearance of your home and lets you add a personal touch
But What is Deluxe Vinyl Skirting?
Vinyl skirting is a popular and budget-friendly option for mobile homes. It’s not only cost-effective but also durable. Made from high-quality vinyl, it needs minimal maintenance and can endure various weather conditions, such as moisture, pests, and UV rays.
Compared to traditional skirting materials like wood or metal, Deluxe Vinyl Skirting is resistant to rot or rust, making it a reliable and durable solution for your mobile home.
This skirting type usually features panels with vertical lines and comes in different colors and styles to match your home’s outer appearance.
Vented Vinyl Skirting
Unlike solid skirting, Vented Vinyl Skirting allows proper air circulation under your mobile home.
Why is that important, you ask?
Benefits of Vented Vinyl Skirting for Mobile Homes
Energy Efficiency:
Unventilated crawl spaces can trap heat in the summer and cold air in the winter, making your HVAC system work harder. This can lead to higher energy bills and unnecessary wear on your heating and cooling systems. Maintaining a stable temperature in your home will reduce strain on your systems and save on energy costs, creating a more comfortable living space.
Preventing Mold and Moisture Buildup:
Vented skirting not only helps regulate temperature but also prevents moisture buildup, keeping mold at bay. Without proper ventilation, moisture can accumulate beneath your home, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold damages your home’s structure and poses health risks to your family.
Safely Releasing Hazardous Gases:
Plumbing and soil beneath your mobile home may release hazardous gases like methane and radon. These gases can accumulate without proper ventilation, posing severe health risks. Ventilation systems provide a safe escape route for these gases, protecting your family from potential health threats.
Lessening Odors and Promoting Healthy Airflow:
Proper ventilation helps disperse odors and promotes healthy airflow, ensuring the air you breathe is fresh and clean. Unventilated crawl spaces can trap odors, making them linger and permeate your living spaces.
Before Buying Deluxe Vinyl Skirting
Are you thinking about buying deluxe vinyl skirting? Before you make a hasty decision, there are some essential things to think about:
How Much Skirting Does Your Mobile Home Need?
Take the time to figure out how much skirting you’ll need. Skirting comes in large lots with slightly varying sizes. If you don’t order enough, it can cause problems. Knowing the right amount will help make your project much more manageable.
Measure the Perimeter
Add up each side of your mobile home to find the perimeter. For example, round up to the nearest foot if your width is 23′ 6″.
For instance, if your double wide is 27 feet wide and 50 feet long, add 27+27+50+50 to get 154 feet. Don’t multiply the width by the length; we need the perimeter footage.
Cost of Mobile Home Skirting
Now that you know the perimeter, you can calculate the material cost based on the number of skirting panels you need. Different skirting types have varying panel dimensions. Check the listed dimensions of a skirting panel and use the perimeter of your mobile home to find out how many panels you need.
For example, if your perimeter is 154 feet and each panel is 48″ x 18 1/2″, you’d do 154/48 = 3.2083. So, you would need 4 skirting panels. If you’re ordering from Mobile Home Parts Store, don’t worry about the math – we have a Vinyl Skirting Calculator to make your shopping easier.
Installing Deluxe Vinyl Skirting for Mobile Homes
The installation process is user-friendly, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts. Here’s a simplified guide to get you started:
Prepare the Ground:
Ensure the ground is level and free of debris before starting the installation.
Attach Back Rail:
Choose a spot just below the home’s edge for strong support. Keep the back rail straight and level by using a chalk line. Secure it with screws or nails in the center of the slot, leaving a 1/16″ gap for temperature changes. Allow a 1/2″ gap between back rail sections to accommodate thermal expansion.
Mount Bottom Rail:
Ready the ground and use treated 2″x 2″ lumber to prevent uneven settling. Mark the ground directly below each corner of the home. Place the bottom rail with the back leg inside the chalk line. Drive ground spikes every 19 inches, or choose the provided holes. For concrete installation, use a 3/4″ masonry nail or a 3/16″ molly screw with a plastic sleeve.
Place Panels:
Measure from the ground up to 1 1/2″ above the back rail edge. Cut panels at a 90-degree angle to the home’s bottom edge. Use a Snap Lock Punch Tool to punch lock tabs every 4″ along the top and bottom edge of the cut panels. Interlock panels, starting with the first one in the bottom rail, form sections of about 12 ft.
Interlock Top Front Rail With Top Back Rail:
Snap one end of the front top rail into the back top rail, creating an interlock. Push the front top rail upward until it is completely interlocked with the back rail. Overlap 1 inch for each top rail section.
Secure Corners:
- Top Back Rail: Make a 1-inch vertical slit from the top and notch 45 degrees on the bottom curved leg.
- Bottom Rail: Notch the back portion with snips, bend around a corner, and attach to the ground.
- Panels: Cut to proper height and bend at corners.
- Top Front Rail: Notch at both the top and bottom hooks, bend around the corner, and interlock with the top back rail.
Finishing Touches:
Trim any excess material, ensuring a clean and professional appearance.
Check out our Vinyl Skirting Installation Instructions PDF for more information.
Deluxe Vinyl Skirting Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance of your mobile home skirting can extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance.
Here are some tips to help you maintain your new skirting:
- Regular Check-ups: Look for any damage or loose parts, especially after bad weather.
- Stay Clean: Keep the skirting clean by washing it with soap and water to prevent mold and mildew.
- Bug Watch: Check for signs of pests regularly and take action if you see any.
- Ventilation Check: Make sure the vents are clear so air can flow properly.
- Fix or Replace: If you find any damaged areas, fix or replace them immediately to prevent more extensive problems.
- No Painting: Don’t paint your skirting; it’s not needed, and it could void the warranty from Mobile Home Parts Store.
- Clear the Area: Keep grass and plants away. Put metal roof flashing or gravel around the edges and center the bottom rail.
By following these steps, you can keep your skirting in good shape for a long time.
Deluxe Vinyl Skirting From Mobile Home Parts Store
Choosing the right skirting for your mobile home is a crucial decision, and Deluxe Vinyl Skirting stands out as a reliable and attractive option. Its durability, resistance to weather elements, and easy installation make it a top choice for mobile homeowners looking to enhance aesthetics and protection.
Remember, when you’re ready to invest in Deluxe Vinyl Skirting, look no further than Mobile Home Parts Store. With a range of colors and styles to match your home’s exterior, they provide a hassle-free shopping experience. So, go ahead, make the smart choice, and give your mobile home the protection and curb appeal it deserves with Deluxe Vinyl Skirting from Mobile Home Parts Store. Your mobile home will thank you for it!
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