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Installing skirting on a mobile home can be tricky. There are a few things you need to do before installing the skirting, and after you install it, there are a few more steps that need to be taken. This blog post covers everything about How to Install Skirting on Mobile homes from prepping your surface to installing the skirt itself.
- Remove any old skirting from the mobile home.
- Cut the new skirting panels to size and attach them to the mobile home.
- Install sealant tape around the frame of the mobile home to prevent water damage.
- Enjoy your newly installed skirting
What is Skirting?
Skirting is a full-length metal or plastic skirting that surrounds the mobile home. Skirts typically go to ground level and extend out from the bottom of the trailer for at least 12 inches, but can be as wide as 30 feet. In addition to covering up any exposed sections below your home’s frame, skirts also help to prevent moisture buildup and help with insulation.
Examples of Skirting Materials
There are three main types of skirting materials: aluminum, steel, and vinyl.
- Aluminum Skirting – Aluminum is the most popular material for mobile home skirts due to its lightweight design and low cost. It’s also easy to install as well. Generally speaking, you can purchase pre-formed aluminum skirtings or bend your own out of sheet aluminum.
- Steel Skirting – Steel is the second most popular material for mobile home skirts, although it’s used less frequently than aluminum due to its heavyweight and high cost. Since steel isn’t as malleable as aluminum, you’ll need welding skills to form your skirting out of sheet steel rather than pre-formed skirtings.
- Vinyl Skirting – Vinyl is the most expensive material for mobile home skirts due to its ease of use and ability to be formed into any desired shape. If you’re looking for a skirting that is easy to install, vinyl might just be your best bet. You can purchase pre-made skirtings or bend your own out of sheet vinyl.
What You Need To Prep Your Surface Before Installation
- Ensure the area is cleared of any debris
- The surface where you will be putting it down must also be leveled out.
- When you’re doing your prepping to level out a space for skirting installation, it’s also important not to dig into the dirt too much. You just want to get things leveled out to where it will be flat and even for your skirting to go down on.
- You’ll want to measure out the area you’re going to install it in so that the skirt covers everything properly without any gaps or overhang, but also isn’t too big of an area because then there’s a bigger chance something could happen with installation (such as it is too heavy and potentially damaging your home).
What You Need To Do After Installation
After you have everything down, here are a few things to do after installing skirting on mobile homes.
- Once the installation is complete, make sure that no sharp objects can get caught in between the skirting and the ground! This will prevent any damage to the skirting or any injuries.
- After installation, make sure to keep an eye out for anything that could potentially get caught there and cause damage (such as a tree branch). If you notice something like this, it’s important to take care of it right away so nothing happens.
- Finally, another thing to do after installing skirting on a mobile home is to make sure that it has been secured properly.
Importance Of Installing Skirting On Mobile Home
Installing skirting on mobile homes can be a challenge, but it’s important to do so.
- Skirts help prevent moisture buildup and add insulation to your home.
- They also cover any exposed areas below the frame which helps prevent damage from anything such as water collecting in those areas and causing mold or something else unwanted to grow there.
What You Need To Install Skirting
Precise Measurements for your home
The first thing you need to do is take precise measurements of the mobile home so that you can order the correct size skirting for it. This will ensure that everything fits properly and looks nice. Make sure to measure all sides, including around any obstacles like stairs or ramps on the side.
Staple Gun
You will need a staple gun to attach the skirting to your home’s frame or foundation. A pneumatic nailer works best, but you can also use an air compressor and manual staple gun if needed. Make sure not to overstretch the fabric when you are installing it so that there is enough room to staple it securely in place.
Metal Skirting Material
Your home’s style will determine what type of skirting you need to order for your mobile home installation job. Metal is the most common, but plastic can also be used on smaller homes and trailers where metal might not fit or look aesthetically pleasing. If you are installing plastic skirting, make sure to check its hardness of it before you install it. It should be able to support itself and not bend under its weight or with any outside factors like wind or rain.
Sealant Tape
Using sealant tape is a great way to ensure that your home’s frame does not get exposed to water and moisture over time. To use, simply cut the tape to the correct length of your frame and adhere it along any exposed section. If you have a lot of exposed sections that need sealant tape, consider using foam board insulation as well for better protection against weather elements or animals trying to get into your home.
Paint Brush or Roller
You will need a paintbrush or roller to apply the sealant onto your home’s frame. Make sure that you cover any exposed sections with the sealant and allow it to dry before installing skirting over top of them. If you are using foam board insulation, make sure that you also use an adhesive spray on it so that it stays in place and does not shift.
Screws or Nails
Once you have properly installed your skirting, make sure to cover the edges with screws or nails as an added measure of protection. This will keep any animals from trying to burrow under your home’s frame and causing damage over time! Skirts should be installed so that there is a gap between the skirting and ground, which will allow animals to dig under your home without causing any damage.
Hose or Power Washer
After you have properly nailed down the skirt’s edges with screws or nails, make sure to hose it off thoroughly on all sides with water. This will make sure that any dirt or debris is washed off so it does not clog up your home’s frame. It also makes the skirt easier to paint over top with a fresh coat of sealant.
Tips Of Installing Skirting On Mobile Home.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when installing your skirting:
- Be sure not to overstretch the fabric of your skirt when you’re putting it up. If there is too much tension, then the skirt will warp and curve with time. This can also cause sagging or even tearing if left untended for too long.
- Make sure to use sealant tape on your home’s frame so that it does not get exposed to moisture or water over time! This will help prevent any structural damage from occurring, but also ensure the skirting stays in place for as long as possible.
- When using metal material, be sure that you have at least four screws holding the skirting down to ensure it does not bend or warp due to outside factors like wind.
- When using plastic material, be sure that you have an adhesive spray on any foam board insulation that you use for it to stay in place and prevent shifting over time. You will also need a minimum of four screws when metal to hold the skirting down and prevent warping.
Be sure to keep these tips in mind when you are installing your home’s skirting so that it stays looking great for as long as possible!
Steps of Installing Skirt On Mobile Home
If you’re looking to do the installation by yourself, then this section is the gist of How to Install Skirting on a Mobile Home. Let’s dive right into the steps.
Step 1
Pick the location where you want to start your skirting and pull it taught. Make sure that there is a minimum distance between this piece and the next one so that they do not overlap right away – about 18-24 inches should work well! You can use an adhesive spray on the ground to help keep it in place if you want.
Step 2
Once this first piece is taught, bring the next one over and overlap about an inch or two. This will create a tight seal once all of your skirtings have been applied. Make sure that there are no overlaps between each piece as this can cause warping and damage to your skirting. You will also need screws or nails as an added measure of protection.
Step 3
Continue this pattern until you have reached the opposite end of where you want to start, then work your way back in reverse order with overlapped pieces on either side. This ensures that your skirt is firmly in place without any gaps or loose pieces.
Step 4
It’s also a good idea to have some sealant tape around so that you can cover up the frame of your home, especially if it has been exposed to moisture over time. Covering this area will help prevent water damage and keep your skirting looking fresh for as long as possible.
Step 5
It’s also important to coat your skirting with paint if it has started peeling or chipping. This will prevent water damage and keep the skirting looking great for longer than otherwise would be possible. Make sure you allow ample time for this step before letting any visitors onto the property, especially if children are involved.
Step 6
If you would like to install insulation underneath your skirting, be sure that the adhesive spray is around so that it can properly adhere to place. This will help hold everything in place for as long as possible. If there are any gaps between pieces of metal or plastic, this can also cause spaces for water to get through and cause damage over time, so be sure that you use sealant tape or other skirting options if this is the case.
Step 7
It’s also a good idea to have some paint available to touch up pieces of your skirting if they start chipping! This will help prevent water damage and keep your skirting looking great for as long as possible.
Step 8
You should also consider having some sealant tape available to cover up the frame of your home, especially if it has been exposed to moisture over time. Covering this area will help prevent water damage and keep your skirting looking fresh for as long as possible.
Step 9
You should also consider having some insulation available to you if you would like to install this underneath your skirting. This will help hold everything in place for as long as possible, while the adhesive spray ensures that it adheres properly and doesn’t shift over time. If there are any gaps between pieces of metal or plastic, this can also cause spaces for water to get through and cause damage over time, so be sure that you use sealant tape or other skirting options if this is the case.
Step 10
You should also consider having some paint available to touch up pieces of your skirting if they start chipping. This will help prevent water damage and keep your skirting looking great for as long as possible.
Step 11
Finally, you should consider having some sealant tape available to the frame of your home, especially if it has been exposed to moisture over time. Covering this area will help prevent water damage and keep your skirting looking fresh for as long as possible.
How To Maintain Your Skirting On Mobile Home
At this point, you know How to Install Skirting on Mobile Home and it’s important to keep up with the maintenance. Some things you will want to check on periodically are:
- screws and bolts that may have come loose due to extreme weather conditions or vibrations from people walking near the home.
- You’ll also want to make sure there isn’t any chipping or peeling of the skirting. If you find that your skirting is starting to chip, a quick coat of spray paint will do the trick.
Pros
- Keeps pests out of your home
Cons
- Can be expensive if you are hiring someone to do the work for you.
FAQs
Q: How often should I check my skirting?
A: You should check your skirting at least once a year to make sure that everything is still in place and there is no water damage.
Q: What should I do if I find water damage?
A: If you find water damage, you should immediately repair the skirting to prevent further damage.
Q: What should I do if my skirting starts to chip or peel?
A: If your skirting starts to chip or peel, you should immediately repaint it to prevent water damage.
Q: Do I need to have insulation if I’m going to install skirting?
A: You don’t necessarily need to have insulation, but it can help hold everything in place and prevent water damage. If you’re going to install insulation, be sure to use sealant tape or other skirting options to prevent any gaps.
Q: What should I do if there are gaps between my skirting and the frame of my home?
A: If there are gaps between your skirting and the frame of your home, you should use sealant tape or other skirting options to fill them in and prevent water damage.
Q: Can I install skirting myself or do I need to hire someone?
A: You can install skirting yourself, but it might be a good idea to hire someone if you’re not confident in your abilities.
Q: How long does skirting last?
A: Skirting can last for many years if you take care of it and regularly check for damage. Thanks for reading. We hope this guide was helpful – now get out there and enjoy your newly installed skirting.
Conclusion On How To Install Skirting On Mobile Home
The final step in this process is to simply enjoy your work. Be sure that you’re proud of the skirting around your home, and don’t be afraid to show it off. You worked hard on this project, so it’s nice when others can appreciate all the effort you put into getting things just right for yourself and everyone else who visits the property.
# How to Install Skirting on Mobile Home
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