Install Mobile Home Skirting
Living in a mobile (or manufactured) home can be safer and more comfortable by installing mobile home skirting. Skirting can save you money on utility bills and protect your home from the elements. Consider these suggestions to learn how to install mobile home skirting.
Contents
Steps
- Measure the mobile home. There are 2 measurements you'll need: length and height. Using a tape measure, start at a corner of the home. Place the 0 marker flange of the tape measure securely on the corner of the wall, and walk toward the other end while releasing the tape from the spool.
- You may need assistance if you have trouble keeping the tape measure secure. Continue measuring around each corner and add the 4 measurements to determine the total length.
- Measure the height from the ground to the bottom of the mobile home at each of the 4 corners.
- Select the mobile home skirting materials. Manufactured home skirting is made in various types of materials, such as vinyl, wood, zinc, and concrete panels. These can all be purchased at home improvement stores.
- Depending on your budget and level of skill, choosing a material for its durability should be considered. Speak to a customer service representative at the hardware store for the best option.
- Transport the skirting supplies. Concrete panels are heavier, and may require additional lumber for framing. You may need to schedule a delivery with the mobile home parts store. Vinyl skirting, on the other hand could be transported in a pickup truck.
- Assemble the skirting wall. Grade the ground and make it as level as possible. The method of installation will vary with different types of material. If you are using vinyl, for example, it should be easier because there's less involved.
- Attach the inside top track to the underside of the mobile home frame with screws and a variable speed drill. The ground tracks can be held in place with re-bar stakes.
- Use a table (or circular) saw to cut vinyl panels for height, if necessary. Attach overlapping panels securely to inside track.
- Secure the panels with outside top and bottom track, using screws and stakes to secure in place. Use a level to ensure the wall is straight.
Assembling Concrete, Wood, or Metal Skirting
- Assemble a pressure treated wooden frame using 2x4s (50 X 100 mm) to fit under the frame of the home.
- The frame should consist of top and bottom horizontal studs, typically 8 feet (2.4 meters) long.
- Attach shorter vertical pieces at least every 24 inches (61 cm) nailed or screwed to the top and bottom of the frame. Drill holes through the bottom of the frame for re-bar stakes.
- Slide the assembled frame under the mobile home, using screws to attach the top. Level the frame, then hammer stakes in the ground through the bottom of the frame.
- Cut the panels to fit. Take special care with concrete, as you'll need a special masonry blade for the saw.
- Screw the cut panels to the frame. Seal with all weather caulk, then prime and paint after caulk dries.
Warnings
- Concrete panels produce dust when sawed, which could cause eye or respiratory discomfort or damage. Wear protective goggles and a dust mask.
Things You'll Need
- Mobile home skirting materials
- Tape measure
- Variable speed drill with screw (or hammer and nails)
- Re-bar stakes
- Circular or table saw
- Level
- Protective goggles
- Dust mask
- All weather caulk
- Primer and paint
