The skirting of a mobile home is the material that covers the bottom section and protects it from various weather elements. The skirting gives a nice touch to the design of the home as well. While hiring a professional to do this job for you can save you time, doing it yourself will save you money. Does this Spark an idea?
Measuring and Marking
Use a measuring tape and mark a point 4 inches from the bottom of the mobile home and create various reference points around the home. Mark a straight line joining these marks. Screw the J-channel in on this line.
Hang a string with a weight attached to it, otherwise known as a plumb bob, from one corner of the home. Mark the spot with a stick that lies directly underneath where the plumb bob hangs. Repeat the process with the other corners. Connect these points using a chalk like to create a perimeter around the home.
Ground Channel and Back Railing
Place the ground channel over the chalk line and secure it into the ground using spikes. The height specifications for each type of skirting will vary among manufacturers, so check the instructions before installing. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance starting from the ground and going up. Use a chalk line to identify the appropriate spot.
Install the top back railing of the skirting where you have made the chalk line. Keep the back rail straight and level according to this line and screw them into place starting at the back of the home. Attach a screw into every second slot all around the home, making sure there is 1/16-inch clearance between the skirting and the wall. Keep a ½-inch gap between every skirting panel for expansion and contraction as well.
Installing Skirting Panels
Start the installation 24 inches away from the bottom of the home and 1-1/2 inches from the bottom edge of the back rail. If the ground is sloping, take measurements after every panel. Use aviation snips or a power saw to trim the bottoms of the panels as you work to match the angle of the ground. Punch the tabs of the panels and position them pointing outward to catch the rails
Place the first panel into place on the bottom rail and interlock the second panel into the first, inserting it into the bottom rail as well. Snap them past the tabs on that rail. Repeat this process with 12-foot sections at a time or until a corner is reached. Go back and snap each panel into the top railing. For corners, the top back rail must be cut, while the top front rail bottom rail should be bent around. The panel should be cut to fit the height but bent over the corner.
Tags: around home, back rail, bottom rail, chalk line, from bottom
