Mobile homes have a variety of options when it comes to construction and renovation. The common trend right now is offering a home maximum protection from damages and the best way to do this is through sidings and skirting. There are several mobile home siding and skirting ideas to choose from and it only requires one to have the right information about each.
Siding
A siding is a material that is used to cover the exterior walls of a house. Sidings come in different styles and materials that offer different results in terms of appearance and functionality.
Types Of Sidings
The material used to make sidings and the styles they come in are the factors that bring the difference between sidings. They include wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement and steel.
Wood sidings are light, easy to install, can be painted in several different colors and they can be installed in different styles. Vinyl is Vinyl is extremely affordable and widely available. Sidings can be arranged in horizontal form, vertical and lap design where the strips of material are overlapped. Replacement of siding may require total replacement of the wall siding or a part there of if the initial siding was damaged or of the same material. Fiber cement is costly but extremely durable; the installation process is also quite tasking.
Siding Average costs
Wood: $1 to $3 per square foot
Vinyl: $2 to $3 per square foot
Aluminum: $3 to $4 per square foot.
Fiber cement: $5 to $9 per square foot
Installation Steps – Siding
- In the case of replacement, take out the old siding from the walls. One should use appropriate nail removers to remove nails without damaging the shell. Take out the sidings one by one to prevent harsh impact on the wall. Check the wall (shell) for damages and confirm its proper condition before installing the new siding.
- Apply a sheathing material such as tar paper on the shell in order to protect it from harsh weather conditions. Roll out the paper from the bottom to the top and carefully tuck it. One may also choose to install a weeping material over the tar paper that allows moisture to escape the walls.
- Put up starter strips at the extreme bottom of the house and harmer them to the studs. Use chalk to draw out the areas of siding installation in order to keep the pattern on track.
- Proceed to install the sidings by nailing them 10 to 16 inches in to the studs, depending on the type of material.
- In case of lap style, the next siding is installed 1 inch away from the first to create an efficient overlap. Continue with this process until the entire hose is done.
- Caulk the seams such as windows, eaves and corners and allow it to dry for a few hours.
- For better results in the case of wood sidings, paint the sidings, stain them or seal them to repel moisture and prevent rotting.
Skirting
Skirting is a board installed at the end of a wall. It covers the joint between a wall and a floor to offer protection from damages. It can be done in the interior of a house and on the exterior. Interior skirting is quite simple to decide on and put up as it is not prone to harsh weather conditions. Exterior skirting requires keen selection and installation.
Types Of Skirting
Skirting can be made from wood, vinyl, aluminum, concrete and stone/brick.
Vinyl is one of the most popular materials for skirting due to its durability and minimal maintenance. Stone and brick are extremely durable though the installation process is quite tasking. Concrete skirting is durable but highly expensive. Wood is a great option too as it is easy to handle, maintain and install but its durability is limited.
Average Prices Of Skirting
Vinyl: $20 to $30 for 16 to 24 inches though the price may increase or decrease depending on the size.
Wood: $3 to $15 per square foot depending on the type of wood in question.
Installation Steps – Skirting
- The first step is to measure the area where the skirting will be installed. Use a tape measure and measure the length and width to be covered. This will help in knowing the amount of material to purchase. One should buy the material a bit in excess in order to accommodate errors.
- Select an appropriate material depending on your preference, weather conditions at your home area, level of care and maintenance required, area to be covered, durability and the price.
- Remove the old skirting carefully with nail removers to prevent damages on the wall and siding. Prepare the ground and wall where the skirting will be installed.
- Use chalk to draw the area of installation and keep your skirting in check.
- Install the back rail and bottom rail. Attach the back rail from the highest point, 1/2 inch from the highest point and also 1/2 inch from the corners.
- Ensure the ground slopes measures 16 inches for correct measurement. Include an extra 1 inch for warm climate and 2 inches for cold climate.
- Start screwing the skirting with a hammer from the back of the house. This will allow you to make errors that will not be highly visible from outside since the front is the most important part.
- Insert the panel at the bottom rail then set it against the top rail.
- Attach the skirting at the ends in order to secure them then proceed to attach the middle part. Install them on the bottom rail then interlock with each next panel.
- Snap the cover of the back rail in to the bottom rail to cover the cut panels but ensure not to butt them together. Cover the corners with a V notch from the top rail cover and bend it over the corner.
- Install the top rail cover around the entire house.
Siding and skirting are important features of mobile homes. They protect the house from damages cause by harsh weather conditions. One may consider to seal, stain or paint the materials for protection caused by water damage. Note that the type of material chosen should be favorable to the weather conditions in one’s area of residence.
