Installing trailer skirting dramatically improves energy efficiency, protects your undercarriage, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of your manufactured home. While the process requires some preparation and attention to detail, it’s a manageable DIY project that can save you money and increase your home’s comfort.
Understanding the Benefits of Trailer Skirting
Trailer skirting, also known as mobile home skirting, is a protective barrier installed around the base of a manufactured home, closing the gap between the bottom of the trailer and the ground. This barrier offers several significant advantages:
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Skirting creates an air pocket beneath the trailer, which insulates against extreme temperatures. This reduces heat loss in the winter and keeps the interior cooler in the summer, leading to lower utility bills.
- Protection from the Elements: It shields the undercarriage from wind, rain, snow, and pests. This prevents damage to pipes, wiring, and insulation, extending the lifespan of your home’s critical systems.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Skirting gives your trailer a more finished and permanent look, boosting curb appeal and potentially increasing its resale value.
- Pest Control: It deters rodents, insects, and other unwanted critters from nesting under your home.
- Protection of Underfloor Utilities: Skirting helps protect water lines, sewer lines, and gas lines from freezing during the colder months.
Choosing the Right Type of Trailer Skirting
Selecting the appropriate material for your trailer skirting is crucial. Several options are available, each with its own pros and cons:
- Vinyl Skirting: This is the most popular choice due to its affordability, ease of installation, and low maintenance. Vinyl skirting is resistant to moisture, pests, and rot.
- Metal Skirting: Often made of aluminum or steel, metal skirting offers excellent durability and resistance to the elements. It’s a more expensive option but provides long-lasting protection.
- Wood Skirting: Wood skirting provides a natural and aesthetically pleasing look. However, it requires regular maintenance, including painting or staining, to prevent rot and decay.
- Concrete Skirting: While more permanent and expensive to install, concrete skirting offers superior durability and security. It’s a good option for homeowners who plan to stay in their location long-term.
- Simulated Stone or Brick Skirting: These panels mimic the appearance of stone or brick, offering a high-end look without the cost and weight of real materials. They’re typically made of durable plastic or composite materials.
When choosing, consider your budget, climate, aesthetic preferences, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. For most applications, vinyl skirting offers the best balance of cost, durability, and ease of installation.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin the installation process, gather the necessary tools and materials. A well-prepared workspace will make the job much easier and more efficient.
- Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements are essential for cutting the skirting panels to the correct size.
- Level: Ensures the skirting is installed straight and plumb.
- Circular Saw or Utility Knife: For cutting the skirting panels. A circular saw is recommended for metal or thick materials; a utility knife works well for vinyl.
- Drill with Screwdriver Bits: Used to attach the skirting to the trailer and ground.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
- Work Gloves: Protect your hands.
- Fasteners: Screws or nails appropriate for the skirting material and frame of your trailer.
- Ground Stakes: Used to secure the bottom of the skirting panels to the ground.
- Top Rail: A trim piece that attaches to the trailer frame to provide a secure mounting surface for the skirting.
- Bottom Rail or Concrete Pavers: Provides a stable base for the skirting to rest on.
- Ventilation Screens: Install these in the skirting to allow for airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
- Access Door: Allows access to under-trailer utilities for maintenance and repairs.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these steps for a successful trailer skirting installation:
Step 1: Preparation and Measurement
- Clean the Area: Clear any debris, vegetation, or obstructions around the perimeter of your trailer.
- Measure the Perimeter: Accurately measure the distance around the base of your trailer. This will determine how much skirting material you need.
- Measure the Height: Measure the distance from the bottom of the trailer to the ground at several points. This will determine the height of the skirting panels you need to cut. Note any variations in ground level. Account for the thickness of the bottom rail or pavers.
Step 2: Installing the Top Rail
- Attach the Top Rail: Secure the top rail to the frame of your trailer using appropriate screws or nails. Make sure the top rail is level and evenly spaced. This rail provides a secure mounting surface for the top edge of the skirting panels. Use a level frequently to ensure accuracy.
Step 3: Preparing the Bottom
- Install a Bottom Rail or Pavers: A bottom rail or concrete pavers provides a stable and level base for the skirting. This prevents the skirting from sinking into the ground and helps maintain a consistent appearance. Ensure proper drainage by sloping the pavers slightly away from the trailer.
Step 4: Cutting the Skirting Panels
- Cut the Panels to Size: Using your measurements, cut the skirting panels to the appropriate height and width. Remember to account for any overlaps or seams required by the manufacturer’s instructions. Always double-check your measurements before cutting. Use appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses.
Step 5: Installing the Skirting Panels
- Attach the Panels: Starting at one corner, insert the top edge of the skirting panel into the top rail. Secure the bottom edge of the panel to the bottom rail or ground stakes.
- Overlap the Panels: Overlap the panels as recommended by the manufacturer. This helps create a tight seal and prevents gaps.
- Secure the Panels: Use screws or nails to secure the panels to the top rail and ground stakes.
Step 6: Installing Ventilation and Access Doors
- Install Ventilation Screens: Install ventilation screens at regular intervals along the skirting. This allows for airflow and prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Install an Access Door: Install an access door in a convenient location to allow access to under-trailer utilities. Secure the door with hinges and a latch.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Inspect the Installation: Inspect the skirting for any gaps or loose panels. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a tight and secure fit.
- Seal the Seams: Use a sealant to seal any gaps or seams in the skirting. This will further protect against the elements and pests.
- Enjoy Your New Skirting: Step back and admire your handiwork! You’ve successfully installed trailer skirting and improved the appearance and energy efficiency of your home.
FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns
Here are some frequently asked questions about trailer skirting installation:
FAQ 1: How much does it cost to install trailer skirting?
The cost varies depending on the type of material, the size of your trailer, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. DIY installations typically range from $500 to $2,000, while professional installations can cost $1,500 to $5,000. Vinyl is generally the most cost-effective option.
FAQ 2: Can I install trailer skirting myself?
Yes, most homeowners with basic DIY skills can successfully install trailer skirting. However, it requires careful planning, accurate measurements, and attention to detail. If you’re unsure about your abilities, consider hiring a professional.
FAQ 3: What type of skirting is best for cold climates?
For cold climates, insulated skirting or skirting with added insulation is recommended. This helps to maximize energy efficiency and prevent pipes from freezing. Consider using rigid foam insulation behind the skirting panels for added protection.
FAQ 4: How do I prevent moisture buildup under my trailer after installing skirting?
Proper ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup. Install ventilation screens at regular intervals along the skirting to allow for airflow. Also, ensure that the ground under the trailer is properly graded to prevent water from pooling.
FAQ 5: Do I need a permit to install trailer skirting?
Permit requirements vary by location. Contact your local building department to determine if a permit is required for trailer skirting installation. It’s always best to check local regulations before starting any construction project.
FAQ 6: How do I clean trailer skirting?
Vinyl skirting can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Metal skirting can be cleaned with a pressure washer on a low setting. Wood skirting requires regular painting or staining to prevent rot and decay. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the skirting material.
FAQ 7: How long does trailer skirting last?
The lifespan of trailer skirting depends on the type of material and the climate. Vinyl skirting typically lasts 10-20 years, while metal skirting can last 20-30 years or more. Wood skirting requires regular maintenance and may need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
FAQ 8: How do I deal with uneven ground when installing skirting?
Use concrete blocks or shims to level the bottom rail or pavers. This will create a consistent base for the skirting and prevent gaps. You may need to cut the skirting panels to different lengths to accommodate the uneven ground.
FAQ 9: Can I install skirting on a trailer that’s already on blocks?
Yes, you can install skirting on a trailer that’s already on blocks. However, you may need to adjust the height of the blocks to ensure that the skirting is properly supported.
FAQ 10: How do I prevent animals from getting under the trailer after installing skirting?
Make sure that the skirting is tightly sealed to the ground. Use ground stakes or a bottom rail to secure the skirting and prevent animals from digging underneath. You can also use wire mesh or rodent-proof barriers to further deter animals.
FAQ 11: What is the best way to attach skirting to the trailer frame?
Use self-tapping screws or nails that are specifically designed for attaching to metal. Make sure the fasteners are long enough to penetrate the frame securely but not so long that they protrude into the trailer’s interior.
FAQ 12: How do I access the undercarriage for repairs after the skirting is installed?
Install an access door in a convenient location. This will allow you to easily access the undercarriage for maintenance and repairs without having to remove the entire skirting. Ensure the access door is properly secured to prevent unauthorized entry and pest intrusion.