How to Install Vinyl Trailer Skirting

Vinyl skirting

Vinyl skirting around a mobile home adds to the appearance and insulation quality under the floors of the home. It is a deterrent to animals, cold, snow and debris being blown in by the winds. Water piping is generally located in the floors of this type of home and insulated skirting protects the pipes from freezing.

Things You'll Need

• Skirting
• J channel
• Treated 2-by-4 lumber
• Hammer
• Threaded rod or concrete pins
• Saw
• Chalk line
• Level
• Marking paint
• Drill
• Foam board insulation
• Gravel

Instructions

1. 

   Remove any existing skirting from the parameters of the home. Check the framing that runs above the skirting for any areas that need repaired or replaced.

2. Use a level or straight edge from this framing to the ground to mark a line with marking paint in the soil completely around the parameter of the home. This is the guideline for the bottom framing that the bottom edge of the new skirting will be attached to.

3. Lay out the 2-by-4 lumber on this line with the 2-inch side on the ground. Depending on the levelness of the ground, some digging may be required to assure that the 2-by-4 lumber is level.

4. Drill through the 2-by-4 lumber every 3 feet and drive either threaded rod or concrete pins through these holes into the ground. Install an upright 2-by-4 brace every 4 feet from the top of the base 2-by-4 to the bottom framework of the home.

5. Attach foam insulation board to the interior sides of the completed framework. This provides additional protection and R-value to protect any plumbing and help to keep the floors warmer.

6. Attach a J-channel to the bottom parameters of the home approximately 4 inches up on the home's siding. This will be what the top of the new skirting will slide into.

7. Attach a J-channel around the 2-by-4 base. If home is in a very cold climate where the ground freezes and is subject to frost heave, hold the bottom J-channel off the ground approximately 1 inch to allow for ground movement.

8. 

   Measure and cut the new vinyl skirting and slide into the J-channel. The skirting will be flexible enough to bend slightly to ease placement in the J channel. Insert the top of the skirting first and then the bottom. The skirting will overlap at the side seams.

9. 

   Cut any access openings required and install vents. It is recommended that all four corners of the skirting be vented.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses

Resources

• More information on mobile home skirting