How Much Skirting For A 14×70 Mobile Home?

Image Source: www.completemobilehomesupply.com

How Much Skirting For A 14×70 Mobile Home?

To determine how much skirting you need for a 14×70 mobile home, you’ll need to measure the perimeter of your home and account for any openings. Generally, you’ll need to calculate the total linear feet of the walls that will be enclosed by the skirting. For a 14×70 mobile home, this is approximately 188 linear feet (14 + 70 + 14 + 70 = 178 feet). However, you’ll need to subtract the linear footage of doors, vents, and any other openings.

Figuring Out Your Skirting Quantity

When it comes to mobile home skirting, especially for a 14×70 mobile home, getting the skirting quantity right is key to avoiding wasted material or costly trips back to the store. This isn’t just about guessing; it’s about precise skirting measurement. Think of it like buying fabric for a sewing project – you need enough to cover your space without buying way too much.

The Basic Calculation: Perimeter Plus Waste

The first step to figuring out how much skirting you need is to know the dimensions of your home. For a 14×70 trailer skirting, the basic perimeter is calculated by adding up all four sides:

• Length: 70 feet
• Width: 14 feet

So, the perimeter is: 70 ft + 14 ft + 70 ft + 14 ft = 178 linear feet.

However, this is just the starting point. You won’t be covering every single inch of that perimeter directly with a solid sheet of skirting. You have doors, access panels, and potentially ventilation openings that interrupt the solid wall.

Accounting for Openings

Every door, every utility access point, and every vent needs to be subtracted from your total linear footage.

• Doors: Measure the width of each exterior door. If you have a 3-foot wide door, you’ll subtract 3 feet from your total linear feet.
• Utility Access Panels: These are often smaller, perhaps 1-2 feet wide. Measure each one accurately.
• Vents: Skirting often includes vents for air circulation. While you might install skirting around these, you’re not covering them. Measure the width of the openings for these vents.

Example:
Let’s say your 14×70 mobile home has:
* One 3-foot exterior door.
* Two 1.5-foot utility access panels.
* Four 1-foot vent openings.

Total linear footage to subtract: 3 ft + (2 * 1.5 ft) + (4 * 1 ft) = 3 ft + 3 ft + 4 ft = 10 linear feet.

So, your adjusted perimeter is 178 ft – 10 ft = 168 linear feet.

The Crucial Factor: Skirting Material Width

This is where it gets a little more involved. Skirting doesn’t usually come in one giant roll that perfectly matches your home’s dimensions. It comes in panels or sheets of specific widths. Common widths for mobile home skirting include:

• 12 inches (1 foot)
• 16 inches (1.33 feet)
• 20 inches (1.67 feet)
• 24 inches (2 feet)

The most common height for skirting is 24 inches (2 feet), but you’ll need to measure the actual height from the ground to the bottom of your home’s frame.

To calculate the skirting quantity based on the material width, you’ll need to figure out how many panels you need for each side.

Let’s use our adjusted perimeter of 168 linear feet for our 14×70 home.

• Scenario 1: Using 12-inch (1-foot) wide skirting panels.

  • For each 1-foot of your perimeter, you’ll need one 1-foot wide panel.
  • Total panels needed: 168 panels.
  • If these panels are, say, 8 feet long, then you need 168 linear feet of 8-foot long panels. This means you’d need 168 / 8 = 21 panels, assuming no waste.

• Scenario 2: Using 24-inch (2-foot) wide skirting panels.

  • For each 2 feet of your perimeter, you’ll need one 2-foot wide panel.
  • Total panels needed: 168 linear feet / 2 feet per panel = 84 panels (each 2 feet wide).
  • If these panels are also 8 feet long, you need 84 / 8 = 10.5 panels. You’d have to buy 11 panels.

This shows how the width of your skirting material significantly impacts the number of panels you need. Always check the exact dimensions of the skirting you plan to buy.

Considering Waste and Cuts

It’s never a good idea to buy just enough. You absolutely need to factor in waste. This happens during:

• Cutting: When you have to cut panels to fit around corners, doorways, or to connect pieces, you’ll inevitably have some material left over that might not be usable.
• Mistakes: If it’s your first time installing skirting for manufactured homes, you might make a mistake. It’s better to have a little extra than to be short.
• Uneven Ground: The ground beneath your home might not be perfectly level, requiring more complex cuts or adjustments.

A general rule of thumb is to add 10-15% extra to your calculated linear footage for waste.

Let’s revisit our 168 linear feet calculation:
* Adding 10% waste: 168 ft * 1.10 = 184.8 linear feet.
* Adding 15% waste: 168 ft * 1.15 = 193.2 linear feet.

So, for a 14×70 home, you’re likely looking at needing around 185 to 195 linear feet of skirting, depending on the material and your waste factor.

Skirting Material Options and Their Impact

The type of skirting material you choose also affects how much you need and how you calculate it, particularly in terms of skirting square footage if you’re thinking in terms of total coverage.

Vinyl Skirting

This is arguably the most popular choice for mobile home skirting. It’s lightweight, durable, and comes in various styles and colors.

• How it’s sold: Typically in long, flexible panels. The width is the key measurement.
• Calculation: As shown above, you calculate the linear feet needed based on panel width.
• Skirting Square Footage: If you have 185 linear feet of skirting to cover and the skirting is 2 feet high, you’re looking at 185 ft * 2 ft = 370 square feet of skirting coverage needed. However, you buy it by the linear foot or by the panel, not typically by the square foot as a raw material.

Metal Skirting (Aluminum or Steel)

Metal skirting offers greater durability and impact resistance than vinyl.

• How it’s sold: Usually in corrugated panels or smooth sheets. Panels are typically sold in standard lengths (e.g., 8, 10, or 12 feet) and a specific width.
• Calculation: Similar to vinyl, focus on linear feet and panel width. However, you might have fewer seams with wider metal panels.
• Considerations: Metal can dent, so careful handling during skirting installation is crucial.

Concrete or Poured Skirting

While less common for DIYers, some opt for a more permanent skirting solution.

• How it’s sold: You buy concrete mix, rebar, and forms. This isn’t a “panel” purchase.
• Calculation: You calculate the volume of concrete needed based on the height and thickness of the skirting wall. You’d still need to measure the perimeter and subtract openings.
• Considerations: This is a significant construction project and usually requires professional installation.

Other Materials (Fiber Cement, Wood)

These can also be used, but they might be more expensive or require more maintenance. The calculation process remains similar: measure the perimeter, subtract openings, and account for panel/sheet width and waste.

Determining Skirting Cost

The skirting cost is a significant factor. Once you have your skirting quantity, you can start getting quotes.

Factors Influencing Skirting Cost:

1. Material: Vinyl is generally the most affordable. Metal is mid-range. Custom concrete or higher-end composite materials will be more expensive.
2. Brand and Quality: Higher quality skirting will cost more upfront but may last longer.
3. Height: Skirting is often sold based on standard heights (e.g., 24 inches). If your home requires a custom height, it may increase the cost.
4. Quantity: Buying in bulk (if you were skirting multiple homes) might offer discounts, but for a single home, you’re buying what you need.
5. Style and Design: Some skirting has decorative patterns or ventilation features that can add to the price.
6. Labor (if hiring professionals): This is a major part of the skirting cost. Professional skirting installation can add anywhere from $500 to $2,000+ depending on complexity, location, and the installer’s rates.

Estimating Your Budget:

To get a rough idea of skirting cost:

1. Calculate Total Linear Feet: Let’s use our 185 linear feet (including waste).
2. Determine Material Price: Research the price per linear foot or per panel for your chosen skirting material.
   • Vinyl Skirting: Can range from $5 to $15 per linear foot.
   • Metal Skirting: Can range from $8 to $20 per linear foot.
3. Calculate Material Cost:
   • For 185 linear feet of vinyl at $10/linear foot: 185 * $10 = $1,850.
   • For 185 linear feet of metal at $15/linear foot: 185 * $15 = $2,775.
4. Add Installation Costs: If hiring a professional, get quotes. This could easily add another $1,000-$2,500 for a 14×70 home.

So, a realistic skirting cost for a 14×70 mobile home could range from $1,800 (DIY vinyl) to $5,000+ (professional installation of metal or premium material).

Preparing for Skirting Installation

Before you or a professional start installing, proper preparation is essential. This ensures a good fit, longevity, and prevents issues down the line.

Site Preparation:

• Clear the Area: Remove any debris, vegetation, or obstructions around the perimeter of the home. This gives you clear access to measure and install.
• Ground Leveling: While not always necessary for all skirting types, having a relatively level surface for the bottom edge of the skirting can make installation easier and prevent gaps.
• Foundation Check: Inspect the existing foundation or piers. Ensure they are stable and not deteriorating. The skirting should not be solely responsible for structural support.

Measuring Accurately for Skirting:

This cannot be stressed enough. Double-check your measurements.

• Measure Each Side: Don’t just rely on the house dimensions. Measure the actual distance from corner to corner.
• Measure Openings: Be precise with door widths, vent sizes, and any other cutouts.
• Measure Height: Measure from the ground to the bottom of the home’s chassis/frame. This is crucial for ordering the correct height of skirting.

Tools and Supplies Needed:

• Tape measure
• Level
• Utility knife or saw (depending on material)
• Screwdriver or drill
• Screws or nails (appropriate for the skirting material and your home’s frame)
• Stakes or ground anchors (for some types of skirting)
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Caulk or sealant

Installation Tips for 14×70 Trailer Skirting

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or hiring professionals, knowing the basics of skirting installation can be beneficial.

General Installation Process:

1. Layout: Start at a corner or a prominent feature. Plan how your panels will run around the perimeter.
2. Cutting: Accurately cut panels to size, paying attention to corner joins and openings. Use a sharp blade for clean cuts, especially with vinyl.
3. Attachment: Secure the skirting panels to the home’s frame. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fasteners and spacing. Many systems use a vinyl track that the panels slide into, which is then secured.
4. Corners: Properly manage corners to create a clean look. This might involve special corner pieces or careful overlapping and cutting.
5. Vents and Openings: Ensure that any necessary vents are installed correctly within the skirting and that openings around doors and pipes are sealed to prevent pests and drafts.
6. Bottom Edge: The bottom edge of the skirting should be secured to the ground or a base frame to prevent it from blowing or shifting. Some systems use ground stakes, while others attach to a concrete footer or a specially designed base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Not adding enough for waste: This is a common and frustrating mistake.
• Poor measurements: Leading to panels that are too short or too long.
• Over-tightening screws: This can crack vinyl skirting.
• Not accounting for expansion/contraction: Materials can expand and contract with temperature changes. Ensure your installation method allows for this.
• Blocking ventilation: Improperly installed skirting can impede airflow, leading to moisture issues under the home. Ensure any required ventilation openings are clear.

Where to Find Skirting for Sale

Locating good skirting for sale is the next step after calculating your needs.

• Mobile Home Parts Suppliers: These are your best bet for specialized mobile home skirting and accessories. They often carry the widest variety of styles, materials, and colors. You can find them online or sometimes locally.
• Big Box Home Improvement Stores: Stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s may carry some basic vinyl skirting panels, especially during certain seasons. However, their selection might be limited compared to dedicated suppliers.
• Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and specialized RV/mobile home parts websites are excellent sources for finding various types of skirting materials and comparing prices.
• Local RV/Mobile Home Dealers: They might sell skirting materials directly or be able to recommend suppliers.

When purchasing, always verify that the skirting material is designed for manufactured homes and check reviews for quality and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Do I need to skirt my mobile home?
  • A: While not always legally required everywhere, skirting is highly recommended. It improves energy efficiency by trapping heat, protects the undercarriage from pests and weather, enhances the home’s appearance, and can even increase its resale value.
• Q: Can I install mobile home skirting myself?
  • A: Yes, many homeowners successfully install vinyl skirting themselves. It requires careful measuring, cutting, and a bit of patience. If you’re uncomfortable with DIY projects, hiring a professional is a good option.
• Q: How high should my skirting be?
  • A: The height should match the distance from the ground to the bottom of your home’s frame or chassis. Most skirting is 24 inches high, but custom heights are available. You must also comply with local building codes regarding clearance above the ground for ventilation and moisture control.
• Q: What’s the difference between skirting panels and skirting rolls?
  • A: Skirting is typically sold in long, rigid or semi-rigid panels or sheets, not in rolls like carpet. The term “roll” might be used loosely for very long, flexible vinyl sheets, but they still come in manageable lengths for transport and installation.
• Q: How do I calculate skirting square footage if the material is sold by linear foot?
  • A: While you buy by linear foot, understanding the skirting square footage helps visualize coverage. If you need 185 linear feet of skirting that is 2 feet high, you need approximately 370 square feet of coverage (185 ft * 2 ft). However, you must purchase based on the linear footage and the width of the panels available.

By following these steps and paying close attention to your skirting measurement, you can accurately determine the skirting quantity needed for your 14×70 mobile home, allowing you to budget effectively and prepare for a successful skirting installation.