The Manufactured Housing Forums

The dealer I am talking to for Patriot homes suggested that we could take the dirt that will be taken from the area to level the foundation and back it up to the skirting around the house to hide the skirting and make it look more "residential" and less "mobile"? Is this a good idea? The foundation will be runners.

Thanks!

Penny

Backfilling against the skirting is very popular. It gives your home the appearance of being closer to the ground and can cut down on the number of steps to get to floor level. Yes it gives your home a very clean, residential look. Just be sure that the skirting your using is able to hold the weight of the backfill.

Also make sure the skirting is vinyl or another material that can take ground contact. Wood rots over time.

also make sure the way you back fill leaves you with proper drainage around the home so water will not collect under it.

If you cover the skirting with dirt you will rot the wood qucikly. The dirt will retain moisture. Also it will make it easier for TERMITES!!!!!!!!!bad idea but good luck anyway..

Most skirting products are non-organic (not wood). Many of the modern skirting systems like SYSTEM ONE are designed to hold backfill.

System-1 is what skirting should be- 100% solid concrete. System-1 is not an imitation or a look alike – it is the original concrete skirting system that resists the elements from the summer heat of Texas to the harsh winters of Minnesota. System-1 is built to last and is designed to stay put for years of dependable service.

Find out what it will cost to install System-1 under you home Click Here For a FREE QUOTE

Don't for get to look at your set up manual, you will need to maintain proper ventalation and airflow for under your home. Each manufacture has specific requirements to how many square inchs of vent to provide.

back filling is fine be sure you use ground contact plywood it should have a stamp showing the rating. another option is to lower the pit set by six or eight inches this tends to look much nicer and you should have only two steps after you back fill.

Will Hardy lap siding for skirting hold up over years with backfill against it?

Richard

Thiese are general requirements from the James Hardie installation instructions...See number 5


Hardiplank® lap siding can be installed over braced wood or steel studs spaced a maximum of 24" o.c. or directly to minimum 7/16" thick OSB sheathing*. Hardiplank lap siding can also be installed over foam insulation up to 1" thick. Irregularities in framing, sheathing, and/or foam insulation can mirror through the finished application.

A Weather-resistive barrier is required in accordance with local building code requirements. The weather resistive barrier must be appropriately installed with penetration and junction flashings in accordance with local building code requirements. James Hardie will assume no responsibility for water infiltration.

Install James Hardie® products with a minimum 6" clearance to the finished grade on the exterior of the building or in accordance with local building codes if greater than 6" is required (fig. 3).

Maintain a minimum 2" clearance between James Hardie products and roofs, decks, paths, steps and driveways (figs. 4 & 5).

Maintain a 1/4" clearance between James Hardie products and horizontal flashing (fig. 6).

Install kickout flashing at roof-wall junctions. (fig. 7.) Ensure gutters have end caps and do not terminate against siding and trim.

Adjacent finished grade must slope away from the building in accordance with local building codes - typically a minimum of 6" in the first 10'.

Do not install James Hardie products, such that they may remain in contact with standing water.

Installed any other way this stuff's 50 year warranty is void.....