Perimeter Skirting

[Pat]

I have a question re using concrete blocks for perimeter skirting. I read one description of installation which said the blocks were not to touch the underside of the home. Yet whenever anyone asks about using thicker sheetrock on outer walls, the response is perimeter skirting. What is the concept here? We want to use firerated sheetrock on all outer walls - we already have 3/4 of the perimeter set with concrete blocks - not in final because we still have to do electric and plumbing - but now wonder what the best way is to make them permanent. Should they or should they not touch the underside of the home? And if not, why not? Thanks! Pat

[Tracy]

Pat,
Look at it like this.. When you build a new home on a basement, you use the walls to support the exterior walls of the structure.
When you take a manufactured home and say set it 5' in the air and hang skirting from the walls, you are doing harm to the home by pulling it down. This what is being said about perimeter skirting.. Start with a foundation around the home, or poured footings according to manufacturing specs on the exterior walls. As long as your not "hanging" panels, you have no problem

Good Luck

[Pat]

Thanks. This is a 25 year old home that we are remodeling for a business. We have had it set by professionals, i.e., leveled, etc. but want to use concrete blocks to support the outer edge. That will be the only "skirting". However, the firerated sheetrock on the inside will be heavier than what was previously used. Any problem?

Pat

[Bill Fry]

What is the width and spacing of the wall studs? 2 by 4's are good---,1 by 2's bad for hanging heavy sheetrock(or siding)

[Tracy]

Pat,
You say your using this home for a business. Check with your local building dept. to make sure you have no codes on your issue. Right now we are in the middle of a huge arguement between the city and the manufacturer. The factory built a new (HUD)home with PEX plumbing. The city where the home was placed is saying the PEX is not acceptable and wants copper lines installed. Who will win?
So, one quick free phone call will be worth a lot more advice than anyone here can give

Good Luck with your venture

-Tracy

[Pat]

The outer walls are 2x4s set on 16 inch centers. It's an old Fleetwood that was not too badly constructed. There is no building department in this county. Consequently, there are no inspections. We paid $20 and got a building permit. They just want it skirted within the next 6 months. Obviously, this is rural. Pat

[Bill Fry]

Interesting...What city requires copper?Nobody uses copper anymore(to expensive).CPVC and Pex is pretty much the standard.(other then stubouts)

[Tracy]

Bill,
Its a small town outside Denver, Co.

They feel that because the water is considered "harder" than most towns around it, Pex will become brittle and snap. I received called yesterday and told the inspector has agreed that by adding a water-softener, he will let the PEX remain.

Think maybe he got a phone call from someone judging his first decision?

Tracy

[Randy]

Does he own the water softner business. I do not beleive that the city can require anything in manufactured house, plumbing in it is regulated by HUD. State can require you to have a plumbers licsense to work on plumbing in a manufactured home.