Vinyl is one of the most common skirting materials, but it can easily become faded and cheapen the look of your home. Perhaps you’ve considered replacing your vinyl skirting with brick. Or perhaps you have a new mobile home and you need to install skirting. Can you brick a mobile home foundation yourself? We’ll show you how in 5 basic steps.
Can You Brick A Mobile Home Foundation Legally?
According to the HUD codes, a mobile home with a permanent foundation must also have some sort of permanent enclosure around the foundation. This enclosure, commonly referred to as “skirting,” must sit on a concrete footing and be self-supporting. There is no reason why your skirting can’t be made of brick as long as it meets those standards. Just make sure you check local ordinances before beginning installation in case they have any additional requirements.
If you want to add brick skirting around a non-permanent foundation, then we recommend you install brick panels or brick veneer skirting. This preserves the mobility of your mobile home.
Using brick instead of vinyl skirting doesn’t just look nicer, it can also increase your home’s value. In the process below, we not only show you how to add brick skirting, we help you create a permanent foundation for your home too. Mobile homes resting on permanent foundations can qualify as “real” property, which is easier to finance and can appreciate over time.
The type of brick or the color you choose is a personal preference, but if you’re thinking of selling in the near future, see what is popular in the market. The brick, regardless of the type will not only add value to your mobile home but also protect your home from the harsh elements. Beyond that, it also adds a beautiful finishing touch to your manufactured home. Here are the steps you should take to install brick around your mobile home foundation and give it a brand new look.
How to brick a mobile home – Step #1
The first thing you have to do is remove the skirting of your mobile home if there is any. If you don’t have any skirting, then you are good to start.
Next, stabilize the blocks underneath your mobile home to ensure they can hold the extra weight. Do this by adding cement mixture around each block. You have to allow them to dry for about 24 to 48 hours, so they solidify.
How to brick a mobile home – Step #2
Note: Complete this step if you do not already have a permanent foundation and after you get the proper licensing to add a foundation to your home.
Once you are done with the first step and satisfied with it, then you have to dig the foundation area. This has to be done around the base of your mobile home to a depth of about two feet. If you like DIY projects, then you can do this on your own with the help of a friend. Or, you can hire a contractor to do the job.
Once the foundation is complete, fill it with the concrete mixture until it reaches the base of your mobile home. Level it and allow it to dry for about 48 to 72 hours. Once the concrete has set, then you can proceed to step three.
How to brick a mobile home – Step #3
When the concrete is dry, you can then go ahead and attach the metal strap anchors to your mobile home. You have to place the anchors around the cement base about one foot apart. You should do this completely around the mobile home.
Get A Free Quote for Manufactured Home Insurance
*Save $250 per year, on average!
How to brick a mobile home – Step #4
Now, we get to the part where you will be dealing with bricks. First, you should layer the bricks all around the concrete foundation. Lay a very thick layer of mortar after that and level it with a trowel. Then place the bricks firmly. Cover the sides of the bricks with the mortar and follow that pattern until you finish the first layer.
Always ensure the placement is secure when you do this. You can do that with a level and a trowel handle by lightly tapping the bricks securely in place. Keep on applying the brick and mortar until you reach the top of the home supports.
How to brick a mobile home – Step #5
There is bound to be excess mortar on the bricks once you finish. You can wipe it up with a metal or copper bristled brush. You should also strike every side with a jointer to secure it. Allow the bricks to dry for about 24 to 48 hours. Once they are completely dry and you are satisfied with the results, step back and enjoy your new look.
Now you can improve your home’s appeal and value!
So, can you brick a mobile home? Absolutely. As you can see, it is a pretty easy task that you can accomplish on your own. Of course, you can always hire a professional, if you’re not sure you can complete the job safely and accurately. For more ideas about making improvements to your home, read our article on mobile home remodeling.
