Vinyl Skirting Installation Guide
Tools You Will Need
Installation of your skirting system requires
tools you are likely to already own. You will need a hammer, plumb bob, measuring
tape, tin snips, chalk line and snap lock tool. See your skirting dealer or
distributor to obtain any tools needed. If an accessory Trim Pack is not purchased,
you will need 100 7" gutter type spikes and 250 1½" coated roof-type nails or
screws.
Helpful Tips
1: To maintain beauty, simply
clean with soap and water.
2: Do not paint your skirting. This is not necessary and it will void your warranty.
3: To keep grass and vegetation growth away from the skirting, place six to
eight inches of metal roof flashing on the ground around the perimeter
and center the bottom rail down the middle.
4: Do not allow line trimmers to contact your skirting, as this will result
in damage.
Step
A: Attach Back Rail
1: Determine a place for mounting.
Place bottom edge of back rail just below bottom edge of the home. This
location must offer solid support for attaching and wind load pressure for panels
and rails.
2: Keep the back rail straight and level. Snap a chalk line around thehome to
guide the top edge of the back rail.
3: Correct screwing or nailing method for back rail: Start on the back side
of the home. Position screws or nails in the center of the slot. Screw/nail
to allow for a clearance of 1/16" from the back rail surface. Note: avoid tightly
screwing or nailing back rail. A 1/16" clearance allows for normal expansion
and contraction with temperature change. Place a screw or nail in every other
slot.
4: Provide a 1/2" gap between each back rail section for noraml thermal expansion.
To install around corner refer to step E.
Step
B: Mount Bottom Rail
1. Ground Preparation. Prepare the
ground so that it is smooth, Free of loose clumps, clods or prodruding obstacles.
Gaurd against uneven settling of newly excavated ground by mounting the bottom
rail on treated (2" x 2") lumber.
2. Mark the ground location directly below the outside, bottom edge of
the home. Use a level or plumb bob to determine this location at each corner.
3. Snap a chalk line or stretch a nylon string between each corner to
guide the bottom rail.
4. Position the bottom rail with the back leg toward the inside of the
chalk line perimeter.
5. Drive ground spikes every 19 inches. Two sets of holes are provided
in the bottom rail. They are located inside the channel, and on the back leg.
Ground spikes may be driven in either hole at intervals of 19 inches.
6. Installation on concrete. Use a 3/4" masonry nail. You may also drill
a hole for a 3/16" molly screw and plastic sleeve. (Nail and screw materials
are available at most hardware stores.)
To install around corners refer to step E.
Step C: Panel Installation
1. Beginning 24" Away from The Lowest
corner of the home. Measure from the ground upto 1-1/2" above the bottom edge
of the back rail. (If the temperature is below 40°F, with frozen ground, measure
to 3" above the back rail edge.)
2. Measurements on sloping ground should be taken every 16" (width of
panel) or 13" on VariBest.
3. Cut the bottom of each panel to angle with the ground. Each cut panel
section should align 90° to the bottom edge of the home. Use aviation Snips
or power saw (with a fine toothed saw bladeturned backwards) for cutting.
4. Punch lock tabs every 4" along the top and bottom edge of cut panel
sections (or outside portion of each panel face for 13" VariBest). A Malco (SL-8)
Snap Lock Punch Tool is recommended. Consult your skirting supplier for obtaining
this tool. Tabs are to be positioned outward to catch on the hooked edge of
the rails.
5. Interlock panels and insert into the bottom rail. Begin with the first
panel inserted into the bottom rail. Lock tabs should snap past the hooked edge
of the bottom rail. Insert next panel section into the interlock hooks along
the verticaledge of the panels. Seat each panel securely into the bottom rail.
Repeat interlocking panels, forming about a 12-foot section. Resume panel cut
and interlock method.
To install around corner, refer to step E.
Step D: Interlock
Front Rail With Back Rail
1. Start snapping one end of the
front top rail into the back top rail, creating the interlock. Push the front
top rail upward, its entire length until the front top rail is completely interlocked
with the back rail.
2. Overlap 1" each top rail section.
To install around a corner, refer to step E.
Step E: Corner Installation
1. Top back rail - Make a 1"
vertical slit from the top. Top interlock hook should be completely cut through.
Notch 45° on bottom curved leg.
2. Bottom rail - Notch the black portion with snips, as illustrated .
Bend around a corner and attach to the ground.
3. Panels - Cut panel to proper height. Determine point of corner bend;
bend over a table edge, forming a uniform angle.
4. Top front rail - Notch at both the top and bottom hooks of the front
rail, as illustrated. Bend around the corner and fit into the interlock with
the top back rail. Refer to Step D.
