Bricking a mobile home can be a good idea if you want to change the vehicle’s aesthetics. But will bricking make the mobile home stronger than before? We researched this pressing question and have the answer for you below!
You can brick a mobile to strengthen its foundation and structural integrity. The new brick installation may last several years if installed correctly and maintained properly.
Now, you’re wondering how to achieve this look for your mobile home. So keep reading as we talk about bricking a mobile home in greater detail. As you read through this post, we’ll also tackle the steps to complete this task. Let's dive in!
Safety Precautions For Bricking A Mobile Home
Like any home improvement project involving bricks, you should follow specific rules to prevent accidents and injuries. So here are some preventive steps you can take to ensure your safety while bricking your mobile home.
Wear Protective Equipment
PVC gloves, construction helmets, and safety goggles are among the few of the different protective gear you should wear for the upcoming renovation operation.
These items can help reduce the harm you may encounter from potential accidents.
Ask For Help
Bricks and other heavy objects can be challenging to lift and carry, particularly if you lack the necessary strength. So don’t hesitate to ask help from another person to help you lift and carry these objects to and from the job site.
Know Your Tools
Understand how your tools work before working with them, specifically those that cut like saws. Read each piece of equipment’s owner’s manual. You can also practice with those tools for you to know their functions.
Know When To Stop Working
Avoid working the moment you feel something amiss with your body. For example, if your back hurts from bending frequently, rest before proceeding with the project.
Don't consult a medical professional if the pain and other symptoms persist for extended periods.
Things You’ll Need
- Shovel
- Steel measuring tape
- Buckets
- Crushed stone or gravel
- Trowel
- Brick wet saw
- Brick sealer
- Garden sprayer
- Bricks
How To Install BrickSkirting On Mobile Home
Take the time to gather yourself and recheck if the preparations for this project are complete. Once you confirm the completion of the initial arrangements, continue by following these steps:
Step #1: Park The Mobile Home
Assuming that you’re still looking for a place to brick your mobile home, here are some helpful tips that may aid you in selecting the ideal location:
- Select between an individual lot or a mobile home community. The former choice promotes privacy, while the latter may include additional amenities.
- Check for nearby amenities. If the mobile home neighborhood lacks certain features, the location should be reasonably close to essential shops.
- Inspect the land. Ensure that the mobile home is on flat and level ground to avoid issues like settling.
- Investigate the crime rate. It can be worrisome to place your mobile home in a crime-infested area.
- Survey the area if it’s not for foreclosure. Perhaps the last thing you’d want is to move your mobile home sooner than later.
Step #2: Prepare The Foundation
Dig a trench around the mobile home's perimeter. The ditch should have about 3 feet in depth and width. Next, pour the crushed gravel or stone into the trench, which should become the mobile home's foundation.
Step #3: Reinforce The Foundation
Install and secure sturdy wooden boards around and underneath the mobile home. The beams should have placements between each joist to help strengthen the foundation’s stability.
Then, drill pilot holes into each wooden beam. Pound rebar rods into each pilot hole afterward. Ensure that the rebar rods go through the wooden material, allowing them to reach the crushed gravel or stone.
Moving forward, install concrete blocks to help secure the wooden bracing.
A general rule of thumb is to pour about 600 pounds of concrete into each block required for the mobile home's foundation. Remember to follow proper spacing between each concrete block.
Create a mixture of gravel and sand next. Make sure the ratio is 4 inches of sand per 1 inch of gravel. Then, pour the blend into the concrete piers. Next, insert three rebar lines into the poured solution following a zigzag pattern.
With the initial reinforcement complete, apply another layer of concrete to the perimeter. Allow the material to dry overnight.
Step #4: Install The Brick Skirting
Once the concrete dries, cut additional wooden support beams approximately 3 feet in length.
Then, place the cut pieces on the concrete foundation. One board should be on each block of concrete. Next, lay a ½-inch of plywood over the boards.
Create a mixture of 4 inches gravel and 8 inches of sand next. Spread this mixture across and above the formed foundation.
Then, start laying the bricks around the mobile home’s perimeter to form the skirting. Make sure to apply mortar between each brick to secure the assembly.
Step #5: Seal The Brick Skirting
Once the mortar dries, start sealing the brick assembly by washing and scrubbing it. Clean the brick skirting with a sponge dipped in soapy water to help remove loose dirt and debris. Wait for the bricks to dry before continuing.
Next, apply a brick sealer using a garden sprayer or similar equipment. Ensure that you’re working from the top of the brick skirting. That way, you can prevent unnecessary splashes from the solution.
Check out this masonry sealer on Amazon.
Alternatively, you can watch this video if you want to build a brick foundation for your mobile home:
You may see gaps between the brick assembly and your mobile home’s foundation. Read our post on how to fix gaps between the foundation and a house for possible solutions for that concern.
How Much Does It Cost To Brick A Mobile Home?
Generally, you should prepare to spend about $15 per square foot to brick a house. A similar rate for professional construction labor may apply if the house is a mobile home. For example, a 950-square-foot mobile home may require you to spend about $14,250 for expert bricking services.
What Are The Requirements For Skirting A Mobile Home?
Skirting a mobile or manufactured home means abiding by certain laws, regardless of the materials to use for the upcoming project. Some of these rules are:
- The mobile home should be on a foundation using recommended materials (e.g., corrosion-resistant metal and certain types of wood).
- The skirting should have proper ventilation.
- Installation of dryer vents and water pressure relief valves should be on the foundation’s exterior fascia.
What Are The Benefits Of Mobile Home Skirting?
You might still be on the fence about creating skirting for your mobile home, regardless of the material you will use for the structure.
If so, here are some possible benefits that may help finalize your decision:
Enhance Aesthetics
One advantage of installing skirting on your mobile home, whether brick or another construction material, is that it enhances the house’s visual appeal.
Plus, you can paint the structure to match your home’s theme.
Watch this video if you want to gain insight into painting a mobile home skirting:
Check out this brick paint on Amazon.
Reduce Energy Costs
Installing a mobile home skirting helps prevent cold and heat loss from within the house. That way, you can save money from monthly utility bills.
But it's still important to note that the amount saved from energy costs often varies for each mobile homeowner.
Extra Storage
You also have the option to use your mobile home’s skirting as a crawl space. This additional area can also act as an extra storage space. But ensure to ventilate it properly to avoid problems like moisture retention and mold growth.
Increase Curb Appeal
A new skirt for your mobile home may also increase its value. This addition to the house can be an excellent way to increase your return on investment (ROI), particularly if you plan to sell it soon.
To Finish It Up
Bricking your mobile home to strengthen its foundation is possible. However, you still need to follow the proper process to complete this project with minimal risks of errors.
If done correctly, you should have peace of mind, knowing that your new brick installation on your mobile home will last.
If you’re looking for answers to other home renovation concerns, check out these other great posts: