Crawlspace Skirting
Crawlspaces should be out of sight, but not out of mind!
Many important system components of a home run through and make connections in the crawlspace.
If the crawlspace isn't protected and properly maintained many issues can arise to disrupt functionality or safety of the home.
In the past, the most common skirting solution is a vinyl plastic skirting, though we offer this solution, but for any crawlspace in Canada we recommend our TruSkirt system, an Insulated Metal skirting to properly protect your crawlspace.
Durability
TruSkirt is a R-9 Insulated Skirting Panel with a 29 Gauge Metal Cladding and Trim System.
The Top Trim allows for over twice the code required "Heave Gap" as in our experience have seen the minimum requirements not be adequate in many areas of Western Canada due to soil and weather we experience.
The metal cladding provide hail and weed eater resistance, if the ground is properly prepared the system can also provide excellent rodent resistance.
Some of the most common issues we see with skirting is buckling from not enough heave gap, holes from weed eaters or impacts.
Lack of ventilation and insulation also commonly have adverse effects to the components in the crawlspace.
This is why we designed and developed TruSkirt. Made in Alberta for Alberta.
The insulation provides additional protection to the crawlspace plumbing systems and even our basic ventilation options provides superior results.
Ventilation
Our skirting can be installed in a multitude of configurations to suit most every structure's needs.
Code requires that an unconditioned crawlspace be vented be means of natural (Open) or Mechanical (Powered) means.
Our basic ventilation option is "Integrated Hidden Open Venting". In this configuration we modify certain skirting panels to allow air flor to move through the top trim heave gap and under the home. We can also install them in such a way that the natural ground heave pushed up on the skirting and closes the ventilation during the winter to provide the maximum benefit of the insulation during the dry winter months.
Our more advance solutions to crawlspace humidity includes digital sensors and controllers to drive fans to control the air flow.
If pairing the skirting install with an encapsulation even more options for dehumidifying and conditioning the space are available.
DIY TruSkirt Kits
We do offer our most common installation configuration material package for handy home owners or contractors to install.
Most new modular homes are prefect for this installation configuration, but for older or unique home some prep may be required for the skirting to be installed properly.
The skirting kits come with the insulated panels, trims, hardware and instructions for installation.
Support is also provided as needed if you have any questions during installation.
Hiring and Installation Process
As with any project, we need to eliminate all uncertainty prior to providing a quote.
We will need information about the home and pictures of all sides to provide a rough estimate.
NOTE: If the home needs to be levelled, we highly recommend doing that before the skirting installation as the panels are cut to fit and if the home is lifted later the skirting may be too short!
Typically an on-site assessment is required after the initial estimate is confirmed to fit with your budget.
During the assessment we will confirm material requirements and document and installation configurations and techniques that will be required to complete the installations. It is common for their to be obstacles such as decks, fences, electrical conduits, gas lines and AC units and lines to name a few things that need to be considered for a successful installation.
Our installation projects typically don't just include the installation, but also the removal and disposal of the existing skirting if applicable and the preparation of the home and ground for the install.
