There is a lot of misinformation and silly myths regarding insulated baseboards for mobile homes. People have told me that they have heard that it will promote mold growth and that the bottom of the house should breathe. Others have told me that they have heard that insulated baseboards offer no benefit, such as preventing frozen pipes. I can comfortably and confidently tell you that if done correctly, these myths are false.
Insulated baseboards can be one of the best additions to your home. People who have had problems with frozen pipes year after year have stopped after installing insulated baseboards. There are a few different types of skirting on the market, but they all behave the same and these principles are universal.
- Ventilation: Your home needs adequate ventilation during the warmer months so the underside can breathe. This is the only time of year, when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, that you need ventilation. Automatic open and close vents are the best maintenance-free option. The minimum ventilation required for a home that does not have a ground cover is not less than 1 square foot of ventilation per 150 square feet of floor space. If you have a floor covering, 6 mil poly plastic, you can reduce the requirement from 1 square foot to 1500 square feet of floor space. keep in mind– Installation of the ground cover must be done in accordance with a local building code and must be done correctly.
- Insulating force – Regardless of the material you choose to use, make sure the R-value meets at least a value of 8. You also want to make sure the outer material is weather resistant. A precast insulated skirting product is usually the best option. It will be the most profitable way to complete the product.
- Thermal Envelope – When installing an insulated product, you must ensure that the material passes throughout the house. If you have a porch, deck, or addition attached to the house, be sure to install the proper material behind the structures to maintain a thermal envelope. You’re capturing the warmth of the ground that is a constant 53 degrees year-round, and without a complete installation, you won’t be capturing it. If you stopped near a porch, the heat would escape outside. This is why your pipes will not freeze with a properly installed system.
- Durability – Insulated systems are usually 2 inches thick and very strong. You will not suffer from wind blasts like you may have encountered with non-insulated systems. Keeping critters out of the house is also an important goal. The strength and durability of an isolated system will keep them out.
When done right, insulated mobile home baseboards will put an end to your frozen pipe problems, lower utility bills, and offer a much more durable baseboard compared to non-insulated systems.