Mobile Home Skirting: What Is It and Why Should You Care?

Have you ever noticed that mobile homes have skirting underneath them? Pass by a mobile home near you or walk around a mobile home center, and you’ll notice the mobile home skirting we are talking about. You probably think their purpose is to make mobile homes more appealing, and you are right. But not entirely. Mobile home skirtings are more than just decorative pieces. 

This article will explain what mobile home skirtings are and their benefits to homeowners. We will also give you tips on choosing a mobile home skirting so you can buy one that suits your home. Lastly, we will give you a crash course on installing mobile home skirting to save money on labor expenses while improving your handyman skills.  

What is Skirting for Mobile Homes?

Mobile skirting is also called mobile home underpinning. It is the process of installing skirting panels to cover the space underneath a mobile home. Mobile home skirting can also refer to the actual panels used during the process. 

Pros and Cons

So, why do you need mobile home skirting? In this section, we will explain why mobile home skirting is essential. We will also discuss their disadvantages so you know what to expect. 

Pros

• Mobile home skirting can improve aesthetics – The most obvious benefit of having mobile home skirting is that it improves the looks of a mobile home. A gaping space between the mobile home and the ground below looks unpleasant; skirting can help cover this gap. 

Mobile home skirting also gives a mobile home a clean and finished look. Have you seen a mobile home without skirting before? It looks half-finished because you can see ductwork and pipes underneath the home. It looks like the contractor left the house in the middle of construction and has yet to return. 

• Due to its impact on a mobile home’s looks, mobile home skirting also improves curb appeal and increases a house’s resale value. If you plan on selling your mobile home, installing new skirting can be a bargaining chip to get more money for your property. 
• It adds an extra layer of protection – Mobile home skirting adds an extra layer of protection for your mobile home. Mobile home skirting can help prevent animals and insects from inhabiting the crawl space underneath your home. This protective barrier can help prevent an infestation from rodents, raccoons, mice, pests, and critters. Remember that these animals can bring diseases that might affect your family. Rodents are also natural scavengers known to bring back pieces of garbage that will accumulate underneath your house. 

Mobile home skirting can also help keep family members safe. If you have small children, skirting can help deter them from getting into the crawl space, where they can get stuck and injured. 

• Reduces maintenance – Mobile home skirting can help reduce the maintenance needs of your mobile home. Skirting helps keep leaves, thrash, and other debris from getting into your crawl space, so cleaning it frequently is unnecessary. 

The absence of garbage and dried leaves in the crawl space can also help reduce the likelihood of fires. Remember that garbage and dried leaves are combustible materials, and keeping your property clear of them can help you avoid accidental fires, especially during dry summers. 

• Compliance with legal requirements – Skirting is a requirement for mobile and manufactured homes in most locations. For example, in Texas, you cannot rent or occupy a mobile home that doesn’t have the required skirting. 

However, since local ordinances vary, mobile homeowners should obtain complete details of mobile home skirting requirements from their local housing authorities. Some areas also require professional installation and permits for skirting installation, while others allow mobile homeowners to go the DIY route with the help of mobile home skirting kits. 

• Mobile home skirting can help create storage space – Mobile home skirting can help transform a crawl space into an additional storage space. You can use it to store seasonal gear and decorations. It would also be a perfect space for storing lawn and garden tools and equipment. 

• It can help you save on utilities – Mobile homeowners want to keep their houses warm during winter, and skirting can help make it easier. With the help of skirting, you don’t have to worry about snow accumulating underneath your mobile home. This means that you are reducing the likelihood of water and heating pipes freezing, which can prevent them from functioning properly. 

Cons

• They can easily get damaged – Some skirting panels, like vinyl, can easily sustain damage from weedeaters. Vinyl skirting can also turn brittle with constant exposure to extreme temperatures. Metal skirting can get dented and is prone to rust. 

• Some are more difficult to install – Concrete and brick skirting are challenging to install. This might force you to spend more money by hiring professional installers. 

What are the Different Types of Mobile Home Skirting?

Now that we have a better understanding of mobile home skirting and its benefits, let’s take a look at the different mobile home skirting options available to you. This section will help you choose the correct type of skirting and skirting materials depending on your needs and the type of mobile home you own. 

Vinyl

This is the most popular type of skirting because it is cheaper than other skirting types. Its popularity is also due to its ease of installation. If you want to save money, vinyl skirting is an excellent choice because you can install it yourself.

However, vinyl is not as durable as the other types on our list. Constant exposure to extreme cold and heat can warp vinyl panels. It can also cause the panels to become brittle and crack. They are also prone to accidental damage. Vinyl skirting can break when hit by garden tools, like rakes or spades. 

Concrete or Stucco

Concrete or stucco skirting is your best bet if you are looking for a durable skirting option. If you want permanent skirting for your home, concrete skirting is the way to go. Concrete skirting also adds an additional layer of insulation to your home. 

Unfortunately, you will need to hire a professional to install concrete skirting. This is because it is usually made with cinder blocks that are challenging to install. Concrete skirting also takes time to install, so it is not an ideal choice if you need to replace old skirting immediately. 

Concrete skirting is also expensive because of the materials and labor expenses. If you want to save money, use concrete skirting panels instead of those made with cinder blocks. However, although they are cheaper, they are not as durable. 

Faux stone

Faux stone skirtings are panels with a texture that makes them look and feel like natural stone. These faux panels are made from polyurethane material, which makes them durable. They are expensive but excellent investments because they can help increase your house’s value. 

Simulated Rock

Simulated rock skirting is skirting that looks like real rocks. However, the similarities end here because they don’t have the same texture as natural rocks. They are also not as durable because these panels are made of plastic. Simulated rock skirting is an excellent choice if you want skirting with a natural look that you won’t find in vinyl. 

Brick

Like concrete skirting, brick skirting is a great way to create durable skirting. It is also excellent for reinforcing a natural foundation because the brick skirting can improve a home’s foundation. 

Brick skirting is similar to concrete skirting but uses bricks instead of cinder blocks. It is an expensive option but does wonders for your house’s exterior. It is also more challenging to make, so you’ll need to hire professionals to get it right. To save money, you can opt for faux brick skirting panels.  

Metal

As its name implies, this type of skirting uses panels made of metal. It is ideal for DIY enthusiasts because it is easy to install. Metal skirting panels have predrilled holes, so all that’s left is to screw or bolt it to the frame of your crawl space. 

Metal skirting panels can be cheap or very expensive, depending on several factors. The thicker the panels are, the more expensive they are. Plain metal skirting panels are cheap, while those with designs imprinted on them are considerably more expensive. 

Wood

Wood skirting is an excellent choice if you want something that looks natural for your skirting. You can get wood skirting that covers the entire length of the crawl space or lattice wood skirting with holes to improve ventilation in your crawl space. 

The downside with wood skirting is that it can retain moisture, resulting in mold growth. It also requires more maintenance and might need occasional repainting and restaining. 

Tips When Choosing a Mobile Home Skirt

We know that by now, you are excited to get new skirting for your mobile home. But before you start opening your wallet, here are some important tips you need to consider when buying a mobile home skirt. 

Choose one that suits the overall design of your home

Make sure that the skirting you are buying will look great with the overall design of your mobile home. Consider style, color, and texture to avoid ending up with a house that looks haphazardly put together. 

For example, if the exterior walls of your mobile home have soft earth colors, find skirting with similar colors. If your mobile home has a modern metal design, metal skirting is better than faux stone or simulated rock. 

Consider your location

The location of your mobile home plays a crucial role in your choice of skirting. For example, if you are in an area that experiences hot weather conditions, metal or concrete skirting would be great choices since they are not affected by extreme heat. Vinyl skirting would be a poor choice in this case since constant exposure to high temperatures might result in the warping of vinyl panels. 

If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall and flooding, vinyl skirting would be a better choice because it won’t rust or corrode. If your location receives heavy snowfall, ensure the skirting won’t touch the ground since snow can make the ground swell and damage your skirting. 

Permanent or temporary?

Ask yourself whether you want permanent skirting or not. Concrete and brick skirting are considered permanent skirting. Although they can be removed, doing so is very difficult and costly.

If you want to replace your skirting in the future, go with skirting that you can easily remove or replace, like metal or vinyl skirting. 

Choose a contractor or supplier that specializes in skirting

If you are getting a professional to install skirting, hire one specializing in mobile home skirting. This will help reduce the likelihood of installation errors or defects. They can also advise you when choosing a skirting that suits your house and location. 

Related Questions

Let’s answer some of the most common questions homeowners have about mobile home skirting. 

Do you have to skirt around a mobile home?

Yes, skirting is vital to a mobile home. We’ve enumerated several important reasons why you need to have skirting around your mobile home. 

How much does mobile home skirting typically cost?

This is a tough question to answer because it depends on several factors. The first factor is the type of skirting you will use and their current prices. Vinyl skirting is your cheapest option and costs between $360 to $1,275 for a single-wide mobile home. Faux stone skirting costs around $680 – $1,000 for a single-wide. The cost of wood skirting depends on the type of wood you want. As for brick and concrete skirting, their costs vary, and it is best to get accurate estimates from a local supplier. 

One thing that we recommend is buying all the materials from one supplier. This can help you save on delivery fees. You might even be given a discount if you order in bulk. 

Size is another factor because the larger the mobile home is, the more materials you will need, and the higher the overall cost is. Size also influences labor expenses because it will take longer to outfit a large mobile home than a small one. 

How do you install a mobile home skirt?

If you are up for the challenge of installing a mobile home skirt, here are the steps you need to follow:

1.    Measure and Plan
Measure the perimeter of your mobile home by taking the height and length of each section. This allows you to determine how much skirting material you need.

2.    Gather Materials and Tools

Purchase the required amount of skirting materials. You also need to buy tools, like a tape measure, circular saw, work gloves, stakes, hammer, and utility knife.

3.    Prepare the Area

Make sure that the perimeter of the mobile home is free from weeds, debris, and rocks. Ensure the ground is level, and you are working on an even surface.

4.    Install Perimeter Frame

Attach a treated lumber frame around the entire perimeter of the mobile home. You can use 2x4s or 4x4s.

5.    Cut Skirting Panels

Measure the height between the bottom part of the mobile home and the ground. Use the measurement as a guide as you cut your skirting material. You can use tin snips, a circular saw, or a utility knife to cut the panels to size.

6.    Attach Skirting Panels

Attach the first skirting panel at one corner of the mobile home. Drill pilot holes through the panel into the frame and secure it using screws designed for the skirting material. Repeat the process for each of the remaining panels.

7.    Trim and Finish

Once all panels are attached, trim excess materials along the top or bottom. Install the corner posts or decorated pieces.

8.    Ventilation and Access

Install vent panels to prevent moisture build-up. You can also install an access door for maintenance purposes.

If you are not confident installing the skirting yourself, hire a professional. It will add to your overall expenses, but you can avoid mistakes and the risk of damaging your skirting. 

Conclusion

Skirting is a crucial part of mobile homes. Some states and counties require them. They can make a mobile home more attractive. They can make a mobile home more secure against rodents and pests. Mobile home skirting can also help make a house more energy efficient and add storage options. Before buying skirting, thoroughly read our guide to know which type of skirting best suits your home. Like and follow our Facebook page to read about other unique homes, like modern prefab homes, barndominiums, shouses, and pole barn homes.