What Is Mobile Home Skirting and Why It Matters
When looking at a mobile home, you may notice an additional material attached between the siding and the ground. This material is called skirting, and it plays a more important role than many realize. While the name sounds simple, understanding what is mobile home skirting reveals how vital it is for protecting and maintaining your home.
Skirting covers the open space beneath a mobile home, serving as a protective barrier against animals, cold, snow, and water. It shields plumbing systems from freezing temperatures and adds an extra layer of security for your home’s foundation. Moreover, properly installed skirting can create a neat appearance while offering a small storage area for seasonal items.
Choosing the Right Skirting Material
If you’re unsure about the best skirting material, it’s always wise to consult a professional. A local expert can inspect your home, assess your needs, and recommend the best option based on your budget, climate, and preferences. In Sarasota, Florida, mobile home skirting is typically made of fiberglass, stone, aluminum, or plastic. Each type has its strengths—fiberglass offers durability, while vinyl provides affordability and ease of maintenance.
Once you choose the right material, installation becomes the next crucial step. The skirting is attached to a track at the bottom of the mobile home, and each panel must fit tightly next to the previous one. When the panels don’t fit correctly, they leave gaps that defeat the purpose of having skirting in the first place. Therefore, it’s essential to measure carefully and ensure a precise fit before securing each section.
Common Skirting Options and Installation Tips
Today’s market offers a variety of skirting options, including vinyl, concrete, metal foam, wood foam, and faux rock. Before buying, it’s helpful to measure the open space beneath your home—length, width, and height. Having these dimensions ready not only makes installation easier but also prevents you from purchasing excess material.
When preparing for installation, gather screws, long planks, chalk, and a circular saw. Although skirting installation can be a DIY project, having a friend or two help can make the process faster and safer. Turning the task into a quick weekend project can make it more manageable and even enjoyable.
How Skirting Protects Your Home
Beyond its visual appeal, mobile home skirting plays a major role in keeping unwanted animals away. Small critters can easily crawl under an unprotected mobile home, damaging insulation, chewing through wires, or even puncturing plumbing lines. Since mobile homes often have plumbing systems located beneath the structure, protecting these components is critical to preventing leaks and costly repairs.
Additionally, since mobile homes typically have wood-based flooring systems, missing or damaged skirting can expose the underside of your home to moisture. Over time, this can lead to wood rot and weaken your floor supports. To avoid such damage, regularly check your skirting for cracks, gaps, or loose panels.
Maintaining and Inspecting Skirting
To keep your skirting in good condition, it’s recommended to inspect it once or twice per month. Walk around your property and look for panels that may have shifted out of place. If you notice any that have moved off their track, reattach them promptly. Some materials, especially vinyl or fiberglass, can become brittle over time, so handling them carefully helps extend their lifespan.
If you see any holes or cracks, patch them as soon as possible. Even small openings can let in moisture or pests, which may lead to larger issues later. Regular maintenance ensures your skirting continues to perform effectively and preserves your home’s appearance.
DIY Skirting Installation and Local Guidelines
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, DIY skirting kits are available. However, installing skirting requires patience and precision. You must ensure the area has adequate ventilation, especially in warm climates like Sarasota. Proper airflow beneath the home helps prevent condensation and mold growth.
Before starting your project, check local regulations regarding permits and inspections. Skirting installation that doesn’t meet building codes could affect your insurance or home warranty. Vinyl skirting is often the easiest for homeowners to install because it’s lightweight and easy to cut. Still, make sure every panel fits evenly and aligns properly.
If you have fiberglass or plastic skirting, take extra care when mowing the lawn or trimming weeds. Weed trimmers can easily chip or crack skirting panels, which can lead to more extensive damage over time.
Final Thoughts on Mobile Home Skirting
Understanding what is mobile home skirting is key to protecting your investment. It may seem like a small feature, but it acts as a shield for your home’s plumbing, insulation, and structure. Keeping it well-maintained is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to safeguard your mobile home for years to come.
The Mobile Home Dealer recommends inspecting your skirting regularly and making prompt repairs when needed. Doing so ensures that your home remains secure, energy-efficient, and attractive.
If you have questions about mobile home maintenance or are planning to buy or sell a home in Sarasota, visit The Mobile Home Dealer. You can also check our Facebook Page for more helpful tips.
This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer, helping mobile home buyers and sellers get to a better place in life.