Do it Yourself Mobile Home Repair: Mobile Home Skirting

Mobile home skirting is a simple method of not only adding visual appeal to your manufactured home, but also adding insulation, protection from animal or insect invasion, and can even help provide support for your mobile home. Depending on your home budget and do-it-yourself experience, trailer skirting can often prove to be a very inexpensive and easy method of improving the appearance and the comfort of your mobile home.

What is Mobile Home Skirting?

In most cases, mobile homes and trailers sit on blocks that rest on a cement (or an equivalent) foundation. Mobile home skirting, otherwise known as trailer skirting, is the barrier that covers the space between the floor of your mobile home and it's foundation. These barriers can be created out of a variety of different materials and can be very simple in appearance or very decorative. The most common uses for mobile home skirting are to provide a barrier that will prevent animals from taking residence under your trailer and improving the appearance of your manufactured home and surrounding mobile home plot. Additionally, when properly installed, mobile home skirting can also help to insulate your home, helping to trap both heat and cold from escaping. Installing mobile home skirting around the base of your manufactured home is an excellent method to help cut heating and cooling costs.

Different Types of Mobile Home Skirting

There are many different kinds of mobile home skirting to choose from. Some varieties of mobile home skirting are very easy to install and make a great do-it-yourself project where others may require professional installation. The prices vary with the different types of mobile home skirting, but some methods can prove to be a very cost-efficient method of lowering your heating and cooling bill. The main factors to consider, when choosing mobile home skirting, are what job you intend for it to do, how much money you're willing to invest in this home improvement project and your own capabilities. Here are some great examples of different types of mobile home skirting to get you started:

Vinyl: Vinyl skirting is a popular choice for many mobile home owners because, simply put, it's one of the cheapest kinds of mobile home skirting you can find. Coming in flexible 2'x8' long strips, vinyl skirting is easy to install and provides mobile home owners with a very durable and washable material for their trailer skirting. Vinyl skirting comes in a wide variety of colors, so it's usually fairly easy to find a color that will match or at least compliment your home. Unfortunately, while vinyl skirting is inexpensive, it's much more flimsy than other kinds of skirting. If you live in an area that experiences frequent heavy storms or if you have a lot of problems with animals getting under your trailer, you may want to reconsider the vinyl and go for something a little more sturdy.

Metal: Aluminum and galvanized metal are two more popular choices for mobile home skirting. Both are fairly inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colors and styles; even natural metal skirting can be beneficial as it can help to insulate your home with its light-reflecting ability. The main downfalls to aluminum and metal skirting is that they do require being ventilated (which often requires special tools and additional cutting), and that they can be a bit tricky to install. If you're not overly handy, there are companies who can professionally install your aluminum skirting for you, but it can sometimes be a little on the costly side.

Brick: If you aren't overly concerned about costs, brick skirting can provide your home with an attractive and sturdier alternative to other forms of trailer skirting. If you're looking to make your manufactured home look more like a house with a solid foundation, rather than as a trailer, you may find brick skirting to be a reliable option. Be prepared, however, as brick skirting is one of the more expensive alternatives and, between the mortar and masonry equipment that's needed, may require professional installation.

Stone: Concrete or stone skirting is another option for your mobile home, though this is one of the least popular kinds of mobile home skirting available. While stone or concrete skirting provides a nice solid-looking base for your trailer, it can be costly and difficult to work with. Like brick skirting, both concrete and stone skirting requires venting and usually requires professional installation. Also, when dealing with these heavy skirting options, one must also keep other factors in mind, such as the mobile home shifting. Over time, mobile homes have a tendency to shift or need leveling. This can cause stone and brick skirting to come loose from the mobile and, in some cases, to topple over and break. This is, however, one of the best options for those who have to deal with heavy storms or potential animal invasions.

Imitation Brick or Rock Skirting: If you want the look of brick or stone skirting on your mobile home, a less-expensive option may be investing in simulated stone skirting. Made from metal, plastic or even vinyl, this imitation rock skirting can improve the look of your mobile home, but at a lower price and without requiring professional installation. The main flaw of this style of trailer skirting is that they aren't always as durable as their real counterparts.

Whatever your personal preference, chances are you'll find a type of mobile home skirting that appeals to your tastes. Before you purchase, however, be sure to take all the different factors into consideration - the job you intend for it to do, how durable you need it to be, how much you can afford to pay and whether or not you'll be able to complete task (or need to hire help). Taking the time to think these factors over will save you time and money in the long run.

If you're undecided or don't know what kind of mobile home skirting you need, don't be afraid to ask for further information at your local hardware store or mobile home parts supplier.

Sources:

Personal experience as a mobile home owner