Mobile home skirting is an essential component of mobile and manufactured homes that provides both functional and aesthetic value. Often made from materials like vinyl, metal, or brick, skirting is installed around the base of a mobile home to cover the gap between the ground and the structure. While its primary purpose is to enhance the visual appeal by giving the home a more polished and finished look, mobile home skirting offers several additional benefits that go beyond mere aesthetics.
What is Mobile Home Skirting?
Mobile home skirting refers to the material installed around the base of a mobile or manufactured home, enclosing the space between the ground and the bottom of the home. Its primary purpose is to provide protection and enhance the home’s overall appearance, giving it a more finished and polished look. However, mobile home skirting serves several practical purposes as well.
- Protection from External Elements: Skirting acts as a barrier that shields the underside of the home from wind, water, and debris. It helps prevent moisture from building up under the home, which could otherwise lead to structural damage like wood rot or mold growth.
- Prevention of Animal Intrusion: One of the key benefits of mobile home skirting is its ability to keep out pests and animals. Without skirting, creatures like rodents, raccoons, or other small animals could easily burrow under the home and cause damage or nest in the insulation and other structural components.
- Regulating Temperature and Improving Energy Efficiency: By enclosing the area underneath the home, skirting helps insulate the home, preventing drafts from entering and helping to maintain a more stable internal temperature. This not only increases comfort but also reduces energy consumption and utility bills, making the home more efficient.
Common Materials Used for Mobile Home Skirting
- Vinyl Skirting: The most commonly used material due to its affordability and ease of installation. It’s available in various colors and requires minimal maintenance.
- Metal Skirting: More durable and resistant to damage, though it is more expensive than vinyl.
- Brick or Concrete Skirting: Provides a more permanent, sturdy solution with high durability, though installation is more complex and costly.
Proper Installation Techniques
Preparing the Site
Before beginning the skirting installation, it’s important to prepare the area around your mobile home.
- Ground Grading and Drainage: The ground surrounding your home should be properly graded to allow for effective water drainage. This prevents water from pooling around or beneath the mobile home, which can lead to erosion, foundation damage, or mold issues. A slight slope away from the home is ideal to direct water runoff. Ensure that the site is free of debris, and level any uneven spots to create a stable base for the skirting.
Measuring for Skirting
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful installation. Skirting that is cut too short or too long can result in gaps, sagging, or poor alignment.
- Measure the Perimeter: Measure the entire perimeter of the mobile home to determine how much skirting material you’ll need. Don’t forget to include the height from the ground to the bottom of the home at various points, as the ground may not be perfectly level all the way around.
- Leave Space for Ventilation: When measuring, keep in mind that adequate ventilation is essential (more on this below). Factor in the placement of vents and ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Order Additional Material: It’s wise to order extra skirting material to account for any cutting errors or future repairs.
Ventilation Considerations
Proper ventilation is crucial in mobile home skirting because it helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold, mildew, or wood rot. It also reduces the risk of pests using the warm, damp space under your home as a habitat.
- Why Ventilation is Important: Without adequate airflow, moisture can accumulate under the home, leading to a range of issues, from structural damage to unhealthy air quality. Ventilation helps control humidity levels and allows air to circulate, keeping the space dry and preventing damage to the home’s foundation or flooring.
- Best Practices for Installing Vents:
- Vents should be installed approximately every 150 square feet of skirting to allow for sufficient airflow. Depending on the size of your home, you’ll need multiple vents distributed evenly around the perimeter.
- Be mindful not to compromise insulation while installing vents. They should allow air to circulate but still provide protection against the cold during winter months.
- Ensure vents are kept clear of obstructions like leaves, dirt, or snow to maintain effective airflow.
Attaching Skirting to the Home
Once your site is prepared and measurements are complete, the next step is attaching the skirting panels securely to the home. This process requires precision and care to ensure a long-lasting, durable installation.
- Step-by-Step Guide to Attaching Skirting Panels:
- Install a Ground Rail: Start by installing a ground rail or track around the base of the home. This will serve as a guide for the bottom of the skirting panels, keeping them secure and aligned.
- Cut the Panels: Cut the skirting panels to the correct height based on your measurements. Ensure that the cuts are clean and straight to avoid gaps or misalignment.
- Attach the Panels: Begin attaching the panels to the ground rail. Use screws, nails, or fasteners that are appropriate for the material you’re working with (e.g., galvanized screws for metal skirting, stainless steel fasteners for vinyl). Make sure that the fasteners are evenly spaced to avoid sagging.
- Align and Secure the Panels: As you attach each panel, ensure it is properly aligned with adjacent panels. Skirting panels should be level and flush to create a seamless appearance. Take your time to avoid any warping or bending of the material.
- Secure the Top: Once the panels are attached at the bottom, secure the top to the underside of the home. Some types of skirting will require a top track for extra stability, while others may be attached directly to the home’s frame using screws or nails.
- Preventing Sagging and Warping: To prevent skirting from sagging or warping over time, make sure all panels are tightly fastened and well-supported. Regular inspections and adjustments can help maintain the integrity of the skirting over the years.
Maintaining Your Mobile Home Skirting
Regular Inspection
Frequent checks are essential for spotting early signs of damage. Mobile home skirting is exposed to a variety of external elements, such as wind, rain, and temperature changes, which can gradually wear it down. Regular inspections allow you to identify and address problems before they escalate.
- Why Frequent Checks Matter: Over time, skirting can develop cracks, warping, or holes that allow moisture or pests to enter. Inspecting your skirting every few months—or after major weather events—ensures that you catch these issues early. Focus on areas near ground level, corners, and any spots that appear discolored or misaligned.
- When to Inspect: Schedule inspections at least seasonally (four times a year) and after severe weather like storms or heavy winds. This routine will help you catch and repair any damage promptly.
Cleaning the Skirting
Keeping your mobile home skirting clean is vital for both appearance and longevity. Dirt, debris, and mildew can accumulate on skirting over time, leading to stains or degradation of the material.
- Best Practices for Cleaning Vinyl and Metal Skirting:
- For vinyl skirting, simple soap and water are usually sufficient for regular cleaning. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the panels gently. If there are tougher stains or mildew, you can use a mixture of water and a mild detergent. For particularly stubborn stains, a diluted bleach solution may be used with caution.
- For metal skirting, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can scratch or corrode the surface. A mild cleaning solution and soft cloth are generally sufficient. In areas where metal skirting is exposed to salt (near coastal regions), you may want to rinse the skirting more frequently to prevent salt buildup, which can cause rust.
- How Often to Clean: Cleaning your skirting should be done at least twice a year, though more frequent cleanings may be necessary in areas with high pollen, dust, or mildew accumulation.
- Tools to Use:
- A garden hose with moderate pressure for rinsing off dirt and debris.
- A soft brush or sponge for scrubbing.
- Power washers may be used with caution on vinyl skirting but avoid using them on metal skirting as the high pressure can cause dents or damage.
Repairing Damaged Skirting
Even with regular maintenance, damage to your skirting may occur due to extreme weather, impacts, or general wear. Addressing damage promptly helps avoid further complications such as moisture penetration or pest intrusion.
- Addressing Cracks, Holes, or Warped Panels: Small cracks and holes can often be repaired with patching kits, which are readily available for vinyl and metal skirting. For more significant damage, like severely warped panels, it may be necessary to replace entire sections.
- DIY Tips for Small Repairs:
- Vinyl Skirting Repairs: For small holes or cracks, you can use vinyl patch kits that typically include adhesive patches designed to blend with your skirting’s color. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying these patches to ensure a seamless repair.
- Metal Skirting Repairs: Small dents or holes in metal skirting can often be patched using a similar metal repair kit. If the damage is too extensive, replacing the individual panels may be necessary.
- When to Call a Professional: If you notice significant structural damage, such as large sections of sagging skirting, excessive warping, or widespread moisture issues, it’s best to call in a professional. They can assess the situation and provide a more permanent solution to prevent further damage.
Preventing Pest Damage
Pests, such as rodents and insects, can pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of your mobile home if they are allowed to burrow underneath. Proper skirting maintenance can help deter pests and keep your home safe.
- Sealing Gaps or Holes: Make sure there are no gaps or holes in the skirting where animals could enter. Pay special attention to corners, areas around pipes, and vents, as these can be entry points for pests. Use durable sealants or mesh covers to block any openings without compromising ventilation.
- Checking for Signs of Pests: During routine inspections, look for signs of pest activity such as droppings, chewed materials, or burrows near the foundation of the skirting. If you notice any signs of an infestation, take immediate action by sealing entry points and calling pest control if necessary.
- Proactive Measures: To discourage animals from attempting to nest under your mobile home, keep the area around the home free of debris, tall grass, and food sources that might attract them. Additionally, ensuring that your skirting is properly ventilated can make it less attractive to pests looking for warm, humid environments.
Contact Homesaver Contracting Company
If you’re ready to enhance your mobile home’s durability, appearance, and energy efficiency, let the professionals at Homesaver Contracting Company guide you through the process. Whether you need new skirting installation, repairs, or maintenance, we are committed to delivering top-tier services that meet your needs. With our expertise, we can help you choose the best materials, ensure a proper installation, and maintain your skirting to prevent issues like pest damage and weather-related wear.
Contact Homesaver Contracting Company today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can assist with all your mobile home needs. From routine maintenance to complete remodels, we have the experience and resources to get the job done right.
Phone: 1(586)610-8608
Address: 680 Quatro Lane, Addison Township, MI 48367
Email: homesavercontractingco@gmail.com
Website: homesaverremodeling.com
