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  • Why Skirting for Mobile Homes is Essential for Energy Efficiency

    Skirting for mobile homes plays a big role in energy efficiency by sealing off the underside of the home. Without proper skirting, mobile homes lose heat in winter and allow excess moisture to build up, which can lead to damage. Choosing the right skirting helps lower energy bills and improves overall comfort.

    How Skirting for Mobile Homes Helps with Energy Efficiency

    Mobile homes sit above the ground, exposing the underside to changing weather conditions. Proper skirting acts as a barrier against wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. This helps in several ways:

    • Prevents heat loss – Insulated skirting reduces cold air from entering under the home.
    • Blocks moisture – It stops humidity from seeping into the floor, reducing mold risks.
    • Stops pests – Animals and insects cannot nest under the home when skirting is in place.
    • Improves cooling – In summer, skirting prevents hot air from making floors uncomfortably warm.

    Choosing the Right Skirting for Mobile Homes

    The type of skirting makes a difference in energy savings. Here are some common options:

    Vinyl Skirting

    This is one of the most affordable choices. It provides basic protection but may not offer much insulation.

    Metal Skirting

    Aluminum and steel skirting are durable and provide good protection against wind and moisture.

    Insulated Skirting

    This is the best option for energy efficiency. It helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduces heating and cooling costs.

    Skirting for Mobile Homes

    Installation Tips for Skirting on Mobile Homes

    Proper installation ensures maximum energy efficiency. Here are key steps:

    1. Measure correctly – Take accurate measurements to avoid gaps and weak spots.
    2. Choose insulation – If using vinyl or metal, consider adding insulation panels behind the skirting.
    3. Seal gaps – Use caulking or foam sealant to close small openings.
    4. Allow ventilation – Include vented panels to prevent moisture buildup.
    5. Secure properly – Attach skirting firmly to avoid wind damage.

    Benefits of Skirting Beyond Energy Savings

    Skirting for mobile homes offers advantages beyond reducing energy costs:

    • Improves curb appeal – A well-skirted home looks more finished and attractive.
    • Increases lifespan of flooring – Less exposure to moisture keeps floors in good shape.
    • Boosts home value – A properly skirted home is more appealing to buyers.
    • Protects pipes – Helps prevent freezing in winter.

    Common Myths About Mobile Home Skirting

    “Skirting is just for looks.”

    While it does enhance appearance, skirting plays a big role in insulation and moisture control.

    “All skirting materials work the same.”

    Different materials provide varying levels of protection. Insulated skirting offers the best energy savings.

    “Ventilation isn’t necessary.”

    Too much sealing can trap moisture, leading to mold. Proper vents help balance airflow.

    How Much Does Mobile Home Skirting Save on Energy Bills?

    The exact savings depend on the material and insulation level. On average, well-installed skirting can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10% to 25%. In colder climates, insulated skirting prevents drafts, making heating systems work less.

    DIY vs. Professional Installation

    Some homeowners choose to install skirting themselves, while others hire professionals. Consider the following:

    • DIY installation – Cost-effective but requires time and proper tools.
    • Professional installation – Ensures a perfect fit and may come with warranties.

    Maintaining Skirting for Long-Term Efficiency

    To keep skirting effective, regular maintenance is key:

    • Inspect annually – Look for cracks, holes, or loose sections.
    • Clean vents – Make sure they are free from debris for proper airflow.
    • Repair damage quickly – Fix any broken panels before weather conditions worsen.

    FAQ About Mobile Home Skirting

    1. What is the best type of skirting for energy efficiency? Insulated skirting provides the best protection against heat loss and moisture.
    2. How much does mobile home skirting cost? Prices range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the material and installation method.
    3. Can I install mobile home skirting myself? Yes, but professional installation ensures better results and durability.
    4. How often should skirting be replaced? Quality skirting lasts 10 to 20 years, depending on maintenance and material type.
    5. Does skirting prevent pipes from freezing? Yes, it reduces exposure to cold air, helping keep pipes from freezing.
    6. What happens if my skirting has gaps? Gaps let in cold air and pests, reducing energy efficiency and increasing risks of damage.
    7. Does skirting increase property value? Yes, a well-maintained skirting system makes the home more attractive to buyers.
    8. Is ventilation necessary for mobile home skirting? Yes, proper vents prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
    9. Can I paint the mobile home skirting? Most metal and wood skirting options can be painted for a better appearance.
    10. What is the cheapest skirting option? Vinyl skirting is the most affordable but may require insulation for better efficiency.

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  • What Is Mobile Home Skirting?

    When looking at a mobile home, one may see that there is additional material attached to the side of the home between where the siding ends and the ground for which the mobile home sits begins. This material is called mobile home skirting.

    This is called the skirting of a mobile home.

    While the name is simple in nature, what it does and how it works are quite a bit more detailed.

    Mobile home skirting covers the space underneath a mobile home to protect it from animals, cold, snow, and water. Skirting protects the plumbing work and ensures pipes or ducts do not freeze during winter. An adequately installed skirt will provide storage space where one can tuck away items they don’t occasionally use.

    If you’re not sure of the material you need for skirting, there’s always an option to contact a professional to come and do an assessment and give a cost estimate. Experts will advise on the best product depending on the type of mobile home, budget, climate, and homeowner’s personal preferences.

    Mobile Home for Sale in Sebring
    Mobile Home for Sale in Sebring

    Mobile home skirting can be made of a variety of materials, but the most common type around the greater Sarasota, Florida, area is made of fiberglass, stone, aluminum, or plastic.

    Mobile home skirting is attached to an inner track of the bottom of the mobile home, each additional piece of skirting is then snapped or placed directly next to the previous skirting panel.

    For the skirting to work properly, it must fit on the track without any issue and be the length of space between the bottom of the mobile home and the ground on which it sits. If the skirting is not the correct length, then it will largely defeat the purpose of what the skirting does.

    The market is awash with skirting solutions for mobile homes. Popular options include Vinyl, concrete, metal foam, wooden foam, and faux rock.

    Before one hits the store, gathering the material they’ll need for their skirting is essential. First, they must know the overall dimension of the open space in terms of length, width, and height. These are some of the things their supplier will need answers to.

    Also, it saves on cost since one only needs to buy the right size for their home. Other materials include screws, long planks, chalk, and circular saw.

    The mobile home skirting is easy to fix, although you may need extra hands. So grab some pizza and call in that favor with a friend or two for a day to help with skirting.

    One of the main benefits of skirting on your mobile home is to prevent inviting pesky trouble-making critters under your home.

    Mobile homes have their plumbing running underneath the home, and if this is not protected, then animals can get under the home and burrow into the plumbing lines, often causing premature leaks in the plumbing system of the mobile home.

    As discussed in previous blogs, the flooring system of a mobile home is wood-based.

    If the skirting is not properly installed and maintained then, in addition to the plumbing having issues, the wood-based flooring can have premature damage done to it through animals chewing on the support beams of your flooring system.

    In order for your skirting to be kept in good shape, we here at The Mobile Home Dealer, strongly suggest you routinely walk your mobile home identify any issues you see with the skirting, and act quickly to get these issues taken care of.

    Mobile home skirting
    Mobile Home

    A simple walk of your property 1-2 times per month should suffice for the inspection.

    If any skirting looks like it has shifted off of the tracks, see to it that you get it back on the track quickly as some skirting products are brittle in nature, and if it is not sitting flat, it can lead to premature breakage of a skirting panel.

    Installing your own mobile home skirting

    If you want to install your mobile home skirting yourself, some companies do sell kits, but it can require a lot of expertise and hard work. When installing skirting, you also must check local requirements regarding inspections and permits — improper installation could void insurance claims or your home’s warranty.

    Suppose you choose to install the skirting yourself. In that case, it’s important to ensure that your home gets proper ventilation, and you have to get the correct amount of panels and accommodate for possible variations in height. Vinyl is typically the easiest material for a DIY skirting installation.

    If you have fiberglass or plastic skirting around your mobile home, make sure to take additional care of it when lawnmowing. Weed wackers can often clip the skirting, causing small holes that can lead to larger issues down the road.

    When protecting your mobile home we strongly suggest keeping your skirting in tip-top shape as it is a very inexpensive insurance policy for the safety of your mobile home’s plumbing and flooring system.

    The Mobile Home Dealers are licensed mobile home brokers in Sarasota, Florida, and the surrounding areas. We provide professional buy and/or sell assistance to our clients. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by clicking this link. You may also visit our Facebook Page and send us a message

    This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer. We help mobile home Buyers and Sellers improve their lives.

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