How Much Does It Cost to Skirt a Mobile Home in 2023?

According to data on statista.com, as of 2018, there were 4.06 million mobile homes in the United States.

Not surprising, as these house-on-wheels are famed for their cheapness and low maintenance.

One essential aspect of mobile home maintenance is skirting. Mobile home skirts are put in place to protect the structure from the elements and a rodent infestation. Asides from its protective abilities, skirting can also add a touch of style to your house.

So How Much Does It Cost to Skirt a Mobile Home?

Skirting your mobile home can cost anywhere between US$300 – US$6000, depending on several factors.

If you are the handy type and would rather do it yourself, it costs even cheaper.

In this post, we analyze the process of skirting, its various options, and how much they cost.

What is Mobile Home skirting?

Skirting is the practice of covering the space beneath a mobile home to protect it from animals and the elements. The process effectively works to protect the plumbing and prevents pipes or ducts from freezing in the winter.

If you aren’t sure what kind of skirting you’d need, you can always have a professional over to inspect and give you a quote. Experts will often recommend the best choice based on the type of mobile home, budget, climate, and the homeowner’s preferences.

Benefits of Skirting

Apart from being a rodent deterrent and protecting your pipes, skirting has several benefits that justify the practice.

• It improves ventilation.
• It can help reduce insurance costs.
• Skirting makes your home more energy convenient by reducing excessive heat loss.
• It can restrict access tocurious children who may want to crawl underneath the house.
• It gives your home a facelift and improves its curbs appeal.

All of these benefits make skirting your mobile home a worthwhile investment.

Types of Skirting Options

There are several skirting options for mobile homes on the market. Vinyl, concrete, metal foam, hardwood, foam, and imitation rock are all popular choices. All of these offer their aesthetic charms.

Some of the common skirting options are listed below.

1. Vinyl Skirting:

Vinyl skirting is popular among homeowners because;

• it is inexpensive
• it is easy to install and maintain
• It offers many style options (color, texture).

The numerous style options of vinyl make them very flexible, as they can adapt to any aesthetic you pick for your home.

Vinyl skirting is also of different types, and these types vary in thickness, texture, and price. For example, insulated vinyl skirting would cost more than a single-layer skirting.

2.  Concrete skirting:

Concrete is an excellent idea if you are looking for a durable skirting option. It is sturdy and resistant to most weather conditions. Concrete skirting also gives a sense of permanence to the home, which is a good thing in our books.

It has a few downsides, though. Concrete can be very stressful to use during construction, so it’s not great for DIY. It is also time-consuming and would almost always require professional help.

3. Faux rock( false rock) skirting:

Faux rock skirting is popular since it’s a little more durable and holds up well even in the presence of plants. As a result, unlike vinyl skirting, they are not readily harmed by vegetation.

Faux rocks are lightweight polyurethane substance that looks like a rock from a distance. An actual rock, on the other hand, will set you back more. Use imitation pebbles that appear like bricks for a more traditional effect. The benefit of the rock is that it protects one’s home by blocking the impacts of inclement weather, including rain, snow, and cold.

Despite their high cost, the fake polyurethane panels are stunning. However, frames may be made to keep them safe. However, for more strength, you may need to back the artificial rocks with plywood and caulk. There is also a large selection from which to pick.

4. Wood Skirting

Wood is another excellent cheap option. The great thing about wood is, there is no set price, and you would find something for your budget. It could be anything from plywood, pine, OBS, or oak.

In the case of wood, you don’t buy it as an existing skirting. You have to buy the material and fashion it to your needs.

Wood is not exactly impressive in terms of durability, though. It is easily affected by moisture and pests.

5. Foam Skirting

This is one of the costlier options on the market, and for good reason.

Foam skirting is often regarded as one of the best in terms of energy efficiency.

Recognized to some as “rigid foam,” these materials are very pliable and can be molded to look like other materials. The foam materials are sold in smaller panels than the average standard, and installation is pretty much straightforward.

However, prior users have complained of flimsiness, and it may not be able to endure severe winds, rushing water, or storms. Furthermore, when weeding, the strings may cause the skirting to be damaged, leaving it useless. Regular washing with a light detergent and water is required to keep the attractiveness of one’s vinyl skirting. Painting isn’t ideal, and weeding is necessary to keep grass and other growth at bay.

After choosing a material for your skirting, you also need to know how much of it to buy. The length and width of your home and its height from the ground are required to determine the total square foot of material needed.

If you are going the DIY route, no problem – skirting is an easy DIY. Just make sure you have screws, a circular saw, and other necessary equipment.

The skirt for a mobile house is simple to put together. However, you may need extra hands. So, order some pizza and enlist the services of a friend or two for a day of skirting.

Consider the Following When Choosing the Best Skirting for Your Mobile Home:

• Cost is an essential factor to consider since it influences the skirting material you select.

Yes, costlier skirting could improve the property’s aesthetic, but staying within your budget is also crucial. Get something that is cheap and does the job unless you’d rather splurge.

• The weather and climate of the property’s area are also significant.

If the region is wet, concrete and faux rock would be better suited since they are stable and water-resistant. Because polyethylene does not react with water, it will not corrode or rust.

In heated climates, vinyl and metal skirting will work nicely.

In snowy areas, you might consider using an insulating material to keep warm. If the mobile home is on your property, permanent solutions such as artificial rocks might be regarded. Bricks and concrete would also function well, transforming the house into a permanent residence and increasing its worth.

• State Compliance

Before picking a material, be sure to confirm it is compliant with state regulations. Different states have unique skirting regulations that homeowners should consider.

• If you would be moving the home frequently, having easily attachable skirting is recommended. Metal skirting is a good option since it is easier to install and uninstall than masonry.

Conclusion,

Skirting is a simple DIY project that most can handle; all you need are the necessary equipment. If you aren’t comfortable with tools, you can equally have an expert handle it.

So there you have it. You’ve gotten an answer to your question; how much does it cost to skirt a mobile home. Hopefully, you also learned the benefits of skirting and the various available options on the market.

If you are still undecided about your stance on skirting, consider the benefits – they really outshine the costs. Plus, you don’t have to get anything too fancy.

Just remember to consider your state regulations before running off to buy any skirting material.

Rex Morriss

My name is Rex Morriss. I have always liked well-arranged, comfy, cozy homes. This propelled me to ensure that people have the right information when purchasing homes and also that, while trying to get the interior done, the process is cost-effective but satisfying to the clients. The need for a comfy home can never be over.