Mobile Home Skirting Guide: Materials, Costs & Install

Mobile home skirting does more than improve appearance - it protects your home's underside from weather, pests, and debris while helping regulate temperature. Choosing the right material depends on your budget, climate concerns, and aesthetic preferences.

Why Skirting Matters

Quality skirting provides essential protection:

• Weather protection: Keeps rain, wind, and debris from under your home
• Pest prevention: Blocks animals from nesting in the crawl space
• Energy efficiency: Reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
• Plumbing protection: Helps prevent frozen pipes (less concern in Florida, but still relevant)
• Appearance: Gives your home a finished, grounded look
• Home value: Quality skirting improves resale value

Vinyl Skirting

The most popular choice for Florida mobile homes.

Pros:

• Affordable ($8-15 per linear foot installed)
• Easy to install and repair
• Won't rust or rot
• Available in various colors and textures
• Lightweight, won't damage easily from minor impacts

Cons:

• Can fade in intense sun over time
• Not as durable as metal or concrete
• Can crack if hit hard
• May warp in extreme heat

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, DIY installations, homes in protected locations.

Metal Skirting (Aluminum or Steel)

Durable option with a clean, finished appearance.

Pros:

• Very durable and long-lasting
• Won't fade, warp, or crack
• Excellent pest resistance
• Fire resistant
• Clean, modern appearance

Cons:

• Higher cost ($12-20 per linear foot installed)
• Can dent from impacts
• Steel can rust if coating is damaged (use aluminum in humid areas)
• Harder to repair than vinyl

Best for: Long-term residents, high-wind areas, those wanting low maintenance.

Concrete Block or CMU

Permanent, masonry-look skirting.

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Fire and pest proof
• Permanent, won't blow off in storms
• Can be painted or stuccoed
• Best for hurricane zones

Cons:

• Highest cost ($15-25 per linear foot installed)
• Requires footings in some soils
• Difficult to access crawl space afterward
• Not suitable for all installation situations

Best for: Permanent installations, hurricane-prone areas, homes with no plans to move.

Faux Stone or Brick Panels

Aesthetic upgrade that mimics masonry.

Pros:

• Attractive, upscale appearance
• Lighter and easier to install than real stone
• Good durability
• Many style options

Cons:

• Higher cost ($15-25 per linear foot)
• Quality varies significantly by manufacturer
• Some products fade or look artificial

Best for: Homeowners wanting curb appeal upgrade, homes in upscale parks.

Lattice Skirting

Budget option with airflow.

Pros:

• Very affordable ($3-8 per linear foot)
• Excellent ventilation
• Easy DIY installation

Cons:

• Minimal weather protection
• Does not block pests
• Can look dated

Best for: Very tight budgets, temporary solutions, areas requiring maximum ventilation.

Important Installation Considerations

Ventilation: All skirting needs proper vents to prevent moisture buildup. Florida code typically requires 1 square foot of ventilation per 150 square feet of crawl space.

Access Doors: Install access doors for maintenance, plumbing repairs, and inspections. At least two access points are recommended.

Ground Contact: Skirting should extend to ground level but not be buried. A small gap (1-2 inches) with a ground seal prevents moisture wicking.

Attachment: Proper attachment to the home and ground is critical in Florida's wind zones. Follow manufacturer specifications for fastening.

Skirting and Home Leveling

If your home needs leveling or other structural exterior repairs, address those before installing new skirting. Re-leveling may require skirting removal, and installing skirting on an unlevel home can cause fitment issues.

Cost Summary

For a typical single-wide mobile home (approximately 100 linear feet of perimeter):

• Vinyl: $800-$1,500
• Metal: $1,200-$2,000
• Concrete block: $1,500-$2,500
• Faux stone: $1,500-$2,500

For a double-wide (approximately 150 linear feet):

• Vinyl: $1,200-$2,250
• Metal: $1,800-$3,000
• Concrete block: $2,250-$3,750
• Faux stone: $2,250-$3,750

Choosing the Right Option

Consider these factors:

• Budget: Vinyl is most affordable, concrete most expensive
• Wind zone: Higher wind areas benefit from metal or concrete
• Appearance: Faux stone offers the most upscale look
• Longevity: Metal and concrete last longest
• Maintenance: Vinyl and metal require least maintenance

Pro Specialty Services installs all types of mobile home skirting throughout Lake County. We can help you choose the right option for your home, budget, and situation.