When it comes to your mobile home, making the right choices for the exterior is just as important as decorating the interior. One of the largest contributing factors to exterior design for any mobile home is the outside skirting.

Skirting is the material that encloses the space underneath the home, providing vital protection along with an appealing finished look. However, there’s a wide range of skirting options available in a variety of materials. That’s why it’s important to review some of the pros and cons when evaluating mobile home skirting options. The most popular choices for mobile home skirting kits are brick, vinyl, metal, and wood.

At Mobile Home Outfitters, our goal is to help you make an informed choice for your mobile home. Whether you’re seeking to upgrade the look of your property or enhance its functionality, this analysis will ensure you’re on the right track.

Brick Skirting

Many homeowners enjoy brick skirting because it offers a classic look that makes a mobile house feel more like a traditional home. With the right care and attention, brick can be a long-lasting option. Here are just a few of the ups and downs of using brick skirting kits or similar stone options like concrete.

Pros of Brick Skirting

• Aesthetics: There’s no denying that brick skirting looks upscale and can seamlessly blend with traditional residential settings. It’s perfect if you’re going for a more permanent appearance. Brick skirting often increases curb appeal and can make a mobile home look more enticing to potential buyers if you ever consider selling.
• Longevity: When you install it correctly, brick skirting can last the lifetime of your mobile home. These kits are highly resistant to environmental wear and tear.
• Fire resistance: Bricks offer a level of fire protection that other skirting materials can’t match, providing peace of mind for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas.

Cons of Brick Skirting

• Cost: Upfront costs for materials and labor are considerably higher compared to other skirting options, making brick a significant investment.
• Installation complexity: Compared to other skirting options, brick kits are more difficult to install. If you don’t have experience working with this material, you may need to bring in professional help, which can add to the already higher cost.
• Lack of insulation: Traditional brick skirting doesn’t provide any insulating value, which means you’ll miss out on potential energy savings. You may need to install additional insulation behind your skirting to gain proper temperature control.

Vinyl Skirting

Vinyl skirting is one of the most popular options because of its affordability and low maintenance. It’s a nice middle-of-the-road choice for those looking to balance cost and aesthetics—here are some of the more specific pros and cons of this material.

Pros of Vinyl Skirting

• Affordability: Vinyl skirting is one of the most cost-effective options on the market.
• Variety: With various colors and styles available, vinyl skirting allows for some degree of personalization and can mimic different materials, like wood or stone.
• Ease of maintenance: Vinyl skirting is easy to clean and often resists mold and mildew growth, requiring little more than periodic wash-downs.

Cons of Vinyl Skirting

• Durability: While durable, it’s not as long-lasting as brick. Vinyl typically doesn’t hold up well in extreme weather conditions, like hurricanes.
• Aesthetics over time: While vinyl skirting colors are vibrant, they may fade over time due to sun exposure, requiring more frequent replacements to maintain the appeal.
• Environmental concerns: The production and eventual disposal of vinyl skirting raise environmental considerations, such as the release of toxic chemicals.

Metal Skirting

When evaluating the pros and cons of mobile home skirting options, metal is one material that comes with more extensive considerations. Explore some of the benefits and disadvantages of this material to help you make your decision.

Pros of Metal Skirting

• Longevity: Metal skirting can withstand strong winds and impacts, and can generally resist most environmental challenges.
• Pest resistance: By default, metal skirting provides an effective barrier against pests seeking entry into your home.
• Customizable: Like vinyl, metal skirting comes in different colors and textures, and it’s relatively easy to modify and maintain.

Cons of Metal Skirting

• Heat retention: Metal can absorb and retain heat, which may not be ideal for energy efficiency in warmer climates or in homes without air conditioning.
• Aesthetics: While some find the industrial look appealing, others may see metal skirting as too contemporary or stark for a residential setting.
• Cost: While not as expensive as brick, metal skirting can still have a higher initial cost than vinyl or other options.

Wood Skirting

Wood is the classic, rustic option for people who want their mobile homes to feel like they belong in rural residential areas. Wood can be a great choice for insulation and aesthetics but, as always, you should take a look at the pros and cons before making a final choice.

Pros of Wood Skirting

• Insulation: Wood skirting can help regulate the temperature under your mobile home, potentially leading to energy savings year-round.
• Aesthetics: The natural look of wood is appealing and can blend well with a variety of settings.
• DIY friendly: For those with the skills, wood skirting works great as a DIY project, which can save on labor costs.

Cons of Wood Skirting

• Maintenance: Compared to most other options, wood skirting requires far more maintenance, like regular staining.
• Pest and moisture concerns: Without proper maintenance, wood skirting can rot or become a thriving zone for termites and other pests.
• Fire risk: Wood is a combustible material, so it’s important to consider fire safety when selecting this type of skirting.

Finding the right skirting for your mobile home is a decision that requires balancing various factors, from budget and aesthetics to durability and environmental considerations. Each material has its place, and the right choice is the one that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of brick, the versatility of vinyl, the strength of metal, or the natural look of wood, your skirting is an investment in the overall comfort and value of your mobile home.

Ready to enhance the look and functionality of your mobile home? At Mobile Home Outfitters, we understand the importance of finding the perfect manufactured home skirting solution that suits your style, needs, and budget. With our wide selection of high-quality skirting options, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect match to protect and beautify your home.

Don’t wait to upgrade your mobile home’s appearance and value. Use our free online skirting calculator to help you find the right size kit for your home. For any additional questions, comments, or concerns about your mobile home, contact us anytime and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.