The quick answer is that there are differences, but let’s look at what those differences are so you know you are using the correct word.
Although each type of home shares similarities, each one is different in the way it is constructed or tied to a property. If you’ve been looking into house skirting, you might be wondering if it’s right for your kind of home. While differences exist, each of these types of homes benefits from mobile home underpinning.
Here are the key differences in each type of home.
Mobile Homes: Mobile homes originally had tires and were very much mobile. They could be moved from setting to setting and weren’t tied down to a piece of property. Over time, the industry changed to produce the manufactured home. People often refer to manufactured homes as “mobile homes,” but technically, if your home doesn’t have wheels, it’s not a mobile home. As for skirting, if you are moving your mobile home a lot, you probably can’t have and don’t need skirting.
Manufactured Homes: Manufactured homes do not have wheels and look like stick-built homes. They can be built on a cement slab or can be built on stilts. This adaptability provides two options for manufactured homes.
They can be titled and sold as real estate with a piece of property.
They can be left mobile – not built on a foundation – and not titled with a piece of property. The home could be relocated if desired.
They are mobile or permanent homes that, when it comes to skirting, can benefit from skirting for manufactured homes — including kits designed to fit 16×80 models or whatever size best suits your specific setup.
Helpful Tip – Because of the confusion between the names, these kits are often referred to as mobile home skirting kits. So, if you see “mobile home skirting,” it will likely work with your manufactured home.
Modular Homes: Modular homes are similar to permanent manufactured homes in that they are often built on a cement slab or even a basement, and are titled with a piece of property. The way they differ is that modular homes are engineered in separate modules. Each unit, or module, is delivered to the building site where the home is put all together which gives some variety to how your module home is designed. If your module home is elevated off the ground, you should have skirting.
Park Homes: Park homes are different still, in that they are smaller dwellings that are built to a certain size that allows for municipalities not to have to inspect these homes. They are small enough to fit on a city lot in the backyard; for example, a mother-in-law or may live in a park home on the same lot as her child. The idea is that it provides another residence onsite, often just temporary. Though smaller and maybe only being used for a few years, park homes need skirting just like manufactured homes for the same reasons.
While each of these four types of homes has slight differences, all of them greatly benefit from skirting for manufactured homes. If you’re looking for high-quality skirting solutions, get in touch with DURASKIRT™. We are a house skirting company ready to answer your questions and provide support for mobile, manufactured, modular, and park homes. Call us today at (360) 419-9909.
Trailer Skirting Kits: How to Find the Best Option for Your Home
Choosing the right trailer skirting kit may not seem like the most exciting part of owning a mobile home, manufactured home, park model, tiny home, or trailer, but it is one of the most important. Skirting does more than cover the open space beneath your home. It helps protect the crawlspace, improves the finished appearance of the home, and can make the entire property look cleaner and more permanent.
If you are comparing options for diy mobile home skirting, it helps to know what separates a basic skirting product from one that is built to last. Some materials may look good when they are first installed, but they can weaken over time from moisture, pests, wind, and everyday exposure to the weather. That is why many homeowners are looking for stronger, more durable options when choosing skirting for manufactured homes.
Why Trailer Skirting Matters
Trailer skirting is the material installed around the base of a home to close off the open space between the ground and the bottom of the structure. While it improves curb appeal, its purpose goes much deeper than appearance.
Good skirting can help protect the underside of the home from animals, blowing debris, harsh weather, and excess moisture. It can also help create a more finished foundation look, which makes a mobile or manufactured home feel more complete. For many homeowners, skirting is one of the most noticeable upgrades they can make to the outside of the home.
Without proper skirting, the underside of the home is left exposed. That open area can become a place where pests hide, wind moves freely, and moisture collects. Over time, those issues can lead to bigger maintenance concerns. A strong skirting system helps create a cleaner barrier while still allowing proper ventilation when installed correctly.
What to Look for in Trailer Skirting Kits
There are many trailer skirting kits available, but they are not all made with the same level of quality. When comparing products, homeowners should look beyond the price and consider how the material will perform over time.
Here are a few important things to consider:
Material strength: The best skirting materials should be able to stand up to weather, moisture, and normal outdoor wear.
Ease of installation: A good kit should come with clear instructions and helpful support for homeowners who want to install it themselves.
Finished appearance: Skirting should improve the look of the home and create a clean, foundation-like appearance.
Pest resistance: Strong skirting can help reduce access points for rodents and other animals.
Ventilation: The crawlspace still needs airflow, so the skirting system should allow the area beneath the home to breathe properly.
Long-term value: A cheaper product may cost less upfront, but it may need to be repaired or replaced sooner.
Why Material Choice Is So Important
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing skirting based only on the lowest price. Vinyl, wood, and other lightweight materials may be common, but they can have limitations. Wood can be affected by moisture and pests. Thin materials may crack, bend, or become damaged more easily. In areas with rough weather or uneven ground, weaker materials may not provide the long-term durability homeowners are looking for.
Concrete skirting offers a stronger alternative. DURASKIRT™ uses real concrete skirting panels designed to create a clean and solid look around the base of the home. This type of skirting is especially helpful for homeowners who want something more durable than traditional options and more attractive than a temporary fix.
For homeowners researching skirting for manufactured homes, concrete panels can be a smart choice because they offer strength, protection, and a finished appearance. They can help make the home look more like a site-built house while also serving a practical purpose around the crawlspace.
A Good Skirting Kit Should Be DIY-Friendly
Many homeowners want to save money by handling their own installation. That is why diy mobile home skirting has become such a popular option. However, a DIY project is only helpful if the product is designed with the homeowner in mind.
A good skirting kit should include the materials needed for installation, along with clear guidance. Homeowners should be able to access instructions, drawings, photos, videos, and support when questions come up. This is especially important because every home and lot can be a little different. Some homes sit higher off the ground, some are closer to the ground, and some properties have uneven areas that require extra planning.
DURASKIRT™ offers DIY mobile home skirting kits that are built for homeowners who want a stronger skirting solution without having to start from scratch. Their kits include panels and accessories, and they offer resources to help guide the installation process. For someone who is comfortable with hands-on projects, this can make the process more manageable.
Different Homes Need Different Skirting Solutions
Not every trailer, mobile home, or manufactured home is the same size. Some are single-wide homes, some are double-wides, and some are larger custom layouts. That is why it is helpful to choose a skirting product that comes in different kit sizes and panel heights.
DURASKIRT™ offers mobile home skirting kits in different sizes and heights, which allows homeowners to choose the package that best fits their home. This is helpful because the height between the ground and the bottom of the home can vary. Some homes may need shorter panels, while others may need taller panels or a combination of sizes.
Before ordering a skirting kit, homeowners should measure carefully. Linear footage, average height, access points, vents, and ground conditions should all be considered. Taking the time to measure correctly can help reduce waste, avoid delays, and make installation smoother.
Skirting Helps Improve Curb Appeal
One of the most noticeable benefits of new skirting is the way it improves the appearance of the home. An exposed crawlspace can make a home look unfinished, even if the rest of the exterior is well maintained. When the base is enclosed with a clean skirting system, the home instantly looks more complete.
Concrete skirting can create the appearance of a stronger foundation, which is one reason many homeowners like it. It gives the home a more permanent look and can complement siding, porches, decks, landscaping, and other exterior improvements.
This matters because curb appeal affects how people feel about a home. Whether you plan to stay in the home for many years or eventually sell it, a well-finished exterior can make a strong impression.
Protection From Weather and Pests
Skirting also plays a practical role in protecting the underside of the home. Wind, rain, snow, animals, and debris can all affect the crawlspace area. A durable skirting system helps create a barrier that reduces exposure and helps keep the area cleaner.
Rodents and other animals often look for sheltered spaces. If the underside of the home is open, it can become an easy place for them to enter. Strong skirting can help limit access and make the home less inviting to unwanted pests.
Weather protection is another important benefit. While skirting does not replace proper home maintenance, drainage, or ventilation, it can help shield the underside of the home from direct exposure. This is especially valuable in areas that experience high winds, heavy rain, or seasonal temperature changes.
Do Not Forget About Ventilation
While closing off the crawlspace is important, that area still needs to breathe. Proper ventilation helps reduce moisture buildup and supports a healthier crawlspace environment. Skirting that is installed without considering airflow can create problems over time.
When choosing trailer skirting kits, homeowners should think about both protection and ventilation. The goal is to create a strong, attractive barrier without trapping moisture beneath the home. This is why it is important to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and use the right accessories for the project.
Why DURASKIRT™ Is a Strong Option
DURASKIRT™ is designed for homeowners who want a durable, attractive, and practical skirting option. Their concrete skirting panels are made to provide a clean foundation look while helping protect the underside of the home. The kits are also created with DIY installation in mind, making them a strong option for homeowners who want to take on the project themselves.
Another benefit is versatility. DURASKIRT™ products can be used for mobile homes, manufactured homes, park models, tiny homes, cabins, sheds, decks, porches, and other raised structures. That makes them useful for many different types of properties.
For anyone comparing skirting for manufactured homes, the goal should be to find a product that looks good, performs well, and offers long-term value. DURASKIRT™ gives homeowners a way to move beyond temporary-looking materials and choose a skirting system that feels more permanent and polished.
Before You Buy a Trailer Skirting Kit
Before purchasing a kit, take time to review your home, your lot, and your goals. The right skirting choice depends on more than the size of the home. You should also consider the condition of the ground, how much space exists beneath the home, whether the lot is level, and whether there are any access points that need to remain available.
It is also wise to review installation resources before ordering. If you are planning a diy mobile home skirting project, make sure you understand the steps involved and have the proper tools. A little preparation can help prevent frustration once the materials arrive.
When comparing trailer skirting kits, look for a product that offers strength, clear instructions, reliable support, and a finished look you will be happy with for years. The cheapest option is not always the best option, especially when the skirting is protecting one of the most important parts of your home.
Choosing Skirting That Lasts
Trailer skirting is an important investment in the appearance and protection of your home. The right kit can help improve curb appeal, protect the crawlspace, reduce pest access, and create a more finished foundation look. For homeowners who want something stronger than lightweight materials, concrete skirting is worth serious consideration.
DURASKIRT™ offers a durable solution for mobile homes, manufactured homes, trailers, park models, tiny homes, and other raised structures. Whether you are upgrading old skirting or installing skirting for the first time, choosing a high-quality kit can make a noticeable difference.
If you are ready to improve the look and protection of your home, consider a DURASKIRT™ trailer skirting kit. With strong concrete panels, DIY-friendly resources, and options for different home sizes, it is a practical choice for homeowners who want skirting that looks good and is built to last.
Skirting Panels for Mobile Homes — How Exactly Do They Work?
If you’re about to buy a mobile home, you’ve undoubtedly heard of (CMU) skirting panels, but how exactly do they work? And what makes skirting panels for mobile homes or shed skirting so important?
Mobile home skirting kits cover up the crawl space underneath your home
DURASKIRT™ concrete skirting panels for mobile homes are easily installed.
(CMU) Skirting panels are not simply to make your home more fashionable. Skirting panels will provide some very important functional benefits for your mobile home.
Keep Critters Out – Your home is a shelter, but you want it to be your shelter, not a shelter for various animals. By adding skirting panels, critters like raccoons, rats, and snakes won’t be able to set up their home underneath your home. This is true for sheds, too. Shed skirting can keep animals from nesting or relieving themselves under your shed.
Help To Stabilize the Temperature Inside Your Mobile Home – All homes lose a little bit of losing a bit of their temperature throughout the day, including through the floor. Skirting panels enclose the crawl space under your home, thus helping to insulate your home and maintain the temperature. This will help to keep the inside of your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Protect Against Back-Fill – Before your home can be placed on its lot, the ground must be excavated. Meaning, that some of the dirt must be scooped out so that your home will be level. However, that dirt isn’t just carted away. Instead, it’s piled up evenly around your home which is called back-filling.
Mobile home skirting needs to be vented very carefully
Let’s say we attach some solid, concrete board, skirting panels to the bottom of your mobile home. What would you think will begin happening? You would wind up with a space that’s warm and muggy. Why? The moisture that naturally rises out of the soil ends up being trapped underneath your home.
Over time, all that stale, moist air will create dangerous mold and cause the underside of your home to rot. Talk about a major mess! That’s why skirting panels must come with special vents that are specifically designed to give the underside of your home the airflow it needs without giving critters a space to wiggle through. A good skirting manufacturer will also space those vents very carefully so that the underside gets good cross-ventilating.
Some venting systems can allow water to get into the crawl space under your home. Just like the moisture from the ground can cause mold or rot, if the venting system for your home allows water in, it can allow for sitting pools of water as well as humidity and cause great damage to your home.
Mobile home skirting needs to use quality materials
Even though you can find skirting panels in a variety of materials and finishes, they’re not created equally. Some last longer than others and some are more easily chewed, scratched, or broken by animals. Some provide good venting and others do not. DURASKIRT™ Concrete Board provides strong, long-lasting protection, and our special vent well technology will keep your crawl space well vented and help to prevent water from collecting under your home.
Contact us today to find out more or order your mobile home siding.
DURASKIRT™ PRO 3037 30″ x 37″ x 3/4″. Concrete skirting panels for mobile homes.
There are various types of mobile home skirting products available on the market today. Choosing the appropriate skirting product for your home is significant for long-term value, durability, and maintenance costs. Concrete skirting is a practical option due to current manufacturing advancements, especially with modern systems designed specifically for manufactured homes rather than traditional poured concrete methods.
Typically, concrete skirting is more expensive than wood or hardy skirting but may be worth the additional cost. Vinyl skirting is less expensive initially but requires replacement every five to seven years due to cracking, warping, or weather damage. Over a thirty-year mortgage, the cumulative cost for vinyl skirting can be significantly higher when factoring in repeated replacements and repairs. Although concrete skirting has a higher upfront investment, it offers long-term savings through durability, minimal maintenance, and resistance to environmental wear.
Modern concrete skirting systems are also engineered for faster installation and structural stability. Unlike older methods that required extensive labor, newer panelized systems are designed to be installed efficiently while still providing the strength and appearance of a permanent foundation.
Advantages of Using Concrete Skirting
Many individuals delay replacing their mobile home skirting products until they encounter rodent or pest problems. Unfortunately, by that point, the damage is often already extensive. Rodents can chew through traditional materials like vinyl or wood, creating entry points that lead to insulation damage, heat loss, and increased energy bills. Moisture intrusion can also become an issue once the barrier is compromised.
Repairing this type of damage can be costly and time-consuming, often involving removal of damaged materials, pest control, insulation replacement, and full skirting replacement. Concrete skirting helps prevent these issues from the start by creating a solid, durable barrier that is far more resistant to pests, impact, and environmental conditions.
Concrete skirting also offers additional benefits beyond protection. It is resistant to rot, mold, and warping, which are common problems with other materials. Because it does not degrade easily over time, homeowners spend less on maintenance and repairs. In areas with extreme weather, including high winds or heavy rain, concrete skirting provides added stability and protection compared to lighter materials.
Another advantage is customization. Concrete skirting can be painted or stained to match your home’s exterior design. Some homeowners choose to leave the natural finish for a clean, modern look, while others customize the color to blend seamlessly with siding, trim, or landscaping. This flexibility allows homeowners to improve curb appeal without sacrificing durability.
DURASKIRT™ concrete skirting panels for mobile homes are a wonderful product.upscale residential appearance. Concrete skirting provides the look and feel of a site-built home.
High-End Residential Appearance
DURASKIRT™ offers a smooth wall concrete finish that provides a high-end residential appearance without the need for traditional foundation vents. Instead of visible grates or openings, modern systems are designed with built-in ventilation solutions that maintain airflow while preserving a clean exterior look.
The unobstructed design ensures that the skirting blends seamlessly with the home’s structure. This creates a more permanent, site-built appearance rather than the typical look associated with manufactured homes. Clean lines and uniform panels contribute to a polished finish that enhances overall curb appeal.
For homeowners looking to increase property value or simply improve aesthetics, this type of skirting can make a noticeable difference. In many cases, it becomes difficult to distinguish a manufactured home from a site-built home once the skirting is installed.
Making an Informed Decision
Among the mobile home skirting products available, DURASKIRT™ represents a logical choice for homeowners seeking durability, long-term savings, and an upgraded appearance. Its engineered design, combined with the strength of concrete, provides a reliable solution that addresses many of the common issues found with traditional skirting materials.
When evaluating your options, it is important to consider not just the initial cost, but the long-term performance, maintenance requirements, and overall impact on your home’s appearance. Choosing the right skirting product can protect your investment, reduce ongoing expenses, and enhance the look and feel of your home for years to come.
Building skirting on your manufactured home can be a challenge. More so, if your lot is out of level. You can see from these photos we have overcome this with DURASKIRT™ CMU panels. More still, mobile and manufactured home production has come a long way – homes are straighter, constructed faster, and their price tag is still significantly cheaper than that of a stick-built home. There are many positive aspects to manufactured homes; however, no home is perfect.
Even factory-built mobile homes can have imperfections which can result in the house not being perfectly square and having the absolutely correct angles. While this may not affect the overall structure of the home, it can make installing concrete board and other mobile home skirting a bit tricky. However, we’ve got some tips about how to install mobile home skirting when your house isn’t straight that will allow you to save money, prevent frustration, and have a good looking home when you’re done.
4 Tips For Installing Skirting When Your Lot Is Not Level
Take Your Time – When your house isn’t straight, you’ll have to devote a bit more time and attention to the installation of the concrete board or other house skirting. You could, simply, install it quickly, following the lines of the house as best you can, but what could result is a crooked-looking DIY job. Your home’s appearance is important and this is one area that is worth taking the time to get right or every time you pull up to your home, you’ll be disappointed.
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools – Depending on the skirting you use, there will be specific tools you need for the installation. However, because you will need to make adjustments to your skirting to form it to the imperfections of your house, you will need the tools to properly measure, note imperfections, and cut or form the skirting.
Level the Ground – Check the soil, gravel, or dirt around the perimeter of the home to ensure that it’s level. You’ll want the home skirting to fit evenly all the way around the home, so make sure the earth is level, first. One way to quickly do this is to measure 31 inches on your shovel and mark it with a piece of tape. Then go around the perimeter of the home. You can easily measure and see where some soil may need to be dug away or leveled better.
Find Balance Between the Skirting and the Siding – In order to get the job done well, you will probably have to do a little work on the siding of the house just above the house skirting as well as feather in the skirting to the home to try and make it as straight as possible. Completing the job in the best way means finding a happy medium between the siding and the skirting. Using some judgement and finesse, the job can be done well. Try to split the difference and make sure your lines are straight and smooth.
The same principle applies when you’re considering skirting for sheds, buildings, or other outdoor structures that may need some house skirting. If the building isn’t quite straight or square, level the ground, work the house skirting around slowly, and make sure to use the proper tools.
House skirting is an important component for manufactured and mobile homes, but it’s also a visual component. Keeping the home’s lines as straight as possible greatly increases curb appeal and keeps your home’s appearance neat and attractive. It will be worth the extra time to complete the job well.
For more information about cement board or skirting for sheds or homes, get in touch with DURASKIRT™ at (360)419-9909. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and get you started on your house skirting project.
Plywood & Cement Siding Use In Crawl Spaces as Skirting
Beginning in the 1980’s and throughout the 1990’s continuing into the 2000’s plywood, cement siding was a staple in the manufactured home industry. What’s more, there were no regulations for mobile home skirting products being used to enclose crawls. Finally, years into their use we have seen widespread failure with rotting, rodent infested homes. Why? What happened?
Reasons for Their Use
Money. As you may surmise, cost is always the driving factor for decisions. Likewise, both Plywood & Cement Siding are easy candidates for skirting homes. The reasons are simple, cost and ease of use. They also are easy to attach to a wooden framework and paint to match the home. At first they look great and in a subdivision of new homes they appear normal and secure. Compared to the old subdivisions these homes showed well. Likewise, new buyers, not wanting anything to do with looking like their grandparents, viewed these homes as modern.
However, there was an underlying problem that would begin to appear as time went on. Rain, humidity and temperature changes began to reveal their weakness. Moreover, a question emerges as rodents began to chew their way in and rot began to set in. Besides, with rising replacement costs, also expensive repairs to the undersides of these homes like new insulation and plumbing. The obvious culprit being the skirting. Why the failure? What was being overlooked?
Why the failure? What was being overlooked?
Rotten treated plywood with a hole made by rodents.
Reasons for Their Failure
Let’s begin with the old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pond a cure.” Getting back to the reasons for failure. Plywood and cement board products were not meant to be used for crawl spaces. Simply put, they do not hold up to constant moisture being expelled from the crawlspaces. For example, many of these products were never meant to be used as skirting they were meant to be used as siding. Although clearly, they make great siding products!
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pond a cure.”
As a lesson, always look for products that say they’re made for skirting use. Of course, skirting product manufactures take into consideration the elements that a crawlspace enclosing material must endure. Undoubtedly, crawlspaces are the primary defense to the living space. Hence, I feel the following consideration must be:
Weather
Moisture contact
Weed Eaters
Rodents
Venting
Some Things To Consider
Personally, I have been installing and replacing skirting for mobile homes for more three decades. Usually, I get a call stating, “I have rodents” can you help me? Of course, this is only the beginning. Actually, what many people don’t realize the potentially tremendous cost this has already caused. Over and over I have witnessed thousands of dollars…$25,000 and upwards for not only skirting replacements but insulation, piping, vapor barrier, cleanup, transport barrier and more. As it happens, this could have been prevented. And, it’s not just because I invented a solution, but that the solution came from the desire to help people.
New Regulations for Mobile Home Skirting
As it happens, when problems begin to arise regulators begin to look for solutions. Some jurisdictions have been moving to help residents by forcing them to re-skirt their homes with approved materials. I am not necessarily a fan of this approach, but it does make sense from the alternative of waiting for a major problem to burst forth. Still, if this is you and you are without means to purchase new skirting this can pose a burden. I do feel for you.
Fortunately, I have been working on this solution for both new and used homes for quite some time and I feel DURASKIRT™ is the best solution. Actually, it is real concrete and best of all, it is considered a waterproof concrete. Here are all the reasons why Duraskirt mobile home skirting kits are necessary
Made For The Exterior of Your Home In All Climates
Cutting Edge Concrete Technology Allows Much Higher Strengths Also Extending Durable Life More Than 60+ Years Beyond The Average 40+ Years Most Other Concrete Is Expected To Resist Surface Breakdown. That’s More Than 100+ Years of Expected Surface Durability. No Other Skirting Product Comes Close.
As A Bonus, Concrete is FireProof & Non-Flammable therefore, Duraskirt™ being concrete is designated “Concrete” Which is Non-Flammable for The Purposes of The WUI Code. DURASKIRT™ has been used under the WUI code in California since the codes adoption.
Integrated Waterproofing Agent, New Concrete Technology Resists Chemical Intrusion by Soil or Gardening Chemicals, Chemical Densifiers, Entrained Air (for Freezing and thawing also enhanced with the waterproofing agent), Chemical Stability That Resists Warping, and Very High 7 1/2-Sack Cement to Yard Ratio (Most Foundations Use a 5-Sack Mix).
Therefore, Ground Burial Is Not An Issue
SDG™ and DS-SHED have varying sizes to fit your project. (All panels are 37″width and made in varying heights at 11″, 15.5″, 18″, 24″, 30″ and 33″)
DURASKIRT™ PRO is made in four heights fitting most home applications. (PRO24 , PRO30 and PRO33 are 37″ widths and PRO37 is 30″ wide)
DURASKIRT™
Yes, I had a hand in getting DURASKIRT™ to where it is today. Considering all skirting for mobile home products available, I know I would use DURASKIRT™. Why? Because DURASKIRT™ is designed to provide protection to your manufactured home investment. I offer samples of the product if you are seriously considering my skirting. Yes, I do charge for shipping the sample but I will credit that back if you order my skirting. So, order a DURASKIRT™ Sample now!
Manufactured Home Skirting Kits, Follow These Dos and Don’ts When Purchasing!
If you own a manufactured home, you’re likely required by local law to put skirting on it. However, before you simply reach for the first mobile home skirting kits you can find, take advantage of these dos and don’ts. They’ll help you make a good choice and give you more bang for your buck!
— DO purchase direct from DURASKIRT™ – Not Home Depot or Lowes
We have always sold our skirting and underpinning kits directly to the public. So when searching for DURASKIRT Lowes call us 360-333-5498!
— DO pay close attention to how it’s made
All mobile home skirting kits are not created equal. Some are made with vinyl, while others are made with aluminum or concrete. There are brands that have special vents to even out airflow. While others have a finish that’s designed to look like stacked stones. Still, more boast of being the best cold weather skirting product.
Bottom line — there’s a variety of options out there, so do some homework! For example, learn about the durability of different materials (concrete skirting, vinyl, and aluminum) and additional expenses may come up over time if the skirting material doesn’t hold up (rodent infestations, etc.) We think you’ll find concrete skirting is more effective and durable than vinyl or aluminum, and will save you money in the end. Also, understand how air circulates inside your crawl space, and thus, why a special vent would be important. The more informed you are, the better-finished product you can purchase!
— DO buy your mobile home skirting kits from a company that’s happy to help!
Some mobile home skirting kit manufacturers only care about making money. Once they’ve sold you a kit, they couldn’t care less if you struggle to install it. Others intentionally make the instructions difficult to comprehend so you give up and hire them (or their buddies) to install everything for you.
You can do better than that!
A good manufacturer will be happy to help with your skirting even after your purchase has gone through. Specifically, they’ll have an instruction manual that’s written in plain English, and they’ll post videos and other tips right on their website. Sure, they’ll offer their own installation services, but they’ll also make it relatively easy for you to do the installation work yourself, instead of trying to get you to spend more money!
— DON’T take winter for granted
If you live in a place that gets a lot of snow and ice, you’re going to need skirting for sheds that can keep up with weather changes, extreme temperatures, and moisture. Because of the way it’s constructed, it isn’t good to let a bunch of snow and ice pile up against ANY type of skirting, but some kits are better prepared to deal with nature’s wrath than others.
Before you buy anything, talk to the manufacturer about how their skirting is going to withstand winter. If you don’t like the answer, look for another kit!
— DON’T forget about your other structures
Yes, it’s called “mobile home skirting,” but these kits can also be used to enhance the look and function of your deck, above-ground pool, or hot tub. Skirting for sheds is the perfect way to enclose the bottom of your shed or backyard storage building, giving it a clean, finished appearance while adding protection from pests and the elements. So, before you put away the calculator, measure the space these structures occupy—chances are, some mobile home skirting will make them look and perform better!
Tips For Installing Skirting On Older Mobile Homes
If you’ve been researching how to install mobile home skirting on your manufactured home, there are some important factors to consider before you start your project. While DIY mobile home skirting is an option and this kind of project certainly can be completed by homeowners, it’s important to note the proper considerations and prepare in advance before jumping into this job.
One of the first things you’ll need to do is consider the age of your manufactured or mobile home. New homes or houses fresh out of the factory will require different preparation than homes that have existed for 15 or 20 years or more. If your home is new, check out our article on tips for how to install mobile home skirting on new homes, here. The following tips will focus on older homes and how to prepare to install mobile home skirting on an aged manufactured or mobile home.
Tips for Preparing Older Homes for Mobile Home Skirting:
Inspect the Rim Joist – First, inspect the rim joist around the entire perimeter of the home. Often, the rim joist can become rotten or damaged.
Repair the Rim Joist – Not all older homes will have rim joist wear and tear, but many do. So, repairing it now is vital before installing new mobile home skirting. To make repairs on a rim joist, you’re going to have to cut some siding off. Take care to set your blade depth because there are metal stops that come down into the rim joist. Moreover, setting your blade too deep, your saw blade will cut those off. Then, you’ll need to pull those stops up to get to the rim joist properly. Once you do that, you can start pulling the rim joist off and begin repairing it.
Inspect and Repair the Material Behind the Rim Joist. – For any part of the rim-joist, you need to repair, inspect the material behind it. If the material behind the rim joist is rotten, that will need to be repaired, too. Now place a new rim-joist in its place.
Level the Ground – The next thing to check is the soil, gravel, or dirt around the perimeter. Thus, ensuring a level surface is important. You’ll want the home skirting to fit evenly all the way around the home, so make sure the earth is level, first. Here’s a tip: measure 31 inches on your shovel and mark it with a piece of tape. Then go around the perimeter of the home and you can easily measure and see where some soil may need to be dug away or leveled better.
Once these checks and repairs are completed, house skirting can be applied to the home. For more information on DIY mobile home skirting options, get in touch with DURASKIRT™ at (360)419-9909. We’ll be happy to assist you and get you ready for your own mobile home skirting project.
Newer manufactured homes might seem like the perfect candidates for easy mobile home skirting installation: they’re fresh, new, and haven’t been exposed to the elements for years. However, while skirting is essential for protecting and enhancing the look of these homes, the installation process isn’t always as seamless as one might hope. Even new homes can have imperfections, and when installing skirting, these flaws may become more noticeable.
Here are three practical tips for installing skirting on a newer mobile or manufactured home and ensuring it looks professional:
1. Recognize that your home might not be perfectly square or level.
Mobile and manufactured homes are built in factories. Depending on the manufacturer, many homes may not be perfectly square or level. This is important to acknowledge before starting your mobile home skirting installation project. Knowing what to expect will help you plan appropriately and make adjustments as needed.
The good news? Advances in robotics and technology over the past 30 years have greatly improved the construction of mobile and manufactured homes. While imperfections may still exist, modern homes are significantly squarer and straighter than older models. Plus, they remain a cost-effective alternative to traditional stick-built homes, offering homeowners significant savings.
2. Shape the skirting material to match your home.
Even with modern advancements, your home may still have minor imperfections. When working on mobile home skirting installation, it’s important to shape the skirting material to fit the unique contours of your home. The finished look of the skirting will largely depend on how well you adapt the material to these imperfections. Taking the time to carefully shape and install the skirting will result in a more polished appearance.
The same principles apply to shed skirting. Sheds often have uneven surfaces or challenging layouts, but with careful attention to detail, you can achieve a clean and seamless look. Be patient, and don’t rush the process—your effort will pay off in the end.
3. Equip yourself with the right tools.
Each skirting material has specific tools recommended for installation, but these may not always be enough. For a successful mobile home skirting installation, you may also need additional tools to measure accurately, account for imperfections, and cut or shape the skirting material. Having the proper equipment on hand ensures you can adapt the skirting to your home’s unique needs.
When working with shed skirting, this tip is even more crucial. The smaller size and varied designs of sheds can make installation trickier, so having versatile tools is key to achieving a neat and durable finish.
Additional Tips on Tie-Downs
Before starting your skirting project, ensure that your home is properly secured. A solid tie-down system is essential for safety and can prevent damage to both your home and the skirting. For more guidance, check out our blog post on hiring a tie-down pro: Read more here.
Get Expert Help with Skirting Projects
Whether you’re tackling mobile home skirting installation or shed skirting, having the right support makes all the difference. If you’d like more information about skirting products or installation tips, contact DURASKIRT™ at (360) 964-9238. Our team has extensive experience working with both older and newer manufactured homes and is happy to assist you. Let us help you protect and beautify your home or shed with high-quality skirting solutions.
Is DURASKIRT™ A Good Cold Climate Skirting Product?
A History Behind the Making of DURASKIRT™
This is a legitimate question because we began by desiring to make the best cold-weather skirting product. We hope this article will answer your question to your satisfaction. DURASKIRT™ underwent an extensive engineering and design process before manufacturing our well-known concrete board skirting panels. This process considered various climate conditions to ensure the skirting could withstand extreme temperatures, including harsh winters.
You’ll be glad to know that we addressed this question and more during the design and manufacturing phases. As a result, our durable exterior cement board skirting was created, offering a reliable and long-lasting solution. Today, DURASKIRT™ is installed on thousands of homes across the country, delivering proven results.
The Beginning of DURASKIRT™
DURASKIRT, LLC began manufacturing and selling DURASKIRT™ in several states with some of the nation’s most severe and variable weather conditions. Naturally, we had to meet and exceed rigorous testing standards. As homeowners explored various house skirting ideas, we wanted to provide a concrete board skirting system they could trust for both durability and aesthetics.
True Quality – How Durable Is DURASKIRT™?
Installing a DURASKIRT™ panel on a manufactured home.
Without revealing all our proprietary secrets, DURASKIRT™ incorporates a high-quality concrete additive package into the panels. These concrete additives give our panels unique properties, such as resistance to cracking and chipping during freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, they help prevent expansion or warping during drastic temperature changes.
The designers of this product have decades of experience in concrete board construction and have worked extensively with manufactured homes, modular homes, and site-work contractors. This wealth of expertise made it possible to engineer a premium exterior cement board skirting solution that meets the highest standards.
Exceptional Circumstances Lead to Innovation
An exceptional set of circumstances led to the creation of this innovative house skirting idea. Many attempts had been made by others, but they failed to develop a long-lasting, reliable product. DURASKIRT™ emerged as a breakthrough solution—a concrete board skirting system designed for durability, ease of installation, and a sleek, professional appearance.
Two Schools of Thought
When we started our quest for the perfect skirting product, the manufactured home industry had two primary schools of thought. One prioritized affordability, while the other emphasized quality, durability, and longevity. Since both perspectives have merit, our goal was to merge them—leading to the development of DURASKIRT™.
Certain Design Stipulations
From the start, we established critical design criteria:
Aesthetic Appeal: The panels had to look great and function effectively for years in diverse climates.
Cost-Effectiveness: The product needed to meet the affordability demands of the manufactured home industry.
These guiding principles shaped our approach to designing, testing, and manufacturing exterior cement board panels that combine high durability with an attractive finish.
No Outside Assistance – A Commitment to Quality
It’s worth noting that DURASKIRT™ was developed without any government or private grants. While we recognized the need for capital, we preferred to maintain full control of the process, avoiding red tape and external interference. This allowed us to focus entirely on creating the best concrete board skirting product available.
Lean, Efficient, and Customer-Focused
“Free” money often brings constraints, and we wanted the freedom to innovate. By maintaining a lean and focused approach, we could prioritize efficiency and quality while serving the needs of our customers.
Throughout the years, DURASKIRT™ has gained both critics and loyal supporters. Overcoming outdated industry notions has been challenging, but we remain committed to providing homeowners with a superior skirting solution. Many of our biggest advocates were once skeptics, but after seeing DURASKIRT™ in action, they became dedicated supporters.
For everyone who has asked, “Why hasn’t anyone made a durable, affordable, and high-quality skirting product for our industry?”—we believe DURASKIRT™ is the long-awaited answer.
Selling Mobile Home Skirting Kits
DURASKIRT™ Mobile Home Kits
Using the latest molding techniques, we began selling mobile home skirting kits nationwide. These exterior cement board kits have become a major part of our business, providing homeowners and contractors with an easy-to-install, high-quality skirting option.
Does DURASKIRT™ Deliver on Its Promises?
It’s natural to wonder, “Does DURASKIRT™ do what you say it does?” Our response:
21+ years of real-world testing and proven results
Engineer’s stamp of approval
Thousands of satisfied customers
If that’s not convincing enough, perhaps our exceptional customer service will win you over. We are committed to delivering not just a great product but also a great experience.
Welcome to the DURASKIRT™ Family
At DURASKIRT™, we consider our customers part of our family. We appreciate every person who chooses our skirting solutions, and we are grateful for the word-of-mouth referrals that continue to grow our community.
By choosing DURASKIRT™, you’re investing in a concrete board skirting system designed to withstand the test of time—no matter the climate.
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