Skirting is more than just a finishing touch for your double wide mobile home—it’s a vital line of defense against weather, pests, and energy loss. Many homeowners choose to tackle skirting repairs or installations as a DIY project to save money. While that’s understandable, one wrong move can cause structural damage, higher utility bills, or infestations.
This guide highlights the most common DIY mistakes in mobile home skirting projects and how to avoid them, helping you protect your investment and ensure long-term durability.
Why Skirting Matters for Double Wide Mobile Homes
Mobile home skirting acts as a protective barrier between your crawl space and external elements. It shields the underside of your home from rain, snow, wind, and debris. In colder months, skirting helps retain heat inside, reducing heating costs and improving comfort.
Without proper skirting:
Water damage can cause erosion, mold, and rot.
Poor installation may detach in high winds, exposing your foundation.
Energy efficiency drops, increasing monthly bills.
Well-installed skirting improves energy savings, structural longevity, and curb appeal—all of which can boost property value.
Common DIY Skirting Mistakes for Double Wide Homes
1. Using the Wrong Materials
Cutting costs with untreated wood, thin plastic, or repurposed fencing often backfires. These materials warp, rot, or crack under seasonal changes.
✅ Better Choice: Use vinyl, metal, or insulated panels designed for mobile homes. These resist UV rays, moisture, and shifting soil.
2. Blocking Airflow
Some homeowners seal all openings, thinking it prevents drafts. In reality, this traps moisture, causing mold, mildew, and corrosion.
✅ Solution: Install vented skirting panels based on climate. In colder regions, use adjustable vents that close in winter but open during warmer months.
3. Poor Ground Anchoring
Loose panels sag, shift, or blow away in storms. This not only looks unattractive but also leaves your foundation exposed.
✅ Solution: Secure skirting with stakes, brackets, or a bottom track system. Keep panels level and firmly in place for long-lasting performance.
4. Overlooked Installation Errors
No Access Panel: Without a crawl space door, repairs to plumbing or HVAC require removing entire skirting sections.
Gaps Between Panels: Misaligned cuts allow rodents, insects, and water to enter.
Weak Fasteners: Cheap screws or nails rust, misalign, and cause rattling.
✅ Solution: Include a weather-sealed access door, measure panels precisely, overlap joints, and use weatherproof fasteners.
Hidden Costs of DIY Skirting Mistakes
What looks like savings at first can quickly lead to expensive repairs:
Moisture damage: warped flooring, rusted supports, mold.
Water-damaged insulation: higher utility bills.
Foundation erosion: costly structural repairs, often not covered by insurance.
👉 Professional installation may cost more upfront but avoids these long-term risks.
How to Avoid DIY Skirting Failures
Allow Proper Ventilation – Maintain airflow to keep the crawl space dry. Use vented skirting or adjustable vents for seasonal climates.
Choose Long-Lasting Materials – Invest in UV-resistant, insulated vinyl panels for energy efficiency and durability.
Inspect Regularly – Add skirting checks to your seasonal maintenance routine. Look for cracks, pests, or loose panels, and repair issues immediately.
Conclusion
Skirting may seem like a small detail, but for double wide mobile homes, it plays a big role in energy efficiency, comfort, and protection. Avoiding common DIY mistakes ensures your home remains secure, efficient, and free from costly damage. When in doubt, professional skirting services provide peace of mind and long-term results.
FAQ
What are common mistakes when installing mobile home skirting yourself?
Using the wrong materials, blocking ventilation, and poor anchoring are the most frequent errors.
Is it okay to seal off all airflow under a mobile home?
No. Trapped moisture
Overview
- Service Type: Repair Services
