Mobile Home Skirting: Why It Matters and How It Protects Your Property

Learn why mobile home skirting is essential for protecting your property.

​Discover the benefits, from improved energy efficiency to pest prevention, and why it's often required for insurance and code compliance.

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What Is Mobile Home Skirting?
Mobile home skirting is the barrier installed around the base of a manufactured or mobile home, covering the open space between the ground and the home’s bottom edge. It protects vital systems like plumbing, wiring, and ductwork from exposure to weather, pests, and wear. While it might seem like just a cosmetic feature, it actually plays a major role in protecting your investment and improving home efficiency.

🏡 Did you know?
Nearly 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes—and for many, proper skirting is not just smart, it's required for insurance or local code compliance (Manufactured Housing Institute).

5 Key Benefits of Mobile Home Skirting
1. Shields Your Home from Weather and MoistureSkirting acts as a protective shield against harsh elements like rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures. Without it, moisture can accumulate under your home, increasing the risk of mold, mildew, rot, and costly structural damage. Proper skirting also helps regulate airflow under the home to prevent moisture buildup.

2. Boosts Energy Efficiency
By reducing drafts and insulating the space beneath your mobile home, skirting helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature year-round. In colder climates, insulated skirting can protect your pipes from freezing. In warmer areas, it can reduce your A/C workload—potentially lowering energy bills over time.

3. Keeps Pests Out
Unskirted homes provide an easy hiding place for pests like raccoons, rats, stray cats, snakes, and insects. Skirting creates a physical barrier, reducing infestations and damage caused by nesting, chewing, or burrowing.

4. Improves Curb Appeal
Besides its functional benefits, skirting gives your home a cleaner, more finished appearance. Modern options include vinyl, metal, faux stone, and other materials that can even match or enhance the look of your exterior. A well-skirted home can improve resale value and create a stronger first impression.

5. May Be Required for Code and Insurance
In many mobile home parks or jurisdictions, skirting is required by code. Additionally, some insurance companies require skirting as part of their underwriting guidelines or offer better rates when it's installed. Skirting shows that the home is being properly maintained and secured.
💡 Insurance Tip:
If your mobile home lacks skirting or has damaged sections, it could impact your eligibility or coverage terms. Some carriers may even require skirting before binding the policy.

Choosing the Right Skirting for Your Home

• Vinyl: Most popular and affordable; easy to install and replace.
• Metal: Durable and weather-resistant, ideal for harsher climates.
• Insulated Skirting: Offers additional protection for pipes and better thermal regulation.
• Faux Stone or Brick: Great for aesthetics and durability but higher in cost.

When selecting skirting, always include proper ventilation (typically 1 square foot of vent for every 150 square feet of floor space) to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.

Skirting Maintenance Tips

• Inspect Seasonally: Look for cracks, loose panels, or animal entry points.
• Secure Any Gaps: Even a small hole can invite pests or let in wind and water.
• Add Foam Board or Insulation: Especially important in colder regions to prevent frozen pipes.
• Replace Damaged Sections Promptly: Neglecting repairs can lead to higher repair costs down the line.

FAQs About Mobile Home Skirting
Q: Is skirting required by law?
A: Often yes, especially in mobile home parks or states with strict housing codes. Even if not legally required, it's highly recommended.
Q: Can I install skirting myself?
A: Yes—many skirting systems are DIY-friendly. However, professional installation may be better if your home is on uneven ground or you want to ensure full insulation and ventilation.
Q: Does skirting affect my insurance?
A: Yes. Some carriers may require skirting, and others may offer discounts for proper installation. It also helps reduce claims related to pest damage or frozen plumbing.

Final Thoughts
Mobile home skirting isn’t just about looks—it’s about protecting your investment, improving energy efficiency, and meeting key safety and insurance standards. Whether you live in your mobile home full-time or seasonally, skirting adds year-round benefits that can save you time, stress, and money.
👉 Need help protecting your mobile home from the ground up?
At Corin Insurance, we specialize in coverage for manufactured and mobile homes. Let us help you find a policy that fits your setup—skirted or not.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote and expert guidance you can trust.


Disclaimer:
Coverage options, requirements, and availability may vary by carrier, policy type, and state. The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or insurance advice. For details specific to your situation or property, please contact a licensed insurance professional.