Skirting is more than just a finishing touch for your double wide mobile home—it’s a vital line of defense. Homeowners often choose to take on skirting repairs or installations as a DIY project to save money. While, it needs to be done by a professional skirting service for double wide homes.
While that’s understandable, one wrong move can lead to structural damage, rising energy bills, or pest infestations. This post highlights the most common DIY mistakes made when fixing or installing mobile home skirting on double wide units, helping you avoid the pitfalls and protect your investment.
Why Skirting Matters for Double Wide Mobile Homes
Mobile home skirting acts as a protective barrier between the crawl space and external elements. It shields the underside of your home from weather conditions, pests, debris, and cold drafts. During colder months, skirting helps retain heat inside the home, which can significantly reduce your heating bills.
Without proper skirting, rainwater, snow, and mud can seep under the home, causing erosion, mold, or structural decay. Poorly installed skirting can also become detached in high winds, leaving your foundation exposed. Well-fitted and durable skirting improves energy efficiency, prolongs your mobile home’s lifespan, and enhances curb appeal, which may increase property value.
Common DIY Mistakes in Double Wide Skirting Projects
Using the Wrong Materials
One of the most common mistakes is selecting materials not intended for mobile home skirting. Many homeowners attempt to cut costs by using untreated wood, thin plastic sheets or repurposed fencing. These materials may warp, rot or become brittle under sun exposure. Over time, they deteriorate quickly and require frequent replacements.
To ensure long-term durability, invest in vinyl, metal, or insulated skirting panels specifically manufactured for mobile homes. These are engineered to resist moisture, UV damage, and seasonal changes. Choosing the right material from the start helps you avoid repeated expenses. Following proper installation tips for double wide skirting systems ensures that even DIY efforts deliver long-term durability.
Blocking Airflow
Proper ventilation under your home is essential. Some homeowners think sealing off all airways will help keep out cold, but this actually traps moisture and creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew. Over time, excessive trapped moisture leads to wood rot and metal corrosion. Consider moisture-resistant skirting materials that are designed to balance ventilation and durability.
Be sure to install vented panels based on your local climate requirements. Position vents strategically to promote consistent airflow while still maintaining protection against the elements.
Poor Ground Anchoring
Loose or poorly anchored panels are vulnerable to wind, animals, and seasonal shifts in the soil. If the skirting isn’t secured correctly to the frame and ground, it may sag, shift, or detach completely. Not only does this look unattractive, but it also compromises the skirting’s ability to protect your home.
Reinforce panels with ground stakes, brackets, or a bottom track system that keeps everything firmly in place. A strong, level installation ensures long-term performance and fewer repairs.
Overlooked Installation Errors
No Access Panel
Neglecting to include an access door is a critical mistake. Skirting should allow easy entry into the crawl space for plumbing, HVAC maintenance, or inspections. Without it, you may be forced to remove entire sections of skirting in an emergency, which delays repairs and increases labor costs.
Choose a panel with a secure, weather-sealed door that blends with the rest of your skirting. Make sure it’s wide enough to access necessary equipment beneath your home.
Gaps Between Panels
Even small gaps between skirting panels can allow rodents, insects, and moisture to enter. Poor alignment during installation often causes these gaps, weakening the overall structure and reducing efficiency.
Measure and cut panels precisely. Use overlapping joints or seals to close any openings, and inspect seams after installation to make sure everything is flush and tight.
Misaligned or Loose Fasteners
If fasteners are misaligned, too short, or not corrosion-resistant, they can cause panels to shift or fall off. Over time, this leads to rattling, structural weakness, and exposure to the elements.
Use weatherproof screws or nails and tighten them securely. Align fasteners evenly across each panel, and avoid overdriving them, which can cause cracking.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Skirting Mistakes
- Hidden costs can accumulate due to skirting mistakes.
- Trapped moisture beneath the home can cause:
- Warped flooring
- Rusted supports
- Mold infestations
- Water-damaged insulation lowers energy efficiency, increasing utility bills.
- Foundation problems may occur due to:
- Soil erosion
- Wood rot
- Repairs from structural damage can cost thousands and may not be covered by insurance.
- Proper skirting installation is a low-cost preventive measure compared to future repairs.
How to Avoid DIY Skirting Failures
Allow Proper Ventilation
To maintain a healthy crawl space environment, you need adequate ventilation. Install vented skirting panels around the perimeter of your home. If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider vents with adjustable or closeable features to retain heat during cold months without sacrificing airflow year-round.
Choose Long-Lasting Materials
Invest in high-quality, UV-resistant, and moisture-resistant skirting materials. Insulated vinyl panels are excellent for energy savings, especially in extreme climates. Although the initial cost may be higher, these materials pay off in reduced maintenance and energy bills.
Inspect and Maintain Regularly
Make skirting inspection part of your seasonal home maintenance routine. Check for cracks, loose panels, pest activity, or signs of water damage. Promptly repair or replace damaged sections to prevent more serious issues. Also, clear debris around the base of the skirting to promote drainage and reduce the risk of buildup.
Conclusion
Skirting may seem like a minor detail, but it has a major impact on your mobile home’s comfort, safety, and longevity. When done correctly, skirting shields your home from the elements, helps reduce heating and cooling costs, and keeps pests and moisture at bay. Avoiding these common DIY mistakes will ensure your double wide remains secure, efficient, and protected year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I check my skirting for problems?
Perform a light inspection monthly, simply walking around to look for gaps or shifted panels. Do a more thorough crawl space inspection twice a year — ideally before and after monsoon season.
Does skirting help with energy efficiency?
Yes. Properly installed and ventilated skirting can reduce underfloor heat gain, keeping interiors cooler during Arizona’s brutal summers. It also helps reduce drafts in winter.
Can I install double wide skirting myself?
Homeowners with solid DIY skills can handle simple vinyl installations. However, given Phoenix’s unique combination of heat, wind, and soil movement, hiring a contractor with experience in desert climates is generally safer.
Is metal skirting better than vinyl for the desert?
Often, yes. Steel and heavy-gauge composite skirting handle UV rays, soil pressure, and debris impacts far better than lightweight vinyl. However, it comes at a higher upfront cost.