What to Do When Manufactured Home Skirting Starts Cracking or Failing

While skirting adds the finishing touch to your mobile home, masking the crawl space beneath, its function goes beyond cosmetic. Ventilated skirting, for example, can improve airflow beneath the home, which helps regulate heat and moisture buildup. Skirting can help keep out pests, and some types provide insulation from the elements.

When your manufactured home's skirting starts to crack or a panel becomes loose, the problems that follow are going to be more than cosmetic. To protect your investment and quality of life, know when to repair or replace skirting and what features to look for in a product.

Failing Skirting: Should You Repair It or Replace It?

You've spotted a problem with your home's skirting. What's the next step? Depending on the condition of the skirting, you can either fix it or replace it.

• Repair may be enough if: The problem is small, like a crack or a small hole. These problems are usually easy to fix. Or, if a panel has become loose, all you may need to do is tighten a few screws.
• Replacement is the way to go if: You have larger issues like missing an entire panel, a panel is torn in half, or a hole is bigger than the size of a baseball. You can either replace just the affected panel or go for a whole new look and replace all of the skirting.

“If the skirting is badly cracked, bent, chewed, or falling apart, it’s usually time to replace it," says Chad Adams, Product Manager for Style Crest Skirting and Foundation Covers. "Big issues like sun damage, water damage, or animals getting in mean the skirting isn’t doing its job anymore. At that point, swapping out the damaged panel, or replacing all of it, can save bigger problems down the road.”

Why Skirting Fails in the First Place

The number one reason why skirting fails in the first place? Incorrect installation. If there are gaps between panels or they aren't attached securely, they can become loose, moisture can get in, and warping or cracking can occur.

Skirting can also fail due to general wear and tear and exposure to the elements, like rain, wind, heat, and cold. Over time, cracks can form or a particularly severe storm can knock a panel or two loose. Weed eaters also frequently damage skirting. A thicker, stronger vinyl skirting can help resist that damage.

“Working with a trusted installer makes a big difference," says Adams. "They know how to measure, fit, and secure the skirting the right way, so it lasts longer and looks better. A good installer helps you avoid gaps, problems, and extra costs later on.”

What to Look for in Replacement Skirting

If you're replacing skirting, you need to understand what will work based on your local climate, your style, and the rules of your community. Skirting comes in various materials, such as vinyl, metal, and fiber cement board as well as in a range of styles, including faux brick and stone, which are great options if your community allows it. Otherwise, traditional vinyl skirting offers the best balance of affordability and performance.

Also pay attention to ventilation. Your crawlspace needs to breathe, otherwise moisture can build up underneath, causing significant damage like warped floorboards, mold, and even health issues. This is especially true in newer, more energy-efficient homes where tight construction can trap moisture against the structure.

To ensure your crawlspace is properly ventilated, either choose panels with integrated, hidden vents or install a few panels with the option to add a vent. Additionally, local building codes may dictate how much ventilation your home requires. The right amount of ventilation will make your skirting last longer while ensuring compliance with local codes.

"One thing homeowners don't always realize is that vents only help if they're kept clear," adds Adams. "Building code requires ventilation around the home so air can move on all sides, and blocking vents with landscaping or winter storage can cause problems fast. Keeping skirting vents unobstructed goes a long way toward protecting your home."

Managing Skirting Repairs and Replacements Across a Community

Maybe a big storm has just rolled through your area, leaving multiple homes in your community with noticeable damage. Or property owners have fallen behind on their upkeep and the entire community is in need of improved curb appeal. To address these challenges, community managers should look for a reliable supplier that can provide installation support for a wide range of skirting types, along with community-wide pricing and financing options to make the upgrades more accessible.

Turn to Style Crest for Your Skirting Needs

Whether you want to replace a panel or two or it's time for a complete redo, Style Crest has the materials and installation support you need to make sure your skirting protects your home, complies with community rules, and enhances your home's visual appeal.