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Skirting is the panel wall that runs around the bottom of the home, between the floor and the ground. It isn’t structural, but it does real work.
What skirting does
- Keeps wind and cold off the water lines underneath, which helps stop frozen pipes.
- Keeps animals from nesting under the home.
- Protects the underbelly insulation and ductwork from weather.
- Makes the home look finished, which matters to neighbors and buyers.
What to check, spring and fall
- Gaps and holes. Look at the whole perimeter, including corners and behind shrubs.
- Loose panels. Push gently. Panels should sit firmly in their top and bottom tracks.
- Cracks. Vinyl gets brittle in the cold and after years of sun.
- Vents. Make sure they’re clear of leaves, dirt, and snow.
- Signs of animals. Droppings, chewed edges, or dug-out spots near the base.
- Water. Standing water or wet ground under the home can mean a leak or a drainage problem.
Patching a vinyl panel
- Measure the height and width of the damaged panel. Note the color and style.
- Remove the damaged panel by lifting it out of the bottom track, or unscrewing it if it’s fastened.
- Cut the new panel to height if needed. Leave a little room for the ground to shift with frost.
- Slide it into the top and bottom tracks and fasten it the same way as its neighbors.
- Check that nearby vents are still open.
If the tracks themselves are bent or the ground has shifted a lot, a skirting installer can reset the whole run.
The space underneath needs air
Federal installation standards for manufactured homes cover ventilation of the space under the home (24 CFR Part 3285, checked September 2026). Your home’s installation manual will say how much venting it needs. In practice:
- Don’t block or seal vents to keep out cold. Wrap and heat the pipes instead. See winterizing.
- If you replace skirting, replace the vents too.
- A vapor barrier on the ground under the home helps keep moisture down. Check that it’s intact when you’re under there.
Cleaning
Wash skirting with a garden hose and a soft brush. If you use a pressure washer, stay on a wide, low-pressure setting and keep your distance. Vinyl cracks under a narrow, high-pressure spray.
Common questions
Can I store things under my home?
Most communities don't allow it, and it's a fire risk. Storage also blocks your view of leaks and pests. Use a shed your community has approved, or a closet.
Should I close the skirting vents in winter?
Not unless your installer or the home's manual says to. The space under the home needs airflow to stay dry. Closed vents can trap moisture that leads to mold and rot.
Gear for this job
Mobile home skirting repair kit
Panels and fasteners for patching cracked or missing vinyl skirting. Match the color and height to what you have before ordering.
See it on Amazon: Mobile home skirting repair kit (opens in a new tab)Frost King foam pipe insulation
Foam sleeves for exposed water lines under the home. Where a line has heat tape on it, cover the cable with fiberglass insulation instead, as heat tape instructions call for.
See it on Amazon: Frost King foam pipe insulation (opens in a new tab)Sun Joe electric pressure washer
For skirting, steps, and the driveway. Use a wide spray tip on vinyl siding and skirting so you don't crack it.
See it on Amazon: Sun Joe electric pressure washer (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information, not legal, financial, or professional advice. Rules, codes, and laws vary by state and by community. When a job involves gas, electrical, anchoring, or structure, hire a licensed pro.