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Trailer skirting is available in many materials and colors, but the most common choices in the United States are aluminum and vinyl. Both are attractive and suit the purpose. There are, however, pros and cons to each selection. No. It's not a fashion statement, although it could be. Trailer skirting is the trim piece that is attached below a mobile home to hide the structural elements and the foundation. It improves the overall appearance of a mobile home and protects it from the elements. Trailer skirting is available in many materials and colors, but the most common choices in the United States are aluminum and vinyl. Both are attractive and suit the purpose. There are, however, pros and cons to each selection. Where does Skirting Come From? To produce the aluminum skirting used on mobile homes, manufacturers chemically treat aluminum coil to protect the metal, paint it to give it an appealing color and, finally, bake on an enamel outer coating for durability. Since the 1940's, aluminum has been a popular choice because it is lightweight and easy to install. Vinyl siding and skirting is not a natural material, but rather, a man-made one. The complicated process involves melting vinyl pellets at high temperatures. Resin and a number of chemical additives are inserted into the mix including ones specifically designed for stabilizing, strengthening and UV resistance. The vinyl is then pressed into molds of various lengths, widths, thicknesses and patterns depending on its eventual intended use. Both vinyl skirting and aluminum skirting can be recycled, melted down and used again. The question of green lies in the both the chemicals and energy used to create the product in the first place. Environmentalists are concerned about how the manufacturing process may be damaging the environment. How Long will it Last? Aluminum skirting is said to last in excess of 30 years and, depending on the manufacturer, vinyl skirting is listed at 15-100 years. In fact, some sources state the aluminum will outlive the building it is installed on. That may seem like quite a long time, but one thing is for certain, both products outlive their wood counterpart. Neither option rusts, rots or attracts termites.In fact, aluminum mobile home skirting is also fire retardant, which can be advantageous with some homeowner’s insurance policies. Obviously, a number of factors can affect the life expectancy of trailer skirting, including but not limited to strong winds and hurricane-force gusts, proximity to salt water and baseball parks, intense heat and summer sun as well as severely cold winters and ice storms. The most important take away is that homeowners should perform their due diligence and inquire as to not only the life expectancy of their product of choice but also the manufacturer's warranty, which can be an entirely different set of numbers. Knowing the facts can help when making an educated decision. How Well does it Hold Up? Aluminum will last for decades. That is not to say, however, that it will still look good in 50 years. Aluminum is a soft metal and, while it is perfect for use in this application, it is not the most durable metal. It is prone to both dents and scratches. On the other hand, vinyl products, especially vinyl siding and skirting, is extremely durable. It won't dent or scratch. Plus, the color goes all the way through the material so even deep scratches are hard to detect unless pointed out. The difference between the cost of aluminum and the cost of vinyl skirting continues to expand. The raw materials needed to make aluminum skirting are becoming harder to find, which, in turn, has led to an increase in cost. Plus, the manufacturers of vinyl products have streamlined their process through continued learning and experimenting. As the above points illustrate, the decision-making process is difficult and the points to consider are many. Do your research and choose the best product for your particular mobile home skirting needs. Resources: Complete Mobile Home Supply offers a wide variety of supplies, accessories, and repair items for nearly any mobile home or trailer. Everything from mobile home skirting to complete kitchens and bathrooms.
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DIY, Home Improvement, Trailer, Mobile Home, Manufactured Housing,
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