Every home needs a strong, sturdy foundation. An exposed foundation, however, can be ugly and unappealing. The addition of house foundation skirting can drastically improve curb appeal and give your traditional or manufactured home a gorgeous, polished look.
Let’s explore what house foundation skirting solutions are available, and how to choose the one that’s best for your home.
What is Exterior House Skirting?
Exterior house skirting can be used to beautify unsightly foundation walls or enclose the gap between the ground and the base of the home's exterior walls.
While it does have functional benefits, exterior house skirting isn’t often considered a design element, but it totally is! House skirting, especially when it wraps around the home, becomes quite literally the foundation of your home’s visual appeal. Even better, house foundation skirting that boosts curb appeal can also boost the value of your home!
House Foundation Skirting Options: Pros and Cons
House foundation skirting can be installed to complement your home’s existing design, or, if you’re going for a complete home transformation, it can serve as inspiration for a whole new look.
No matter where you live, what your budget is, or what look you want to achieve – you have options!
Before you commit to a material and a project, consider these factors:
- Price of materials and labor
- Looks/quality
- Customization options
- Durability
- Ease of installation
- Required maintenance
- Resistance to insects and weather conditions
- Neighborhood restrictions
- Compatibility with the upkeep of adjacent landscaping
Below, we describe five popular house foundation skirting options along with their benefits and drawbacks to help you decide which is the best solution for your exterior upgrade.
1. Lattice Skirting
Lattice exterior house skirting is a popular choice among homeowners who need a quick and super-affordable solution to enclose the open space between the pier and beam foundation and the ground. This criss-cross patterned material is often made of wood, plastic, PVC, or vinyl, and can be easily found in stores.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Easy to install and remove
- Best skirting material for airflow underneath the house
Cons:
- Can be damaged by animals, weather, and landscaping
- Enables small animals and pests access under your home
- May not complement all home styles
- Doesn’t offer insulation
2. Vinyl Skirting
Many people with vinyl-siding homes choose vinyl exterior house skirting that coordinates with the existing siding. Vinyl skirting can also be installed on a home without vinyl siding for a clean, professional finish.
Pros:
- Quick installation
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Available in a wide variety of colors
Cons:
- Deteriorates faster from extended periods of sun exposure
- Can be damaged by landscaping tools
- Longevity depends on your local climate and weather patterns
- Can be impacted by high winds
3. Metal Skirting
Metal house skirting made from galvanized steel or aluminum adds a touch of rustic, yet modern appeal to a home’s exterior. Often, metal skirting is found on rural or manufactured homes that benefit from the longevity of the material.
Pros:
- Can be treated to prevent rust
- Durable and long-lasting
- Cost-effective
- Resistant to pests
- Can withstand harsh weather conditions
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Can rust in humid environments despite special coatings
- The sleek, modern style of metal is not suitable for rustic-style homes
4. Natural Brick or Stone Skirting
Authentic brick and stone skirting adds strength and natural beauty to a home’s exterior. Likely to be one of the more expensive options, brick, and stone house foundation skirting veneer is also one of the most durable skirting solutions.
Pros:
- Attractive, available in a wide variety of styles
- Brick and stone are durable and can withstand weather conditions
- Resistant to fading
- Adds a layer of insulation to your home
Cons:
- Expensive to purchase and ship
- May require a wire brush to clean
- Heavy, difficult to manage on your own
- Requires professional installation, further increasing your cost
5. Faux Brick, Stone, and Wood Skirting
Faux brick, stone, and wood exterior siding are excellent exterior home skirting solutions that bring a touch of nature to wherever you live.
At Barron Designs, our faux exterior siding products are an affordable alternative to real, natural materials. See and feel them for yourself – order samples!
Pros:
- Provide the same natural look and feel as authentic brick, stone, and wood
- Affordable to purchase and ship
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Simple, DIY installation
- Lightweight
- Resistant to pests
- Resists cracking, chipping, or fading in harsh sunlight
- Available in several colors and styles
How to Choose the Right Exterior House Skirting
Because home foundation skirting has functional and visual advantages, it's important to select the right material to get the job done. Below are a few tips and questions to consider as you decide among the many options for your project.
What look are you going for?
The look you want to achieve will often dictate which house skirting solution you choose. Authentic or faux brick and stone is perfect for a more natural, impressive look. For a modern, upscale vibe, you may opt for metal.
What’s your local climate?
Do you live in an area with harsh weather patterns, extreme temperatures, or high humidity? Depending on your area’s climate, choose a house skirting material that can resist damage from outdoor elements. Some skirting materials offer more insulating value than others.
For example, siding panels can block wind and do not conduct heat or cold, unlike lattice, metal, or vinyl products.
What’s your budget?
The cost of materials and potentially hiring labor for installation can add up. To help you create a realistic budget, take precise measurements to calculate how much material you’ll need to complete your project. If cost savings are important to you, consider a DIY-friendly material like faux brick, faux stone, or wood siding.
How easy is installation?
Installing house skirting yourself is going to be more cost-effective. But, be sure to take into consideration whether or not you are willing and able to do so! House skirting must be installed with care. If you choose the DIY route, selecting a user-friendly material like faux stone or faux brick is always a smart choice!
Get Started on Your Exterior Transformation Now!
At Barron Designs, we’re confident that our exterior siding will exceed all of your design expectations. They’re realistic, affordable, and even better, can be installed over a weekend!
Ready to begin? Click below to explore our siding products and choose the best one for your upcoming project.