Project Manager at Plum ProExteriors
04.04.2025
8 min
1733
Siding for Mobile Homes: A Complete Guide
Did you know that almost 21 million people in the US live in mobile homes, including here in Massachusetts and New England? This makes them a popular living choice that provides all the comforts of a regular home. And just like bricks-and-mortar properties, mobile homes need regular maintenance.
If your mobile home’s exterior needs a revamp, why not consider replacing the siding? There are plenty of mobile home siding options available, which we’ll investigate in our post.
As well as exploring the different types on offer, our guide to siding for mobile homes will give you useful information about installation, repair, and cost. You’ll find it an invaluable resource to help you choose the best modular home siding for you.
Keep reading to discover all you need to know about mobile home exterior siding!
Understanding mobile home siding
Just like a regular house, your mobile home needs shielding from the elements. Mobile home siding is the protective outer layer on the exterior of your property that performs many useful roles. Here’s how it enhances your home:
- Upgrades curb appeal. When you replace or repair siding, you give your mobile home an instant facelift. The exterior appears fresh, welcoming, and in good repair, making your property a place you want to come home to.
- Increases energy efficiency. Siding for modular homes helps to insulate your home, keeping it at a constant temperature for longer. This means it keeps cool in the summer and cozy in the winter, so your HVAC system runs more economically.
- Reduces noise levels. Upgraded siding for a mobile home also helps to reduce noise levels inside. If you’re located in a park with close neighbors, this can be a very welcome benefit!
- Forms a barrier against pests. During mobile home siding repair or replacement any small cracks or gaps are filled so pests such as rodents and other creatures can’t get in.
- Protects against damp and related issues. Old, worn, or cracked siding means moisture can penetrate your home, increasing the risk of mold and mildew growth. Having your modular home siding repaired or replaced helps stop rain and moisture getting in.
It’s important to inspect your mobile home siding regularly to know whether you need to make repairs to prevent these issues.
As for replacing siding on mobile homes, when you need to do this will depend on the original material used. As a general rule, vinyl siding lasts for 20+ years, wood siding up to 40 years and fiber cement siding around 50 years.
Types of sidings for mobile homes
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular mobile home siding ideas to uplift your property.
Vinyl
This is one of the most popular siding for mobile home choices, thanks to its durability. It’s a great choice for homes in Massachusetts and New England, as it withstands a range of weather conditions, from hot and sunny days to snow, wind and rain. It’s an affordable option too, easy to maintain, and will last years.
Wood
Is your home located in a rural area? If so, wood siding is a great option since it lends a natural look to your home and helps it blend in with its surroundings. Wood has natural insulating qualities, so it will effortlessly keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Fiber cement
Another popular siding for modular homes choice is fiber cement. This durable material is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and wood fiber, giving it an attractive finish that looks like natural wood. You can also have it painted or stained to match the aesthetic of your mobile home.
Composite
This type of siding is made from two or more materials, often a mix of recycled plastic and wood fiber. It’s a good choice for a durable mobile home siding that has a long life and is resistant to UV damage and other weather conditions.
Acre
If you’re looking for a sustainable choice for your mobile home, consider acre siding. Acre is made from upcycled rice hulls and supports zero-waste practices. It mimics the look of natural wood but is longer-lasting, making it the perfect choice to protect your home for years.
Boral/TruExterior
This innovative type of siding is made from a blend of materials including fly ash and polymer. This unique combination gives a hardwearing finish that resists cracking and warping, helping your home’s exterior look good in the long-term.
Installation and repair
One of the things you’ll need to think about when refreshing your siding is whether you need to make repairs or go for a full installation.
If your current siding is less than 15 years old and damage is limited to a small area, repair might be the best option.
Older siding material may benefit from a full replacement. This can also be the case if you notice significant changes in your energy bills, signs of damp, mold, or mildew in your home or widespread rotting, flaking, warping, or fading.
To understand which option is best, call in the professionals. The team here at Plum ProExteriors can come and inspect your mobile home siding and advise on the best course of action.
Once you’re happy with your quote and have chosen your material, we’ll order your mobile home siding for you. While you wait for your customized order to be made up, we’ll keep you fully informed along the way.
Our experienced and professional team will get to work once your materials have arrived, removing the old siding and putting the new siding in place. A full installation can take up to 2 weeks, but is likely to be quicker for a smaller modular type home. If you only need repairs, then these can normally be completed within just a few days.
By the way, at Plum ProExteriors, we’re dedicated to quality. This means we’ll carry out a full inspection before we close your project, allowing you to enjoy your revamped home with peace of mind!
Maintenance and care
It’s important to look after your new siding so it looks good and performs well for a long time. Here’s what you need to do:
- Monitor your siding monthly so you can identify and fix any issues quickly. You should also take care to inspect your siding for damage after extreme weather such as high winds, hail, heavy rain, or snow.
- Pressure-wash the exterior of your mobile home once a year to keep it free from dust, dirt, animal droppings, mold and mildew.
- Repaint your siding every few years. How often you need to do this depends on various factors. For example, wood siding needs repainting every 5 to 10 years while fiber cement and vinyl can last for longer. You may also need to repaint sooner if your mobile home receives a lot of direct sunlight or is affected by other types of weather.
Cost сonsiderations
The cost of siding will vary according to which material you choose. One of the most affordable siding options for mobile homes is fiber cement, which comes in at $18 to $22 per square foot. Vinyl is another popular and budget-friendly option, costing $10 to $12 per square foot. Meanwhile, wood works out at $26 to $32 per square foot.
For comparison, take a look at this table, which shows a variety of siding materials and their cost per square foot:
| Material | Average cost for siding on mobile home per square foot (including labor) |
|---|---|
| Fiber cement | $18 – $22 |
| Vinyl | $10 – $12 |
| Wood | $26 – $32 |
| Stucco | $28 – $32 |
| Brick veneer | $18 – $22 |
| Brick | $24 – $28 |
| Stone veneer | $38 – $42 |
| Natural stone | $74 – $76 |
Source: Forbes
Choosing the right siding for your mobile home
So, what kind of siding is the best type for your mobile home? There are a few factors you’ll have to take into account—let’s check them out:
- Budget. As you can see from the table above, there’s a whole spectrum of prices when it comes to siding materials. If affordability is your priority, fiber cement, vinyl or wood are excellent choices.
- Weight. If you’re planning to transport your mobile home at some point in the future, weight will be an important consideration as it will affect safety during the move. A lighter option like vinyl is ideal here.
- Weather. Choose a durable option such as vinyl if you experience extreme weather conditions such as high winds or snow.
- Energy efficiency. If this is one of your priorities, fiber cement, wood or vinyl could be the material for you.
The beauty of mobile home siding is that there are plenty of options on offer. So, whatever your budget and priorities, you’ll be sure to find one that suits your home perfectly!
Turn to the professionals like Plum ProExteriors
To get the most out of your mobile home, keep up a regular maintenance schedule that includes checking your siding.
Look out for any signs of damage and if you spot any, call in the professionals at Plum ProExteriors for a
quote. We’ve got a wealth of experience in repairing and replacing siding in Massachusetts and across New England—and we’re happy to help!
Remember, your siding is more than just a cosmetic feature of your mobile home. While your mobile home siding before and after pictures are sure to look stunning, they are also a testament to the security of your home. Well-maintained siding keeps out damp and pests and helps improve energy efficiency too. It’s an essential part of keeping your mobile home cozy and comfortable, now and in the future.
