Strong Skirt® USA: Bringing Innovative Steel Skirting to the Manufactured Home Market

Last Updated on January 31, 2025 by Ian Golightly

Manufactured homeowners face a crucial decision when it comes to skirting: should they choose vinyl, wood, or steel skirting for manufactured homes? While traditional materials have dominated the market for years, steel skirting is emerging as the superior choice due to its durability, aesthetics, and long-term cost savings. One company leading the charge in this innovation is Strong Skirt® USA, which has revolutionized the industry by offering a patented steel skirting system that outperforms all other options.

The History and Growth of Strong Skirt® USA

Strong Skirt® USA traces its roots back to 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Larry Harmon founded the company to address the shortcomings of conventional skirting materials. As demand for a more durable solution grew, he sought to expand operations. In 2017, Harmon approached Chris Milligan and Robert Burnett in Texas to broaden the reach of the business. Milligan, with over 20 years of experience in the manufactured home retail sector, saw the potential for a stronger skirting solution and  opened an independent company named Strong Skirt® TX.

By 2018, Milligan had acquired Burnett’s stake in the company, allowing him to focus on scaling the business. Over the next five years, both the Texas and Oklahoma divisions saw tremendous growth. After Harmon’s passing, his family took over the Oklahoma operations, and in 2022, Zach Harmon and Chris Milligan negotiated a buyout to consolidate the company. In June 2023, Strong Skirt® USA born officially merged Strong Skirt and Strong Skirt Tx into a single entity.

The expansion didn’t stop there. In January 2024, the company acquired a 13,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Mannford, Oklahoma, to produce its skirting in-house. By early 2025, Strong Skirt® USA had launched a transportation division with its first semi-truck and trailer, ensuring timely product deliveries. The company is also on track to open locations in Florida and North Carolina by the end of the year. Today, Strong Skirt® USA serves 22 states, completing over 4,000 installations annually and generating more than $10 million in revenue—with a target of $15 million for 2025.

Why Steel Skirting for Manufactured Homes is the Future

When choosing skirting, homeowners must consider durability, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. Vinyl skirting, the most common alternative, has long struggled with weather-related wear, brittleness, and susceptibility to weed eaters. In contrast, Strong Skirt® USA’s patented steel skirting provides a lifetime solution with unmatched benefits. Including an exclusive lifetime warranty on both the product and the installation

1.Durability and Weather Resistance

One of the biggest drawbacks of vinyl skirting is its inability to withstand extreme weather. Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, making it brittle over time. It is also highly vulnerable to wind damage, often requiring costly replacements after storms.

Strong Skirt® USA’s steel skirting for manufactured homes is engineered for maximum resilience. Backed by two utility patents and five design patents, it features a 100 MPH wind guarantee, with documented testimonials proving its endurance in hurricanes and tornadoes with winds up to 155 MPH. Unlike vinyl, which easily cracks under pressure, steel skirting remains intact, protecting the home’s foundation from external elements.

2.Fireproof and Mold-Resistant Protection

Traditional skirting materials such as HardiePanel and Smart Panel are prone to mold and moisture damage. HardiePanel’s manufacturer even states that the product should not have ground contact and requires a vapor barrier for warranty coverage—something rarely implemented due to cost.

Steel skirting eliminates these concerns. Strong Skirt® USA’s system is completely fireproof, with real-life cases where it has protected homes from grass fires. Additionally, steel does not absorb moisture, ensuring homeowners never deal with mold or mildew buildup.

3.Maintenance-Free and Aesthetic Appeal

Homeowners often invest in landscaping timbers or additional reinforcements to prolong the life of vinyl skirting, adding unnecessary costs. With Strong Skirt® USA, those concerns disappear. The skirting is weed-eater-proof, meaning homeowners no longer have to worry about damage from routine yard maintenance.

Available in over 20 colors, this skirting enhances curb appeal while offering a maintenance-free solution. The finish is backed by a 40-year warranty, ensuring that it looks great for decades without fading or chipping.

4.Cost Efficiency Over Time

While vinyl skirting may have a lower upfront cost, it requires frequent repairs and replacement, making it more expensive in the long run. According to industry studies, standard vinyl skirting lasts approximately 5–10 years before needing full replacement. In contrast, steel skirting for manufactured homes is a one-time investment that lasts a lifetime.

Strong Skirt® USA’s patented Flex-Mount System also prevents damage from frost heave and ground swell, which are common issues in colder climates. This additional protection saves homeowners thousands of dollars in potential foundation repairs over the years.

Strong Skirt® USA’s Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond durability, Strong Skirt® USA is committed to sustainability. Unlike vinyl skirting, which generates significant landfill waste due to its standard sizing, Strong Skirt® USA customizes each kit to reduce excess material. Any scrap steel left over from installations is recycled, reducing the company’s environmental footprint.

“You can care about the planet, or you can buy different skirting—but you can’t do both!” says Chris Milligan, underscoring the brand’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.

What’s Next for Strong Skirt® USA?

The future is bright for Strong Skirt® USA. In addition to launching new locations in Florida and North Carolina, the company plans to introduce two exciting new products in 2025: a direct-to-consumer product and an insulated skirting option for enhanced energy efficiency. These innovations will further cement Strong Skirt® USA’s position as the leader in steel skirting for manufactured homes.

 

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Manufactured Homes

For homeowners seeking a long-lasting, maintenance-free solution, steel skirting for manufactured homes is the clear winner. Strong Skirt® USA’s patented design provides superior protection, aesthetic appeal, and long-term savings compared to traditional vinyl options. With a lifetime warranty on both the product and installation, homeowners can invest in peace of mind, knowing their skirting will stand the test of time.

Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or retailer, now is the time to make the switch to Strong Skirt® USA. Experience the industry’s most durable and innovative skirting solution today!

 

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