News & Events
Holiday Home Winter Maintenance Tips & Tricks
We are coming to the end of a busy season here at Vale Holiday Parks and as winter approaches its perhaps time to think about those maintenance jobs to help with the general upkeep of your holiday home.
Most holiday homes these days are built using modern materials and are designed and constructed to minimise exterior maintenance throughout the year. However, the elements can certainly take a toll on our holiday homes so here are a few tips to help your static home to remain in a great condition for next season and beyond.
Exterior
The build up of grime and dirt on the outside of your holiday home encourages damp and moisture to cling which can increase deterioration. We recommend a thorough wash down either by hand or pressure wash. (Please refer to our Park Rules for information on use of hosepipes.)
Roof & Guttering
Moss can build up on the roofs of caravans which can encourage damp and deterioration, and along with leaves can block guttering. A clear gutter is essential to ensure water is taken directly away from the caravan as quickly as possible. It is, therefore, important to check guttering regularly and remove leaves, moss, and debris.
Check the Anchorage
Ensure the holiday home is secured with chains so that it is safe during a harsh windy winter. Check for a build up of rust and report any major faults to your Park reception.
Underneath Your Holiday Home
As per point 17 of our park rules, "The underside of caravans and steps must be kept clear at all times" - to elaborate, this means no personal belongings are to be stored underneath or around the caravan other than your external storage box. You should check that the pitch underneath your holiday home is clear of any debris and vegetation (such as leaves, branches, moss, litter ect). This helps air to circulate, preventing damp and ensuring clear access for engineers to complete contracted work.
Windows
It is good practice to check all the windows to ensure that they are in good working order. Damaged rubber seals or loose windows will only worsen in the winter months and encourage water ingress so now may be a good time to change those faulty ones. Check the locks and any window alarms are in working order.
Gas & Electric
It is recommended that all gas and electric systems are isolated when the holiday home is left empty for the winter. This will involve switching off the electricity at the main trip switch and shutting off supply of gas, either at the gas meter or the gas bottles. If this is something you do not know how to do or require advice please speak to your Park reception.
Please Note: if you are leaving your central heating on frost settings it will require gas and electric to run.
Condensation
To help prevent the build up of condensation and damp within the holiday home some owners leave out dehumidifier crystals, moisture traps or salt bowls to absorb the damp. The build up of condensation is inevitable throughout the winter and these measures are a way of keeping condensation to a controllable level, thus helping prevent mould from developing inside of your holiday home.
Precautions you should take when leaving your caravan for the last time this winter:
- Arrange for your static caravan or holiday lodge to be professionally drained down.
- Unplug any electrical devices including large white goods.
- Remove any bedding, clothing or soft furnishings completely or store them in a place where air can circulate to avoid damage from damp or mould.
- Prop open all internal doors and cupboards, and slightly pull out all drawers to encourage air to circulate.
- Remove or hide from view any valuable items. Then leave curtains open so that any would-be thieves can see such items have been removed.
- Completely empty and clean any fridges or freezers and leave switched off with the door slightly ajar. Remember to drain any ice or chilled water dispensers built into your fridge.
- Ensure external vents are clear of debris
- Remove any foodstuffs which might attract vermin (mice etc).
- Close and lock all external windows and doors.
- Lubricate door hinges and window locks with a dab of petroleum jelly to ensure they open smoothly when you return.
By having your holiday home professionally drained down and taking all the other steps outlined above, you'll have more peace of mind that when you return in the Spring your holiday home will be ready and waiting for you to start a new season! It is worth reading your insurance policy to see how your insurer deals with burst pipes and escape of water claims over the winter months.