Keeping your residential park home comfortable and protected throughout the changing seasons requires careful planning and timely maintenance. As the summer warmth begins to fade, it’s time to prepare your park home for the colder months ahead. A well-winterised park home not only provides comfort during chilly days but also prevents costly damage and preserves your investment for years to come.
At Arden Parks, we understand the unique needs of residential park homes during winter. We’ve put together this comprehensive month-by-month guide to help you protect your home from autumn through spring.
- Start early with external maintenance in autumn before temperatures drop
- Focus on thorough insulation and draught-proofing by November
- Learn essential emergency procedures for peak winter months
- Understand how to properly assess and repair any winter damage in spring
- Get specific guidance for winterising an unoccupied park home
Early autumn preparation: what to do in September and October
The mild days of early autumn provide the perfect opportunity to prepare your park home for the challenging winter months ahead. Starting your winter preparations now, when conditions are still favourable, will save you from having to complete these tasks in cold and wet weather.
Exterior inspection and maintenance
Begin with a thorough check of your park home’s exterior. Inspect all seals around windows, doors, and any exterior fixtures. Look for cracks, gaps, or areas where the sealant has deteriorated. These small openings can allow water to seep in and cause significant damage when temperatures drop below freezing.
Clear your gutters of leaves and debris, and check that downpipes are functioning properly. Blocked guttering can cause water to overflow and potentially damage your park home’s exterior walls or even foundation.
Examine your roof for any loose or damaged panels. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, we recommend hiring a professional who specialises in residential park homes. Many of our homeowners at Leedons Residential Park arrange annual roof inspections during this period for peace of mind.
Heating system service
Book a professional to service your boiler and heating system before the cold weather arrives. An efficient heating system is essential for winter comfort and helps prevent frozen pipes. Make sure all radiators are working correctly and consider bleeding them to remove any trapped air.
If you use portable heaters, check they’re in good working order and meet current safety standards. Remember that proper ventilation is essential when using gas heaters to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Winterising your park home in November and December
As temperatures begin to drop more consistently, focus on ensuring your park home retains heat efficiently and remains protected against the winter elements.
Insulation and draught-proofing
- Check for draughts around windows and doors and apply weatherstripping or draught excluders where needed
- Consider installing thermal curtains or blinds to provide an additional barrier against the cold
- Examine insulation in accessible underfloor areas and add more if needed
- Pay special attention to insulating pipes to prevent freezing
If your park home has accessible underfloor areas, check the insulation is intact and consider adding more if needed. Insulating pipes in these areas is particularly important for preventing freezing.
For homes at Broadway Park, where temperatures can be particularly chilly, we recommend focusing on floor insulation as heat loss through the floor can account for up to 15% of your home’s total heat loss.
Heating efficiency
- Adjust your thermostat to maintain a consistent background temperature of 12-15°C, even when you’re out
- Use timer controls to ensure heating activates during the coldest parts of the day (early morning and evening)
- Check fuel supplies for adequacy if you have a gas-powered system
This approach is more efficient than leaving heating on constantly at a higher temperature. A steady temperature helps prevent freezing pipes while saving energy compared to repeatedly heating a cold home.
If you have a gas supply at your park home, check that you have enough fuel for the winter months, especially if deliveries might be affected by bad weather.
January and February: managing during peak winter
During the coldest months, vigilance and prompt action are key to preventing winter-related problems in your park home.
Snow and ice management
After heavy snowfall, check your roof for snow buildup. While residential park homes are built to withstand normal snow loads, exceptional accumulations should be removed to prevent stress on the structure. Use a soft brush with an extendable handle rather than climbing on the roof.
Keep pathways around your home clear of snow and ice. A mixture of salt and sand provides good traction and helps melt ice. Remember that preventing falls is particularly important for our residential community.
Emergency procedures
- Know the location of your stopcock (water shut-off valve) and how to turn it off quickly
- If pipes freeze, turn off the water supply immediately and thaw pipes gently using warm towels or a hairdryer on low setting
- Keep a winter emergency kit ready with torch, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, and emergency contacts
- Check on neighbors during severe weather events
Our community at both Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park is strengthened by residents looking out for one another, especially during challenging weather conditions.
Spring transition: March and April maintenance checklist
As winter recedes, it’s time to assess any impact the cold months have had on your park home and prepare for the warmer seasons ahead.
Post-winter inspection
Thoroughly check your park home’s exterior for any damage caused during winter. Look for:
- Cracks or gaps in sealant around windows and doors
- Loose or damaged exterior panels
- Signs of water ingress or damp inside
- Damage to guttering or downpipes
- Roof issues, including loose panels or ridge caps
Inside your home, check for any signs of damp or water damage, particularly around windows, external doors, and bathroom areas.
Ventilation and summer preparation
Clean or replace air filters in heating and cooling systems. Good ventilation is important year-round but especially as temperatures start to rise.
Consider scheduling a professional clean of your park home’s exterior to remove winter grime and protect the finish. Many residents at our parks arrange this service annually as part of their spring maintenance routine.
How to prepare for winter absences from your park home
If you don’t plan to occupy your park home during winter months, additional preparations are necessary to ensure you return to a well-maintained property.
Water system protection
The most critical aspect of winterising an unoccupied park home is protecting the water system from freezing. You have two options:
- Drain the system completely: Turn off the water supply, drain all pipes, toilets, and water heaters, and add non-toxic antifreeze to toilet bowls and sink traps.
- Maintain minimal heating: Keep your heating system running at a low temperature (around 10-12°C) to prevent freezing. This option is preferable if you’ll make occasional visits.
Security and monitoring
- Ensure all windows and doors are securely locked
- Consider installing timer switches for lights to give the appearance of occupation
- Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to check your park home periodically
- Alternatively, arrange for regular checks with park management
At Arden Parks, we can suggest reliable local services that provide winter checks for absent homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I keep my park home in winter?
For occupied homes, maintain a temperature of at least 12-15°C even when you’re out. For unoccupied homes, a minimum of 10°C is recommended to prevent freezing pipes if you’re not draining the water system.
How can I reduce my heating costs in a park home during winter?
Improve insulation, particularly under the floor and in the roof space; use thermal curtains; seal all draughts; consider installing a smart thermostat; and maintain rather than replace your existing heating system, as efficient operation saves energy.
Do I need to clear snow from my park home roof?
Modern park homes are built to withstand normal snow loads, but exceptional accumulations should be removed. Use a soft brush with an extendable handle from the ground rather than climbing on the roof, which can be dangerous and may damage the roof structure.
What’s the most common winter problem in park homes?
Frozen pipes are the most common issue, followed by heat loss through inadequate insulation. Both can be prevented with proper winterisation as outlined in this guide.
How often should I check my unoccupied park home during winter?
Ideally, arrange for someone to check your property at least once every two weeks. After severe weather events, an additional check is advisable.
With proper preparation and regular maintenance, your residential park home can remain comfortable, efficient, and protected throughout the winter months. By following this month-by-month guide, you’ll be taking proactive steps to preserve your investment and enjoy peace of mind, whatever the weather brings.
