Top tips on maintaining a park home

Regular maintenance plays an important role in preserving the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your park home, while extending its lifespan.

The good news is that generally, park homes are designed with durability in mind, and with proper care, maintaining them can be relatively straightforward.

Here are our top tips on how to maintain your park home so it looks its best for years to come.

How to maintain your park home

1. Inspect the exterior of your park home

Thoroughly inspecting the outside of your park home at least once a year, and especially after spells of bad weather, will ensure that your property is protected from the elements.

If you have access to a ladder and it is safe to do so, inspect the roof. After strong winds, there may be missing or damaged roof tiles, or debris that needs to be removed.

If there has been a lot of rain, and the park home has a flat roof, check for water pooling and sagging areas. While you are up there, don’t forget to check that gutters and drains are clear of debris as blocked gutters could cause water to seep into your home, causing damp.

When it comes to exterior walls, carefully check for any cracks, especially near joints, where water or vermin could enter the property. If the paint is peeling or if the exterior is just looking a little tired, after ensuring the surface is clean, dry, and free of flaking paint chips, use a durable weather-resistant product designed specifically for park homes. If done correctly, you shouldn’t have to paint the exterior of your park home for 10-15 years.

Most park home doors and windows are UPVC or composite, but this doesn’t mean you should overlook them during your inspection. Look out for damage to seals and check locks and hinges to ensure your park home is secure.

If your park home has decking, a patio, or a garden, trim any vegetation that provides cover for pests to hide in, and remove overhanging branches that could result in damage should they fall during a storm. Contact the owner of the park if a tree is a cause for concern – rather than trying to scale it yourself!

The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, to say the least! Make sure that any outdoor items such as bins, barbeques, garden furniture and plant posts are secured or stored away safely, as strong winds can turn them into projectiles, resulting in a lot of damage.

Finally, examine the base your Park Home is sited on for cracks and unevenness. If your park home has an area underneath that is accessible, look for signs of damp, pests, or damage to its supporting structures.

2. Inspect the interior of your park home

When it comes to the interior of your park home, it can be tempting to overlook minor issues until they begin impacting the aesthetics.

However, if you’ve noticed damp patches, paint bubbling or discolouration, this could be a sign of water damage, which can be a costly thing to put right if left untreated. When inspecting the walls, also look for any signs of damage, like cracks and holes, that could allow vermin to creep in and set up home. This includes checking in cupboards and behind furniture.

In bathrooms and kitchens, look out for leaking pipes, blocked drains, and loose tiles. Inspect heating and cooling systems, cleaning or replacing filters when necessary.

Condensation can also be an issue if a park home is not consistently heated and ventilated, so be sure to keep vents clear, open the windows, use extractor fans, and wipe down damp window sills.

Test your appliances to ensure they are in good working condition. If you spot any issues with the electrics or gas, bring in an expert to assess what repairs need to be done or raise this with your park owner. Do not attempt to try and fix these problems yourself.

3. Keep things clean

Not only does keeping your park home clean and tidy make for a more pleasant and comfortable living environment, but it also helps to reduce the risk of problems developing.

However, it’s important not to be overzealous when cleaning your park home – especially when it comes to the exterior. Vinyl and wood exteriors should be washed down with a mild detergent and a soft brush, and be wary of using pressure washers on both cladded walls and wooden decking, as this can cause damage, as well as stripping away any protective coatings. Sweep away debris, leaves, and dirt from the decking and patio regularly. This prevents buildup which can lead to wood rotting, and reduces the risk of stains.

If you are using chemical cleaning products to remove mould or stubborn stains, test them on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Empty bins and place them away from the park home, preferably in a bin store or wheelie bin.

And as with a traditional home, clean up crumbs, spills, and food residues that can attract insects, mice and rats as soon as they happen, and keep food stored in airtight containers. Vacuum regularly, launder soft furnishings, and maintain a clutter-free environment.

4. Keep a record

It’s a good idea to keep records of maintenance, repairs, and any upgrades made to your park home. This can help track the history of maintenance and identify recurring issues.

Also, it’s important to ensure that any maintenance or changes made to your park home comply with the regulations set by the park owner. This includes any exterior modifications or landscaping. If in doubt, check the terms of your agreement with your park owner beforehand.

Ultimately, no matter how well you maintain your park home, there may be times when damage or loss cannot be prevented.

Protect your park home with a comprehensive policy from Compass. Get a quote online, or call our friendly UK-based team.