Mobile Home Winterization Checklist: 101 Guide for Winters

Mobile home winterization checklist

Furnace check-up and heating

• First and foremost it is essential to have your furnace inspected to ensure that your mobile home furnace is functioning properly. You don’t want to wait until freezing temperatures to find out that your furnace doesn’t work!
• Have you considered changing your furnace’s thermostat? These days there are thermostats available that can connect directly to your smartphone, allowing you to control your home’s heat settings when you’re away. Investing in an energy-saving thermostat is a cost-effective measure so you can save for other home repairs.
• Stocking up on furnace filters is another important consideration to make. You’ll want to change them frequently during the winter period so that the heating is efficiently carried out throughout your home.
• Make sure you have smoke detectors in every room and that their batteries are working. Stay warm and safe this winter. Don’t use burners or space heaters with kerosene as these not only cause fires but asphyxiation from gas and smoke.

Outside inspection from top to bottom

• It is essential to inspect and repair any areas on the roof that could be problematic. Patch holes, seal leaks and repair any other damages that will be difficult to access in the winter.
• Check flashing to ensure that flood water does not enter the mobile home.
• Cleaning your gutters on your mobile home is crucial during winterization as it will keep the water flowing and prevent the ice from flowing back up during winter. When the ice flows back up the roof, the interior ceiling could be severely damaged.
• Consider mounting leaf-guards on the gutters and adding extensions to the downspout as this directs water away from the home to avoid flooding.
• During your mobile home winterization, check that the skirting on the base of the home is secure. Winter brings with it harsh winds and winter storms which can add an extra chill to your home.
• Consider adding insulation beneath your home for additional protection against cold drafts.
• Seal all the entry points in your skirting to discourage animals from accessing the house and damaging the existing ductwork.

Points of entry

• Make repairs to any broken windows or glass. You could also install the storm windows which are safer during the winter season. Similarly, you can upgrade your single pane style glass to the type with the vinyl thermal pane as this ensures efficient use of energy.
• If you can’t afford to replace your windows, you can always purchase affordable plastic sheeting at your local home repair store. Affix the sheeting around the edges of your window on the inside of your home. Then seal the sides of the sheeting with a hair-dryer, to create a vacuum that will prevent cold air from entering your home.
• Check your doors for gaps. Look around the frame to see if you can see light coming in through cracks or spaces. Block the holes or consider replacing the door frame.
• Additionally, you may want to install weather-stripping to make sure all your doors and windows are air-tight.

Pipes and plumbing

• Check to see that there aren’t any areas left open to avoid cold and wind penetrating into the plumbing lines. The last thing that you want is water damage from pipes bursting in frigid weather.
• You can also take extra measures to winterize your pipes by fitting them with insulation. Doing this will give your plumbing system additional protection in the winter, especially if you’re leaving your home for warmer climates this winter.
• Don’t forget to winterize your toilet too.

Don’t wait before it’s too late!

Winterization has a number of benefits. Not only does it reduce the likelihood of costly repairs in the spring, it also helps maintain the value of your mobile home by reducing the regular wear and tear caused by the elements. As you complete this mobile home winterization checklist, take time to repair and improve those problem areas you’ve been ignoring. Read more in our Mobile Home Fall Fixes article.