Basics of Property Management: Screening Potential Tenants

5 Tips For Winterizing Your Manufactured Home

7 January 2015

Jesse Obrien

Are you concerned about the energy efficiency and winter preparedness of your manufactured home? Manufactured homes today are extremely modern and well-equipped, but they still need to be modified a little to be ready for the winter weather. Just as with a conventional home, you should go through your property and make sure that everything is adequately prepared.

1. Use Heat Tape on Any Water Pipes

Water pipes can easily freeze and burst, and this can be an extremely expensive repair. You can use heat tape around your water pipes to protect them against the worst of the frost. Heat tape can easily be rolled onto the exposed areas of piping. Insulating sheets can also be added for further improvement.

2. Caulk Up Any Weak Areas

Are there any areas within your manufactured home that has a draft or weakness? Use caulk to seal these areas up. Otherwise, the cold air will blow right through. The caulk will also reinforce the structure of your property, which is always positive.

3. Repair the Edges and Seams of Your Roof

Roof coating can be used to repair the edges and seams of your roof. This should be done on a regular basis. Inspect your roof for any gaps and breaks. The roof coating can be applied with a brush to seal the area. Otherwise water may get in and leak through, causing water damage. Snow may also build up and the roof may buckle under the weight. 

4. Loosen or Remove any Tie Downs

If you have any tie downs on your manufactured home, you should remove them as soon as possible. This is because the ground will freeze and contract during the winter. This can pull on the tie downs, which could warp or damage the frame of your house. Loosen them or remove them as the temperature goes below freezing.

5. Insulate Your Windows

Your windows aren't likely to see a lot of use during the winter, so it's often best to insulate them and seal them temporarily. A simple, inexpensive sheet of insulation can be secured over the window to reduce heat loss during the chilly winter months and provide reinforcement during storms.

Following the above tips should keep you toasty throughout the cold winter seasons, in addition to avoiding any potential damage to your property. Don't forget to regularly clear off any snowfall that builds up and inspect the rest of your property for any issues in need of quick repair.

For more tips on caring for your manufactured home, contact a local contractor, like M & W Manufactured Home Sales.

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