Autumn is a time of the year when your static caravan holidays may begin to slow down, especially in bad weather. But how can you take care of your caravan in the autumn, and what are the important autumn maintenance tasks for your static caravan?
What are the important autumn maintenance tasks for your static caravan?
There are a number of maintenance tasks that you should undertake in the autumn months to ensure that your caravan will be safe for the winter, and to keep your caravan in top condition. These include:
- Cleaning the roof of your caravan
- Cleaning the interior of your caravan
Cleaning the roof of your caravan
Autumn is synonymous with falling leaves. Unfortunately, these can accumulate on the roof of your caravan, especially if this is sited in a woodland or under an area of trees. If leaves do build up on the roof of your caravan, this can cause a number of problems and issue, including:
- Staining and paint damage- As leaves fall and collect on the roof of your static caravan they will eventually begin to decay. At this point, tannins in the leaves will be released, and this leaves dark stains on the roof of your caravan that can look unsightly. This is more visible on a lighter coloured roof.
- Water build up- Leaves on your roof can begin to build up, especially if not cleaned off regularly. This can create areas where water collects and begins to pond, and this causes all manner of problems. From attracting insects and pests, to weakening the structure of the roof, standing water on the roof of your caravan will need to be addressed immediately.
- Leaks and damage- A build up of leaves on the roof of your static caravan can eventually lead to roof damage and leaks. Too many leaves results in water build up, which in turn encourages more animal activity, leading to an increased opportunity for damage. This water can also freeze in the winter, causing it to expand and increase the load on the roof. This can create points of failure or stress, and lead to leaks.
Cleaning the interior of your caravan
If your visits to your tactic caravan will begin to slow down until the spring, it can be a good idea to fully clean the interior of your caravan at the end of autumn. This can help to keep your caravan fresh for when you do visit, as well as reducing the risks of mould and pests that may otherwise take advantage of your absence. Some of the tasks you should consider include:
- Removing any items that you wont need in your caravan over the autumn and winter months- a caravan that is emptier is easier to winterise.
- Keeping your fridge and cupboards empty- if you will only be visiting once or twice more before closing down for winter, you should empty your cupboards and fridge early to prevent pests or mould
If you’re looking to purchase a static caravan in great condition and at an affordable price, why not take a look at what we can offer here at West Lancs Caravans?