Mobile home maintenance: annual checklist, winterisation and repairs
A mobile home is a low-maintenance dwelling — but not a no-maintenance one. Neglect the roof seal for two seasons and you have water damage; ignore the chassis and rust creeps in. On the other hand, a unit that gets an annual check-up can last 30 years or more in excellent condition.
This guide gives you the practical annual checklist, explains how to winterise properly (critical for units in northern Europe or at altitude), covers the most common repairs and their typical cost, and tells you when to call a professional.
Annual inspection checklist
Once a year — ideally at the start of the season or after winter — walk through this checklist:
- Roof — inspect all seams, flashings and skylight surrounds. Re-seal any cracked or lifted sealant with a compatible roof sealant (Sikaflex or Dicor are common). This is the single most important maintenance task.
- Chassis and underside — look for new rust spots, especially at joints and cross-members. Treat surface rust with a zinc-based spray; flag deep corrosion for professional assessment.
- Gutters and downpipes — clear leaves, check brackets, ensure water drains away from the unit.
- Windows and doors — check seals for cracks or gaps. Replace perished rubber seals (cheap and easy).
- Ventilation — ensure all vents are clear. Blocked vents cause condensation, which causes damp.
- Gas — visually check hoses and connections; book a gas safety check annually.
- Electrics — test RCD/trip switches; check for frayed cables or scorch marks.
- Plumbing — run all taps, check for drips under sinks and around the boiler.
Winterisation: protecting your unit in the cold months
If the unit is not occupied over winter (or is in a cold-weather location), winterising prevents the most common cold-weather damage: frozen pipes and condensation.
- Drain the water system completely — open all taps, flush the toilet, drain the boiler. Any water left in pipes can freeze and burst them.
- Add non-toxic antifreeze to drain traps (sink, shower, toilet) to prevent trap seals from freezing.
- Leave internal doors and cupboards open to allow air circulation and reduce condensation.
- Turn off the gas supply at the bottle/regulator.
- If electricity stays on, set a low-level heater (5–10 °C) with a frost-stat to prevent extreme cold inside. If electricity is off, ensure everything is drained.
- Cover external vents with mesh (not sealed — airflow must continue) to keep rodents out.
Common repairs and typical costs
The repairs you are most likely to encounter over the life of the unit:
| Repair | Typical cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Roof re-seal (full perimeter) | €200–€500 | Every 3–5 years |
| Window seal replacement | €30–€80 per window | Every 5–8 years |
| Boiler service | €80–€150 | Annual |
| Subfloor patch (water damage) | €300–€800 | As needed |
| Chassis rust treatment | €200–€600 | Every 5–10 years |
| Full re-cladding (exterior panels) | €2.000–€5.000 | Rare (15–20 years) |
When to call a professional
Most annual maintenance is straightforward DIY. Call a professional for: gas work (legally required in many countries), electrical faults beyond replacing a socket, structural chassis repairs, boiler servicing and any work involving the roof structure (not just sealant). A professional inspection every 3–5 years is a good investment — cheaper than the problems it catches early.
Zusammenfassung
- A well-maintained mobile home lasts 30+ years; the annual roof check is the single most important task.
- Winterisation = drain all water, antifreeze in traps, airflow for condensation control.
- Roof re-seal every 3–5 years (€200–€500) is the most common recurring cost.
- Gas work and electrical faults require a professional — do not DIY.
- A professional inspection every 3–5 years catches problems before they become expensive.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
How often should I service a mobile home?
An annual inspection is recommended — ideally at the start of the season or after winter. The roof, chassis, gutters, plumbing and gas should be checked every year. A full professional inspection every 3–5 years is also a good investment.
How long does a mobile home last?
A well-maintained mobile home can last 30 years or more. The key factors are roof maintenance (preventing water ingress), chassis care (preventing rust) and proper winterisation. Neglect shortens the lifespan significantly.
What is the most expensive repair on a mobile home?
Full re-cladding of the exterior panels (€2.000–€5.000) is the most expensive common repair, but it is rare (every 15–20 years). The most common costly repair is subfloor replacement due to water damage (€300–€800 per affected area), which is almost always preventable with regular roof maintenance.
Do I need to winterise my mobile home?
Yes, if the unit is unoccupied over winter or in a cold location. Frozen pipes are the most common winter damage — and the cheapest to prevent. Drain the water system, add antifreeze to traps, and ensure ventilation to control condensation.