With the UK enduring what’s shaping up to be one of our hottest summers yet, many have been tempted to look closer to home for their summer holidays this year. Turning to their static caravans for more affordable, accessible, and long-term vacation homes. As the good weather continues, there has been a surge caravans caravan sales – with prices increasing from £15,000 to £100,000 for a new caravan, and £5000 to £50,000 for a preowned one.
It may be a big investment, but holiday homes are ideal for an easy getaway all year round. You might even already own one or be looking to improve it. At Cloudy2Clear, we want to help you keep your home away from home in perfect condition for year-round use. They may not be what first comes to mind, but finding and maintaining the perfect windows for your caravan is essential in the long-term use of your mobile home. Here’s our guide on everything you need to know about static caravan windows.
Design
When it comes to the windows in your static home, you aren’t limited to just the standard simple sliding windows and doors. You can keep your mobile home windows efficient and functional while also retaining the freedom to make your home away from home entirely your own. From Bay windows with sill space, to the more homely casement window, there are a wide range of styles and designs to suit your space.
If you’re replacing your windows or selecting your caravan from scratch, consider how the design of your windows might influence the overall wellbeing of your caravan.
Insulation
As with any home, be that mobile or otherwise, it is essential that the structure is well insulated; especially for those in the UK, where it’s usually cold and wet. Unfortunately, many holiday homes aren’t manufactured with optimal insulation for maintenance and comfort. A lack of insulation can have long-term negative impact on the general upkeep of your caravan with the increased condensation from the lack of insulation, causing mould and damp.
This lack of insulation can not only cost you money in repairs down the line, but also in heating and electricity bills as your unit loses heat faster in colder climates. such as further north or in the winter months. Insulating your mobile home guarantees the longevity of your home and can save you money. Here are some tips to ensure your static caravan stays as comfy as your regular home.
- Insulate your walls. Most static caravans feature aluminium insulation as default, though you can upgrade this cladding further to maximise the insulating benefits.
- Find thermal curtains and blinds. Thermal curtains and blinds can help by restricting airflow between the warm and cold areas of a space. While double glazing reduces the transfer of heat, thermal curtains can aid this heat retention further by creating a barrier that prevents warm air escaping from the main space through the window.
- Additional heating upgrades. It might sound a bit much for a static caravan, but installing alternative heating solutions such as underfloor heating can make all the difference in the winter months.
- Consider upgrading to double glazed doors and windows. Double glazing insulates your home by creating an air gap between the glass panes, insulating against heat transfer in the winter and keeping your home cooler by trapping some of the rays in the summer. This reduces expenditure on heating and air conditioning, and reduces condensation, keeping windows clear and your home mould and damp free.
Ensuring your mobile home is well insulated will save you money. Whether you’re visiting over the summer or renting out to holidaymakers – quality insulation is always a good investment.
Condensation
Condensation can be a big problem in mobile home windows for a number of reasons. One of the main causes is due to poor ventilation. Static caravans are also smaller than our usual homes, so condensation tends to build up faster. It is most noticeable on windows, especially single glazing, as there is no barrier between the glass and the cold air outside which prevents the glass from warming up; however, it can also be found on mirrors, cupboards, and cabinets. Not dealing with this condensation can cause mould and damp to build up which can be destructive to the contents of your home aswell as to your health!
Maintenance
After reading the above, you’re probably wondering how to maintain your static caravan to avoid these issues like condensation and draughts. Here are a few of our tried and tested tips on how to keep your static caravan’s windows in good shape.
- Use damp absorption products. If you’re likely to be in the caravan for a while, leave some damp absorption crystals or some dishes of salt in each room. This helps absorb and reduce any excess moisture.
- Air out the mobile home on a regular basis. When you arrive, before you leave, even while you’re still there (weather permitting), you can dry out your mobile home by opening all the doors and windows for as long as you can. This will allow ventilation in your home and clear the moisture from the windows and surfaces.
- Maintain a steady temperature. Instead of turning the heating up to max for shorter periods of time in the winter months when it gets particularly cold, try keeping the internal temperature of your caravan at a steady comfortable temperature and put on a jumper or grab a blanket when you’re feeling cooler. This keeps surfaces at a steady temperature, instead of having a drastic difference in temp for the moisture in the air to cool down on – which can cause condensation.
- Take precautions while cooking. Ensure your extractor fan is on when you’re cooking. Keep the lids on your saucepans to reduce the water vapour that escapes into the rest of the caravan. Mobile homes are typically much smaller than your average home and it won’t take long for that moisture to find its way into every corner of the room.
- Check all your air vents. Keep your air vents open and clear, making sure to check them regularly for any obstructions. Not only does this ensure no moisture is trapped in your mobile home but it can also be useful in an emergency by letting harmful fumes escape should there be fire or a similar situation.
- Focus on the bathroom and kitchen. While a hot shower or bath might be just what you need after a long day, no room builds moisture quite like a bathroom. If you don’t have an extractor fan in your kitchen or bathroom, ensure you leave your windows open while using either of these rooms at least until the moisture clears and the room is dry. Wiping down the area with a dry cloth may also be beneficial and speed up the process.
- Make sure your static home windows are in full working order. Regularly checking your windows for damage can save you a fortune in the long run. Looking over the seals for cracking or damage, ensuring there is no clouding or fogging, looking out for rot in the panes; it’s important to ensure your windows are in the best condition they can be. If there is damage, this could be allowing draughts and unwanted moisture to enter – causing heat loss and potential long term damage.
Maintain Your Static Caravan’s Double Glazing with Cloudy2Clear
Failed double glazing in static homes can cause condensation and draughts, leading to further problems down the line. At Cloudy2Clear, our caravan window repair services offer a range of benefits. With the popularity of owning a holiday home on the rise, these services are more in demand now than ever.
Static caravans are excellent to own, though their smaller size means the risk of condensation building up is increased. Maintaining your static caravan’s double glazing (or having it installed) will improve insulation, reducing the likelihood of damages due to condensation – including damp and mould. The heat retaining properties of double glazing will save you money on energy, while also increasing the eco-friendliness of your holiday home. You’ll find you may save money in the long run by checking your static caravan’s windows are double glazed and in full working order!
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help with your double glazing and static caravan windows. You can also call our team now, on 0800 61 21 119.