Winter storms can be harsh, particularly on park homes. These structures, often lightweight and located in open spaces, are more susceptible to damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. Proactively safeguarding your park home can save you from costly repairs, protect your belongings, and ensure your safety during stormy weather. This guide will walk you through essential steps to minimise risks and prepare your park home for storms.
What are the storm risks for park homes?
Storm damage is a growing concern, with severe weather events becoming more frequent in the UK. According to the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, the UK has saw an increase in storm events in 2023 – 2024. Understanding the associated risks is the first step in protecting your park home.
Key threats to park homes include:
High winds: These can dislodge roof tiles, shatter windows, and turn unsecured outdoor items into dangerous projectiles.
Heavy rainfall: Poor drainage systems can lead to water pooling around your park home, causing structural damage and flooding.
Hailstorms: Hail can crack windows and damage roofs, leading to leaks.
Flooding: Prolonged rain or blocked drainage systems can result in water entering your park home, damaging flooring and furniture.
How can I reduce the risk of storm damage to my park home?
While you cannot eliminate storm damage completely, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of storm damage to your park home.
From securing the structure itself to maintaining the surrounding area, by being proactive you can minimise potential damage to give your park home the best chance of surviving storms intact.
Reinforce windows and doors
Strengthening your windows and doors is one of the most important steps you should take to protect your park home from storm damage. They are your first line of defence against high winds and flying debris. Here are some effective measures you can take:
Install storm shutters: Adding storm shutters to your windows can provide a robust physical barrier against flying debris and strong winds. These are particularly useful for areas frequently hit by storms.
Use impact-resistant film: Applying an impact-resistant film to your windows is a cost-effective way to reduce the risk of glass shattering during a storm.
Seal gaps and cracks: Inspect your windows and doors for gaps or cracks. Use weather stripping or caulk to block drafts and prevent water from seeping in during heavy rain.
Upgrade to laminated glass: Laminated glass is more durable than traditional window glass and is less likely to break under pressure, offering enhanced protection for your park home.
Inspection tips:
- Check for loose or damaged frames.
- Ensure locks are functioning properly.
- Test seals for air or water leaks.
Securing outdoor items
Unsecured outdoor items can easily cause damage to your park home, or surrounding properties, in high winds. Taking the time to secure these items is crucial. Here’s how you can reduce this risk:
Bring items indoors: Whenever a storm is forecasted, make it a priority to store garden furniture, decorations, bins, and garden tools indoors. This will prevent them from being blown away or damaged.
Anchor heavy items: For larger items that can’t be moved, such as barbecue grills or outdoor storage boxes, use tie-down straps or anchor points to secure them firmly to the ground.
Secure utility installations: Ensure fixtures like gas cylinders, satellite dishes, and air conditioning units are tightly fastened to prevent them from detaching during high winds.
Clear the area: When you know storm is on its way, take a walk around your park home and remove any loose debris, fallen branches, or clutter that could become airborne and cause damage.
For your own safety, DO NOT attempt to carry out the measures during a storm.
Ensuring proper drainage
Good drainage is essential to protect your park home from the heavy rainfall that often accompanies storms.
Flooding can cause significant damage by seeping into the base of your park home, weakening its structure, and potentially damaging electrical systems, insulation, and personal belongings. Prolonged exposure to water can also lead to mould growth, which can affect both the interior and the foundation. Therefore, taking proactive measures to manage water flow is critical. Here’s what you can do:
Clean gutters and downspouts: Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and pool around your park home. Regularly clean them to ensure water flows freely.
Install water diverters: Adding diverters to your downspouts can help channel rainwater away from your home’s foundation, reducing the risk of flooding.
Check drainage channels: Inspect drainage channels and make sure they are clear of blockages. Regular maintenance, especially during autumn when they are more likely to become blocked by leaves, will keep them functioning effectively.
Protect your roof
Your roof is one of the most exposed parts of your park home and is highly vulnerable during a storm.
High winds, heavy rain, and flying debris can cause significant damage to roof materials, leading to leaks, structural weakness, and even potential collapse in severe cases. If the roof isn’t properly maintained, even minor damage can worsen over time, allowing water to seep in and causing further issues like rot or mould.
Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and address problems before they become serious, ensuring your roof stays strong and secure during storms. Here are some key steps:
Inspect for damage: Regularly inspect your roof for loose tiles, cracks, or leaks. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent major damage during a storm.
Clean regularly: Clear your roof of moss, leaves, and debris. These can trap moisture, leading to water damage or leaks over time.
Upgrade roofing materials: Consider replacing old roofing materials with storm-resistant options such as metal or reinforced tiles for enhanced durability.
Routine maintenance and emergency preparedness
Being prepared ahead of time is essential to reduce the impact of storms on your park home. Routine maintenance and having an emergency plan in place can make a significant difference. Consider the following:
Emergency kit: Assemble a kit with essentials like a torch, extra batteries, first-aid supplies, bottled water, to stay prepared. Having an emergency kit can help to ensure you're ready for unexpected events, such as power outages, injuries, or the need to evacuate quickly. It can offer peace of mind knowing you have the tools and resources to manage until help arrives or conditions improve.
Emergency contacts: Maintain a list of repair services, insurance providers, and local emergency numbers in case of urgent needs. Additionally, keeping important documents, such as insurance documents, in a waterproof container ensures you won’t lose vital information, even if your park home is subject to water damage.
Develop a communication plan: Agree on a way to communicate with family and neighbours during a storm, especially if power or phone lines go down.
Building a storm-ready community
Collaborating with your neighbours can enhance storm preparedness and help create a safer environment for everyone on your park. A community approach often yields better results and ensures shared spaces are also storm ready. Here’s how you can work together:
Exchange advice on securing homes and outdoor spaces, ensuring everyone is well-prepared. Help each other assemble emergency kits, review insurance coverage, and inspect homes for vulnerabilities. Work together to improve shared drainage systems, clear common areas, or secure communal facilities.
The role of insurance in storm protection
Having comprehensive park home insurance is your safety net in the event of storm damage.
Ensuring your policy is up-to-date and covers all potential risks to your park home is essential. Here’s what you should to keep in mind:
Check your policy: Review your insurance to see check what you would be covered for in the event of storm damage. If you’ve made upgrades to your home, inform your insurer to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Document your home: Take detailed photographs of your property and valuables. This can help to make the claims process smoother if damage occurs.
Understand the claims process: Familiarise yourself with the steps involved in filing a claim to ensure you know what to do, should you need to claim. Make a note of the claims number for your insurance provider. Pin it somewhere, so it is accessible in an emergency.
Why choose Lifesure for park home insurance?
As a park home insurance specialist, we’ve been arranging park home cover for more than three decades, so we know a thing or two about what should be in your policy.
Our customers consistently tell us that our park home insurance provides the comprehensive cover they need with exceptional customer service to match. That's why we've been awarded the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award* for fifth year running.
*Correct as at January 2025
Our award-winning team is here to help, whether you need a new park home insurance quote or assistance with an existing policy. You can reach our friendly agents at 01480 402 460 or use MyLifesure, our online customer portal, to access your policy details, send secure messages, and update your information conveniently.
Support with claims
Need to make a claim on your park home insurance? Our insurer partners have dedicated Claims Teams to guide you through the process. We know making a claim can be stressful, so our Customer Care Champion is available to provide additional support whenever needed. Plus, if you’re a NAPHR or IPHAS member, you’ll benefit from no standard excess on certain claims (exclusions apply for escape of water or oil, subsidence, heave, landslip, and accidental damage).
Extra benefits
As a Lifesure customer, you’ll also enjoy exclusive perks like our ‘Refer a Friend’ scheme. Recommend us to your friends, neighbours, or family members, and you could earn a £40 reward for each referral. Find out more here.
FAQs
Please note that these Frequently Asked Questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions please see the policy documentation.
Why is storm protection important for park homes?
Protecting your park home from storm damage is crucial because these structures are more vulnerable to high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding due to their lightweight construction and positioning.
How can I prevent water damage to my park home?
Ensuring proper drainage is key. Clean gutters, install diverters, and grade the ground to divert water away from your home.
What is the best way to secure outdoor furniture?
Use tie-down straps or bring items indoors to prevent them from becoming projectiles during a storm.
How can I tell if my park home needs better drainage?
Signs include water pooling near the base, slow-draining gutters, and damp areas inside the home.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Lifesure accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
