Winterizing: Complete Guide for Your Accommodation
When the first frosts appear and the days get shorter, it's time to think about preparing your unusual accommodation for winter.
Whether you own a pod, a tiny house, or another type of wooden accommodation, this step, called winterizing, is crucial for preserving the quality of your structure and ensuring its proper function after winter.
Here is everything you need to know to effectively winterize your unusual accommodation.
Why is winterization essential?
Winterization is a crucial step to protect your wooden accommodation against the vicissitudes of winter.
Indeed, frost can cause considerable damage to sanitation facilities and piping. Stagnant water can freeze, causing pipes or tanks to burst.
Moreover, prolonged absence can lead to humidity problems and promote the growth of mold if certain precautions are not taken. Winterizing is not only about protecting your accommodation against the weather. It’s also a way to ensure the longevity of your infrastructure and to maintain their aesthetics and functionality.
By planning this step, you limit the costs associated with potential repairs and ensure a smooth restart when reopening.
Before Closing: Steps to Follow
To properly winterize your unique accommodation, it is essential to properly prepare your lodging before leaving it unoccupied for several months. Here are the steps to take:
1. Clean and empty interior equipment:
First of all, make sure to empty and clean your refrigerator. Once clean, leave the door slightly open to prevent odors of confinement or mold.
Do not forget to check the other household appliances to ensure they are in perfect condition when you return.
Also take the opportunity to inspect your mattresses. If possible, place them in a vertical position, which helps to prevent moisture accumulation and maintain their quality.
2. Protect the openings:
Check the windows and doors to ensure they close properly. This limits cold air infiltration, which could promote freezing inside.
Also consider drawing the curtains or drapes: this trick prevents direct light from damaging the furniture and reduces the risk of condensation on the windows.
3. Plan for water installation drainage:
Close the main water supply and completely drain the pipes. This step includes opening all faucets, including those of showers.
Remember to empty the toilet flush tank and bowl.
As for the water heater, it is imperative to drain it according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid any damage.
4. Turn off electrical equipment:
Unplug all electrical devices to avoid any risk of power surge or degradation during winter.
However, an exception applies: do not cut off the power supply to heating systems and towel dryers set to frost protection mode. This helps maintain a minimum temperature and prevent damage due to freezing.
During the winter period: keep a watchful eye
Although your accommodation is prepared, it is always useful to monitor weather conditions during the winter. In case of extreme cold or exceptional bad weather, consider a visit on-site to check that everything is in order. This can also be an opportunity to see if any additional improvements would be necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of winterizing.
Upon Reopening: How to Get Off on the Right Foot?
With the return of the warm weather, your unique accommodation is eagerly awaiting to welcome new visitors.
To do this, follow these tips upon your return:
1. Air out your accommodation:
The first step is to open all the windows and doors to renew the air. This natural ventilation eliminates accumulated humidity and brings an immediate feeling of freshness.
2. Reactivate the water system:
Gradually open the water supply and let the water run for a few minutes to prevent any contamination. This measure ensures that the pipes and tanks are fully functional before using them fully. Once this step is completed, close all taps.
3. Inspect all the equipment:
Make sure that every electrical item, including heating appliances and household appliances, is functioning properly. In case of any anomalies, it’s better to act quickly to fully enjoy your accommodation.
4. Clean and reorganize the interior:
Finally, carry out a thorough cleaning of your accommodation, particularly of the surfaces, textiles, and equipment left unused over the winter.
CONCLUSION
Winterizing your unique accommodation is a crucial step to guarantee its durability and quality. By taking care to protect your facilities, you not only avoid significant repair costs, but you also ensure offering your visitors an optimal experience as soon as you resume your activity.
By following these tips, your unusual accommodation will remain a warm and welcoming haven of peace, winter and summer alike.
Take the time to properly winterize your accommodation: it will repay you tenfold when the time comes to reopen its doors.