Well, familiar story no doubt. After years of tenting, We'd had enough of wind and rain and bought a used 2008 Explore 546. Looked in fantastic condition, one owner, pristine internally, no external damage and no damp reports in full service history.
Fast forward 6 months and 2 trips later, using in February, I noticed a small area of soft wall board in the rear fixed bunk (runs across the back of the van in this layout). Had it checked during the annual service. 60% damp reading in this area. Service recommended re-seal and new wall linings. Cost was c. £1500. I couldn't believe this, or that anyone pays for this. Firmly of the opinion that if you do a job yourself you can do it right, I thought time to roll the sleeves up.
Armed with my thorough damp report and some research, i've decided to re-seal the suspect rails (2 awning rails either side and 2 rear panel rails. I was going to do this with some 32mm mastic roll and plenty of Sikaflex 512 following Wizard's very helpful guidance.
Now my question - I'm loath to strip out the double fixed bunk to remove the wall board internally as it's not stained and there's no sign of damage, but is this an error? My hope was that once re-sealed there's no more water ingress and with a few small holes drilled through the wall board, The damp will dry out and things will be ok. The soft or spongy area is quite small.
Also, rather than remove the rear grab handles I was going to seal around the outside using the Sikaflex.
Hi Surf boy hope your well ?
Our old dannett has soft spots in walls but it's dry on the inside !
Sealed on the out side so no more water can get in !
I resealed 5 of the windows last year & the window rails that they sat in,& some of the vents, no more water getting in !
I also repaired the wall board in the toilet area with new board & painted it
If your grab handles are firm then I wouldn't worry about the internal integrity of the wall!
If your not sure I would take them off & seal underneath them, water gets everywhere!LOL
Don't be put of by the thought that it's a mammoth job just take your time & think about wot your doing & you will get it sorted !
Hope this helps
Steve
------------- Jack of all trades master of none !!!!
Well first rail done last night, joint between the ABS light cluster housing and the main rear panel.
Not as scary as I thought. Rail came away with a bit of persuasion. Slow and steady. Makes you realise how easily water ingress happens, the existing sealant was really slap dash in it's application. Some sections of the rail had very little. 19mm strip of mastic with a generous bead of Sikaflex 512 either side. Sealant squeezed out top and bottom when the rail was screwed back on. Gently cleaned down with a little white spirit on a cloth and it looks pristine!
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Topic: Explore 546 Damp Repair
