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Topic: Everything felt damp!

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Rulloyd

via mobile 26/8/2019 at 10:09pm
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Hi there. New to forum and hoping to get some advice please.

After 3 weeks we returned to our seasonal pitch caravan in n Wales. Noticed that seat cushions / mattress / floor mat seemed slightly damp. Also noticed a line of black mould just underneath one of the front windows. Damp meter reading shows about 20% under that window only, otherwise about 10% on other windows. We know we have had water ingress under bed from poor outside hatch which has soaked the floor.

Wondering if the mould would have come from condensation perhaps or damp in the window frame. Wife had been complaining of a damp smell in that corner before this last trip. Now very worried about finding mould and that it’s the start of a major inset.

Any advice / opinions appreciated.

Many thanks

Rich

Rulloyd

via mobile 26/8/2019 at 10:11pm
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The wet floor is the other end of the caravan btw. Caravan is Bailey Senator about 10 years old. We are new to carravaning.

Thanks!

Rob and Tina

26/8/2019 at 10:58pm
Location: Royal Forest of Dean
Outfit: Motorhome

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Have you got a damp report from the last time the caravan was serviced?

Rob

tango55

26/8/2019 at 10:59pm
Location: Lichfield
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A caravan needs ventilation to avoid a build up of moisture which is a breeding ground for damp. There will be several air vents in the floor sometimes with a mesh on top especially under the seats, base cupboards and possibly one on the entrance door so check to see that none of the vents have not been restricted by stored plastic containers or cardboard boxes especially under the seats.
A caravan cover can also restrict the ventilation as well that's why I never use one.

Rulloyd

via mobile 26/8/2019 at 11:42pm
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Yes, this time last year the reading undef the window was 10, now 20

Rulloyd

via mobile 26/8/2019 at 11:46pm
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Thanks got the advice, I will check all vents. Do you think the mold is condensation related.

I’m wondering if the damp caravan was condensation bug the mold is from damp in the window frame.

Many thanks

Rich

Andy McKay

27/8/2019 at 3:59pm
Location: Derbyshire
Outfit: Swift Archway Woodford

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When were not using our caravan we leave every cupboard door open and stand all the cushions up to allow the air to circulate easier. The slightly damp smell that was there when be bought it 4 years ago has long gone and annual damp report shows less than 10% all over and our caravan is 17 years old.

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A & S Mac

Andy McKay

28/8/2019 at 11:24am
Location: Derbyshire
Outfit: Swift Archway Woodford

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Also were lucky to have it on the drive so on fine days we open the roof vent and windows so get a flow of air right though the caravan and into all the nooks and crannies.

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A & S Mac

Rulloyd

via mobile 28/8/2019 at 3:51pm
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Thanks all. Still not sure if the problem is internal or external but I will moisture test again in a week or so and see if the reading has gone down as we are able to air the van currently, that would point to an external problem ( which I think is most likely unfortunately). In the mean time I havfboughy some of those moisture collectors to try.

We have been pretty good and as suggested above, we already open all cupboards and stacking sofa cushions on the floor when leaving the caravan for any period of time.

Been advised by a caravan maintainer to leave at least one window on the slightly open setting throughout the summer even when not used to keep air circulating and he was adamant that a full cover is a good idea in the winter plus moisture collectors inside.

I’ll report back with my findings.

Many thanks all.

Rich

richardandjo2010

28/8/2019 at 8:20pm
Location: essex
Outfit: Swift Challenger 570

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If you have a little higher reading around the window chances are its the window rubber, We have a Bailey too and had similar problem when the windows are left closed for a long period the rubber seal squashes then it doesn't reform its original shape after opening a window, so if you had the window open on your last trip and this happened its not fully sealed now. So try plumping the rubber up between your fingers then apply a suitable lube to it I used a grease that was specifically for rubber but can not remember what its called. We done all the rubbers on the van while we were at iy never had a problem since and van is dry as a bone

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its our imperfections that makes us perfect

annamorgananna

26/9/2019 at 9:47pm
Location: Stretton Staffordshire
Outfit: Lunar Lexon EWL

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We had a Bailey Senator 2008 series 5, they had a problem with stress fractures on the rear panel, we had damp from the rear, noticed it as there was water on the floor in the rear. Had it repaired, but just check yours in case.

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Anne-Marie

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