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Topic: COMPASS Corna 2003 damp front end

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RONSEA

via mobile 13/2/2023 at 8:16pm
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I'm just looking for some advice. I've been trawling through loads of posts looking for a help guide to repair damp in the front end of my compass corona. It's a 2003 model.

BACKGROUND:
I bought the caravan at the end of summer last year. New to owning a carvan I got carries away and missed a couple of tell tale signs of damp. I have to say the damp is limited to around the front windows and the right side window (as your looking out of the caravan).

I'm looking to put this right. I'm a bit of a self confessed DIYer having fully renovated two properties from studwork up so I hope this repair is within my skill range. My dad is also a mechanic (although I appreciate it would be more useful if he were a joiner!)

SITUATION:
I've just been away this weekend and noticed when I arrived on site the blinds had pulled away from the rotten interior boards and after returning home I have decided to take the plunge and remove the blinds for a better look. As I suspected the front all around the windows is rotten right the way up to the upper shelf and behind it. Thankfully the rot doesn't extend to the roof boards. From reading a previous threat I am aware this is also partly structural to keep the caravan front end in shape.

What I'm hoping for help with is what wood to use to replace the buttons (interior or exterior); what mm plyboard so I use to replace the wall; what adhesive sealer should I be using to ensure the best grip..
In essence I'm looking to pull on your collective knowledge! There are soo many good posts it's hard to know really where to start. I suspect that the leak is something that has happened over many years given the wood now looks like charcoal.

I will upload some pictures of the damp tomorrow for a better perspective.

I should add... other than the damp in these the places I'm otherwise very happy with the caravan and hope to get a lot of use out of it. The previous owners were smokers and clearly did very little to upkeep the carvan so I've already done a few little jobs to get everything back to the way it should be.

Any help would be great.
Thanks
Ronnie

birdman101

14/2/2023 at 8:45am
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Google Wizards caravan damp repairs for tips how to do things. You first need to find where leak is getting in before replacing timbers. The most likely is the rail that the front windows hinge on will need removing ans revealing. Use Silkaflex. Also the rubber seals around windows may need replacing and new sealant There is a company on EBay sells new rubber seals various widths and bought in lengths so you cut to size.

Post last edited on 14/02/2023 08:49:44

blueexpo97

14/2/2023 at 9:00am
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Wizards Damp Repairs

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.

Pickled Onion

14/2/2023 at 12:29pm
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Here is a link to a good window seal company here.

Dave.

-------------
Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.

RONSEA

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Hi,

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Birdman101/ Blueexpo97 thanks I will read over the wizards website in more detail as I go about the repair. From what I've read though it's a really comprehensive guide which should keep me right. I suspect the leak has been coming in from the window rail as you suggest as there is only damp the full width of the rail and no where else on the front. My plan was to remove and use mastic tape when resealing the front awning rail and also if I can do it then use silkaflex under the window rail for a proper seal.

Pickledonion, thanks for the link. Much appreciated.

I've not had chance today to get more in depth pictures but here is what I'm dealing with in the front end.

A temporary repair on the front outside appears to have stopped any leak and the wood is basically dust and appears to hoover out. I'm really not sure what had been holding up the window blinds. The previous owner was clearly aware of the issue as I found double sided tape on the rear of one blind where the screws had failed due to the rotten wood.

Thanks
Ronnie

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