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We have found a large spongy bit under a window in our recently purchased caravan. We were assured it had recently been serviced and had damp tests done and nothing was found. The seller told us there had been water ingression in the past but that was OK now. He must have seen us coming as we have now found out. A corner has been patched up which we knew about but under a window there is a spongy wall. It doesn't feel wet or damp,very dry actually.There is also a patch at the side of the door(with pinholes in) that had a kitchen roll holder stuck on with silicone sealer to hide it.We are obviously too trusting as he appeared a nice man!!!! OK! We were fooled but what can we do about it? We paid cash!! The rest of the caravan is in good condition apart from the hitch but that's another story! Everything works and it's clean. We really want to keep the caravan . If the water ingress is cured should we keep it as it is?  We can attempt to DIY but is it worth the effort and money. It is a 1993 van.What is the best damp meter to buy without getting one which makes unsightly pinpricks?

Sorry to here of your misfortune hope you get it sorted with the minimum of fuss.

I think all damp meters have to penetrate the surface thus the inevitable pin pricks (no expert mind)

 There are a few peeps who have restored vans on here and they have web sites which are very helpfull. a lot of peeps are also away at the moment. Hope you can get something done about it. Think one of the members is Alsparker if you look him up in the search facility. 

Hi Path20 , if your going to have a go at a DIY repair these websites should help

http://www.alanparkers.dsl.pipex.com/
http://hp-h.com/p/wizard41/
http://members.lycos.co.uk/neilscot/index.htm

All the damp meters i know of will make pin pricks , though i did carefully file the pins down on my meter to very thin points , to make them less visible .

>>It doesn't feel wet or damp,very dry actually  it probably won't feel wet or damp due to the wall covering , but it is more than likely that it's damp underneth .
If your going to keep the caravan i'd recommend fixing the damp before it gets worse . It shouldn't cost you a fortune if you do it yourself .
If you've got questions when your repairing it ask away , be glad to advise . Als is the top bloke when it comes to damp repairs as he's done more than most , sure he'll be along soon .

atb

Wizard

 AH I knew someone would come to your recue, thats u.k.c.s. for you isn't it a wonderful site

It's not that easy , with an older caravan , best you'll probably be able to do is find a wallpaper that's a near match , i tried fablon and although the match wasn't too bad , it kept coming away from the wallboard and seems to attract moisture .

You may if your lucky be able to peel the original covering away from the wallboard and reuse it .

atb

Wizard

Thanks Wizard and Als.