According to our damp meter we have a serious problem in the floor on the offside. I wondered if there is anything underneath which could give a false reading? If it is damp, what to do about it? Would it be safe to use a heat gun underneath?
If the damp is at front or rear side ends it is usually as rain runs down the front or rear panels it runs underneath wetting the floor. Manufacturers do not fit a drip strip under the panels for the water to drip off instead of wetting the floor. All our previous caravans I fitted strips to prevent this, Present caravan did not need this doing as Swifts floor and Body panels are all GRP therefore cannot absorb water. After it has rained if you look underneath in the area,you will see if it is wet. If the damp is along the side it may be due to leaking pipe. I would not use a heat gun as to harsh ,but a hair dryer on low heat.
Agree with birdman on this, the likelyhood is that rainwater is wetting the underfloor too often therefor too long, this is the sitiation that leads to rot. The floor will naturally get wet when being towed as water splashes up from puddles etc but this is only temporary and will air dry in time when parked up. Using a hair druer to dry things up is not the long term solution, modification to stop rainwater getting there is what's needed, I did mine about 10 years ago and it has worked fine ever simnce.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
I might add, there was no damp in the floor at the service in April. Now our meter is showing up to 60% in some places, from the corner cupboard in the centre, back towards the washroom (none showing in the washroom). Is there anything under the floor that could be showing a false reading on the meter?
We tried to get our mobile servicer involved but he doesn't want to know. (Told us he was closing for the season which is a first). New servicer to find for next year. He found 40% damp in the wall, offside back. This is supposed to have been repaired, but that's another story.
I think a good visual inspection is needed, preferrably after if has been raining for a bit. If the van is parked up there should be no water underneath on the bottom floor ply. if there is, it needs to be addressed.
Secondly are there any other signs that could lead to water ingress from another source near where the damp has been found? Common places are stress cracks along the awning rails, loose or missing sealant, or window rubbers come unstuck, the hinge above fromt windows often gets stress cracks as they use self tappers and don't drill out pilot holes first.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Thanks, OH has sealed everything he can see, but I am concerned that water is trapped and will not dry out. Doubt whether damp between the corner cupboard in the middle and the washroom would have come from the front window. OH says to leave it and see what happens at next year's service.
That's good. I had damp in my rear roof under the roof strap, I removed it and replaced the sealant/mastic. I did nothing other than let it slowly dry out which I can tell is happening by reducing moisture readings. The affected wood and wallboard although wet, had not got to the rotton stage unlike the front roof strap, I had to replace a small area of both there.
Given that the wood itself is sound, and no more water gets in, it should slowly dry out. At this time of year it may take a while to notice much difference.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
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Topic: Coachman VIP 575 2019
via mobile 29/10/2024 at 7:07am
