Carnaby Ashdale 2019 leaking

[PaulD67]

Hi All

I have an issue with our Carnaby Ashdale 2019.
We originally noticed two soft spots at the bottom corners of two of the front windows.
I was advised to seal around the external windows for which I have done.
I have now attempted to make good the soft spots but I am now faced with rotten timbers, one side is worse than the other and looks like it could have been happening longer than the 12 months we have owned it, but sadly we have not noticed this problem within the 3 months warranty that the site give you.
Anyway to cut a long story short, has anyone experienced this problem and how did you fix it.
Could the windows leak from the black rubber gasket on the outside of the widows. Please see internal pictures.
I would also guess that this is classed as water ingress and not covered by most insurance policies.
I’m in the Filey area if anyone out there can professionally help to fix and to help with insurance claim.

 

[Mel]

Hi. Welcome to the forum. This is primarily a touring caravan and motorhome forum; but there are a number of technically minded folks on here who may be able to give you good advice anyway.
Good luck
Mel

 

[Mr Plodd]

First off I would like to express my sorrow that you have discovered this issue. As far as insurance is concerned I dont think you have grounds to make a claim. It will almost certainly not be covered as it will be deemed "wear and tear" (check your policy wording very carefully because I could be wrong)
The leak, and the damage needs to be sorted sooner than later as it will only get worse.
I am sure others will be along shortly to advise on the best course of action re repairs either DIY or professional.
Good luck and I hope you get things sorted quickly.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Paul,

Welcome to the forum. Even though we primarily discuss touring caravan topics staticas ae also caravans, and they will share quite a number of similarities in terms of construction, and issues.

You tell us the caravan was second hand and you have owned it for about 12 months. You were given a 3 month dealer warranty, (which has now expired).

Cruishally you also tell us you believe the damage must have started more than 12 months ago (i,e, before you bought the caravan). And the seller only offered a three month warranty!

Unfortunately damp issues seem to be a continuing issue that caravan manufacturers simple have not properly addressed des[oute having building vans for over 100 years. Its the inconsistency of production quality that is so frustrating, and by now I believe they should be able to build caravans that stay dry for at least 10 years without special inspections or services. Rant over.

All may not be lost, but it does depend on exactly you were told about the condition of the caravan before you bought it. In touring circles one of the questions every prospective buyer should ask is:-
" Has the caravan got or had any history of damp issues?" If the seller declares "No" then if this is what happened to you then you have a strong case against the seller under the Consumer Rights Act (2015). Because its more than 6 month since you purchased the caravan, it will be your responsibility to show the condition or its cause was present at the point you purchased the caravan.

If you used a Credit company to help you buy the caravan, then assuming the credit was raised against the value of the caravan, the credit company has joint responsibility for the sale of the caravan in just the same way as the dealer. This is defined in section 75 of the consumer credit act.

 

[Buckman]

To add to the above. S9 of the Consume3r Rights Act may be the way to go, but if you antagonise the site owners, they could make life uncomfortable for you. I would strongly recommend that you contact Which Legal Services for advice.

 

[JRT]

Sadly the only proper way to deal with such an issue is to remove all the internal wall boards untill you expose good timber, remove and replace the rotten parts and then replace the wall board. The windows will also need to come out and be re sealed when replaced.

Often the damage travels further than first indicated.

It's not really a cheap job either.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.