Damp check on Alu-tech Caravan

Kai

Mar 21, 2024
22
4
15
Hi! I have checked damp on alu-tech Bailey caravan with my moisture meter (10-20£). When I checked from outside, most of body show 100% damp, but rear pillars 0%. From inside, in the same locations, it is 0%. On the floor, 35% near toilet and front table, on further places, near 0%. I wonder if the moisture meters work on outer alu or GRP materials. I don't know how far 35% is from the professional check results. The rear outside right corner plastic has a filled crack, is that why toilet floor damp? Is this serious problem? The seller have serviced and damp checked every year from new. The last month's check doesn't show any percentage or damp comments, but one or two damp reports under 15% seven years back. The caravan looks good condition. Should I believe caravan service reports?
 
Nov 11, 2009
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Moisture meters don’t work on metals as they are impervious to moisture. So the 100% on the outside is meaningless. You only check inside. Grp will not give a meaningful reading either. 15% six years back is not relevant to today. If last months check had no damp readings ask the seller to have a damp survey carried out or walk away.
 

Kai

Mar 21, 2024
22
4
15
Moisture meters don’t work on metals as they are impervious to moisture. So the 100% on the outside is meaningless. You only check inside. Grp will not give a meaningful reading either. 15% six years back is not relevant to today. If last months check had no damp readings ask the seller to have a damp survey carried out or walk away.
The latest damp report shows click marks with no reading on floor/ceiling diagram and on the diagrams of all sides just show "visual". I suspect the service man is one-person company at home address. I am satisfied with the caravan condition for price, no mouldy smell. I wonder if it is easy and inexpensive to replace or fill cracked plastic with sealant. If that fixes dump at toilet, it is worth of consideration.
 
Nov 11, 2009
23,147
7,844
50,935
The latest damp report shows click marks with no reading on floor/ceiling diagram and on the diagrams of all sides just show "visual". I suspect the service man is one-person company at home address. I am satisfied with the caravan condition for price, no mouldy smell. I wonder if it is easy and inexpensive to replace or fill cracked plastic with sealant. If that fixes dump at toilet, it is worth of consideration.
Even a one man service company should be able to carry out competent damp checks. My AWS technician was a one man company. If your didn’t do a proper damp check I’d have to ask what other aspects were not carried out properly.

I’ve had caravans that had damp with no noticeable smell. Often a musty smell comes from inadequate ventilation. If you can smell damp it’s a bigger problem.

Given you have 35% in two places my first action would be to have an AWS damp survey as the tech should be able to give advice on where it is coming from and how to deal with it.
 
Mar 14, 2005
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If you have a soggy floor, then I suggest avoid the caravan. Bailey caravans have a recent reputation for developing soggy floor corners, and until the damage has been exposed you have no idea how far the problem has propagated, or how much it will cost to put right.
 

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