Damp in wardrobe (End Bathroom)

[Lee_374375561]

I have purchased a caravan (1998 swift) recently and have found there is a small amount of water leaking into the wardrobe, I have now used a damp tester(i know !!!! dont say it !!! sould have used one before purchasing) and this is showing red at the back corner(worst part is near the floor)

I have looked outiside caravan and the only thing i can see is where the awning rail meets the van on the top corner. The rubber seal has a slight gap, it does not appear to seal to the van tightly, also there is some sealant there.

*Is it likely this is where the water is getting in?

*is it an easy job to have the awning rail re-sealed also rough idea of cost?

*if the boarding is not stained would it dry out?

Sorry for so many questions but its my 1st caravan and the dredded DAMP has got me WORRIED

thanks in advance for your help

Lee.....

 

[Jonathan_5061656]

Hi Lee,

yes, the van will almost certainly dry out but any internal visible damage will remain.

The awning rail is almost certainly to blame - whether or not you can see a gap, the mastic hardens with time and screws can also rust.

Removing and replacing isn't a huge job and a single section (most vans rail is already in 2 pieces) would take you about 4 hours as a newbie. The key is to clean all the old sealant off both rail and van and make sure all the screw-holes are sound or they should be filled and new ones drilled.

 

[Lee_374375561]

Hi Lee,

yes, the van will almost certainly dry out but any internal visible damage will remain.

The awning rail is almost certainly to blame - whether or not you can see a gap, the mastic hardens with time and screws can also rust.

Removing and replacing isn't a huge job and a single section (most vans rail is already in 2 pieces) would take you about 4 hours as a newbie. The key is to clean all the old sealant off both rail and van and make sure all the screw-holes are sound or they should be filled and new ones drilled.

Hi Jonathan

Thanks for the advice, seems i got off quite lightly.......

A valuable lessen learned for the future (USE A DAMP TESTER).

Thanks

once again...

 

[tcarpenterblueyonder.co.uk]

Hi Lee,

yes, the van will almost certainly dry out but any internal visible damage will remain.

The awning rail is almost certainly to blame - whether or not you can see a gap, the mastic hardens with time and screws can also rust.

Removing and replacing isn't a huge job and a single section (most vans rail is already in 2 pieces) would take you about 4 hours as a newbie. The key is to clean all the old sealant off both rail and van and make sure all the screw-holes are sound or they should be filled and new ones drilled.

Hi Lee

We have just found out that we have damp, due to the awning rail, and as hubby is not that confident to do it, we have been quoted

 

[Lee_374375561]

Hi Lee

We have just found out that we have damp, due to the awning rail, and as hubby is not that confident to do it, we have been quoted