Damp - Surface or ingress?

[gavalar1081]

Hi All,

I have the chance to buy a cracking Fleetwood Garland 6 berth from a neighbour.

The problem is it has been standing for a couple of years. Although the windows were left on air lock it now has damp. i can see black spots on thr fridge, in the bathroom and in a couple of places on the ceiling but to be honest I am really hopefull this can be resolved.

How do I know if it has got into the walls and is this possible?

I would like to think that will a very intensive clean this van will be perfect for us but I want to make sure the damp can be addressed first.

I have read ways of getting rid of surface damp on here already but if it is ingress damp does that mean it can not be removed?

Thanks, Gavin

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Gavin,

Its not possible for you question to be fully answered on a forum, as none of us can see or test the caravan.

Just as if you were buying a house, it would be wise to have the caravan checked by a either an experienced caravanner or a professional dealer who has the tools to do a proper damp check, and also test the gas and electrics.

If the test shows the caravan is not damp, and there are only a few spots of mould, then it is possible to clean the affected area’s, but there may be the tell tail signs of where the spots were.

Perhaps the spots may be where a can of pop may have expoded when it was opened.

Best of luck

 

[Mel]

I agree with John. The only way to be sure is to get it properly damp tested. I think you can buy a damp testing meter but that is expense and you need to know what you are doing. If there is damp in the body of the van it can be repaired but I believe that this is a mega expense and unless you are looking for a major DIY renovation project, walk away.

John, your posts are doing all that <supportemptypara> stuff again. Can you do something about it as it makes them very hard to read.
mel

 

[Parksy]

Why not spend £50 or so to get a qualified mobile caravan engineer round to do a professional damp test and to give the caravan a quick once over?
This would set your mind at rest and possibly prevent you from making an expensive mistake.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Mel,
Thanks for the notice

 

[xtrailman]

Buy something like this and carry out your own damp test.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rapitest-RAPDTM118-Damp-Test-Meter/dp/B0001P0JZU

 

[Gagakev]

Hi Gavin, after you have had a damp test done and you think it may go deeper than just surface damp think what it may take to repair.
Take a look in the Technical section on here under the heading Caravan side wet and soggy (its on page 2 of this section) sorry cant do links!!
There are some photo's to show you what to expect if the damp has penetrated.
Good luck

 

[PT]

Duplicate Post

 

[PT]

hi mate, yea get it damp tested take it to an approved ncc workshop to get it done. damp is not a major thing at all it can be sorted!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PT]

i wouldent even bother !!!!!!!!!!

 

[Parksy]

I have to disagree with PT
Damp or water ingress is the biggest killer of caravans and you need to know exactly what you are spending your money on.
Damp or the symptoms of water ingress are repairable but can cost time and money to put right.
Fleetwood are no longer in business so interior trim and panels might be hard to source.

 

[Rita1]

"Why not spend £50 or so to get a qualified mobile caravan engineer round to do a professional damp test and to give the caravan a quick once over?"

Wise words