damp

[simon_5092402]

Hi,

Just found 2 damp patches in my 1999 swift challenger. The first one is at the front between the left of the three front windows and the corner of the van, looking from in the van, about two inch down from the top of the window. The second is on the offside side window from the bottom seal to about two inch down. Has anyone any idea where the first one is coming from ( no gaps in sealant outside). How do i fix the side window problem and which is the best sealant to use. Is it siklaflex.

Thank you.

 

[rob_jax]

Simon,

Sorry to hear about your problem.

For the damp patch near the top of the window, I'd take a look at the awning rail and expect to renew that seal all the way around the van.

On the side window, I'd look at removing the window (a few screws) and then remove the rubber seal (a plastic infill strip and a load of staples underneath)

The Haynes Caravan Manual (try Halfords or Amazon) gives a step by step guide to these repairs, lists the types of Butyl Mastic, etc.

Robert

 

[UKHunk]

Sorry to here of your problems,while i agree it could be the awning rail,it could also be at the hinges where the windows open,i have three windows at the front of my van and was damp and on looking futher i discovered on the uprights between the windows one had broken in one place and the other upright just fell out when i took the inside boarding away,so this of course meant a complete front end rebuild,(hope yours is not so drastic)so i think that you need to take all your blinds down including the caseing and start poking around with a bradel to assess the damage,i have replaced all my window frames now with new wood brackets and screws,instead of staples.put up new internal boarding,and now im just off out to hang the new wall paper,and believe me its better now than any new van,Mine was a 1998 fleetwood garland,and last year i put in a new floor to add to that.so you see minw was only 8 years old,(There nott built like the oldens) Good luck to you mate..

 

[simon_5092402]

Thank you very much both of you, for repling, i have a copy of the haynes caravan book and this and last months p c which shows the wren being rebuilt.

I am collecting the caravan on sunday to start removing the rails, blinds etc.

I have been told that the best bedding sealant is seamseal cv is this correct.

Thanks

Simon.

 

[simon_5092402]

Took front gutter rail off just above front windows, the srews on this part are not rusty. Had a right job, the rail was stuck, when i got it off, looked at the rail it is bent in a few places, will this straigthen up once i tighten the screws as i replace the rail again.

The wood on the frame at the front inside was sodden when i took the wall boards off. Will this dry out once i have sealed the rail.

I think it is coming in from the seam where the three windows are fixed.

Just can`t believe that none of the frame as been treated with any stain / varnish.

The next caravan i will buy will be german.

 

[UKHunk]

Took front gutter rail off just above front windows, the srews on this part are not rusty. Had a right job, the rail was stuck, when i got it off, looked at the rail it is bent in a few places, will this straigthen up once i tighten the screws as i replace the rail again.

The wood on the frame at the front inside was sodden when i took the wall boards off. Will this dry out once i have sealed the rail.

I think it is coming in from the seam where the three windows are fixed.

Just can`t believe that none of the frame as been treated with any stain / varnish.

The next caravan i will buy will be german.

If you have the wall boards off and can see the framework and if that is wet with dry or wet rot,i would replace the framework,after all the woodwork isnt much to shout about,i have replaced all the woodwork in the front of my caravan and put new internal 3mm ply wood,and believe me it is worth the effort,and i must admit mine now looks good and will last me a few more years, But its not a weekends job,i have been doing mine on and off since september last,and is just about ready for the road,the front end build was around a grand at the dealer,but i have done it for around

 

[gloria_374244286]

If you have the wall boards off and can see the framework and if that is wet with dry or wet rot,i would replace the framework,after all the woodwork isnt much to shout about,i have replaced all the woodwork in the front of my caravan and put new internal 3mm ply wood,and believe me it is worth the effort,and i must admit mine now looks good and will last me a few more years, But its not a weekends job,i have been doing mine on and off since september last,and is just about ready for the road,the front end build was around a grand at the dealer,but i have done it for around