Dampish thoughts and question.

[Sam Vimes]

I had my service on the caravan done yesterday. The damp check indicated some raised levels around the nearside wheel arch - 20 to 25%.

They sent a picture (attached) of the underside that shows the floor is not quite tight up against the side. They suggested some sealant which I will do but I also have some of this decking tape and thought maybe that would also help.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DW4JLL7L?th=1

Also it occured to me that this may be a temporary rise in the level as the journey to the workshop was in heavy rain and lots of surface water that is always more on the near side.

Also has anyone used a fan heater to dry things out in a small area like the wheel arch which is in a cupboard. Where else would you keep it

Comments welcome.

 

[otherclive]

In May 2021 we had a very wet journey to North York Moors and the weather did not improve over the subsequent 2 weeks. We had been discussing selling the caravan, but that holiday decided us. So in getting the caravan ready I had our AWS tech carry out a full damp test some three weeks later. The overall levels were okay but had been better, and nearside wheelarch area was around 17%. The tech said it’s okay given the recent wet usage and it should dry out. It did and the AWS gave me a FOC repeat survey around the wheel arch and adjacent flooring together with another report.

Given that mine was incurred in May and tested in June/July I let it dry naturally. Yours might benefit by some local heat. The tape can’t do any harm, and could you plug the gap using electricians putty which is waterproof and stays flexible.

 

[Sam Vimes]

Thanks OC....

I was thinking of sealant but you mention electricians putty which I don't use but do have Plumbers Putty which sounds the same and may be easier to push into the gap than sealant.

I've yet to get under it. Was due to collect today but the incoming storm is not the best weather to tow in so put collection off until Monday.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks OC....

I was thinking of sealant but you mention electricians putty which I don't use but do have Plumbers Putty which sounds the same and may be easier to push into the gap than sealant.

I've yet to get under it. Was due to collect today but the incoming storm is not the best weather to tow in so put collection off until Monday.

I’d favour Electricians putty as from experience it weathers very well. Not sure plumbers mate would be as good. I used Electrician putty for waterproofing the terminal contacts on my movers. Never had any water ingress issues again. Readily available on line. .

 

[Sam Vimes]

I'll check out Electricians Putty but I've used the Plumbers stuff many times for things like this - not caravans though - and its always worked well. Somewhat different I've found to Plumbers Mate as it never goes hard, remains flexible and can be removed easilyish.

 

[otherclive]

I'll check out Electricians Putty but I've used the Plumbers stuff many times for things like this - not caravans though - and its always worked well. Somewhat different I've found to Plumbers Mate as it never goes hard, remains flexible and can be removed easilyish.

Here’s what I purchased.

Electrical Weatherproof Sealing Compound, Individual 100g sticks Term Tech S391 | eBay UK

Chemical resistance Resistant to oils, detergents, grease, water, caustic sodas, petrol, alcohols, mild acids. • General purpose sealing.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Sam Vimes]

👍👍👍

 

[ProfJohnL]

The figures you have quoted are not massively raised and considering the change in weather with cooler conditions some surfaces may well be getting rid of excess moisture due to dropping temperatures. I would suggest monitor the situation and is its consistently higher over a month or so then you should be looking for a smoking gun.

As for using a fan heater, what that will do is to raise the temperature of the wood in the hot air flow, which will evaporate more moisture and dry the wood, but when you turn the heater off and the wood cools down, it will still be abnormally drier and it will seek moisture from the air until the vapour temperature pressures are equalised.

As ever good fresh air ventilation is by far the best simplest and cheapest solution.

 

[Dustydog]

How was this joint originally sealed at the factory?

If the joint for whatever reason has opened up and the damp readings on the “inside” are abnormal then some form of sealing may be required.

I’d use a caravan manufacturer approved sealant like Soudal RV 61 or Sikaflex 522.

 

[IanB1485]

I see a lot of caravan floors from underneath and the manufacturers use a sealing tape to cover joints . its not duct tape but is similar . I found the electricians sealant a little hard when cold , plumbers mate is quite soft and will 'sag' over time unless supported ( its great for picking up screws in inaccessible places)I 'd go with soudal fix all or equivalent and then tape with gaffer(duct/duck) tape