excessive damp in awning

[Steve L]

We have an INACA Mirage awning and are experiencing a very heavy consentration of water droplets congregating on the roof panel on the inside of the awning.

Is this due to the plastisised coating on the outside of the awning?

What can be done to stop this?

Has anyone else had simlar problems?

Your assistance is much appreciated

Steve L.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Steve,

Condensation is a pain. I work with Scout groups, and quite often find that our tents dry out quicker than othe groups.

Its down to the fact that we are quite old fasioned and use the heavy cotton Icelandic tents. The internal condensation does not tend to bead on the inside but is wicked into the fabric. Here it transfers to the out side where the wind and sun can carry it away. The same applies to the awning I use

By contrast the nylon tent which are now quite popular, they are basically impervious and the condensation has to be evaporated from the inside which can be more difficult.

I suspect that your awning is suffering the same effect.

 

[ShadySadie]

Make a lightweight inner lining for the roof, simple rectangle with ties or hooks and fit to underneath of the awning roof bars. Lightweight polycotton fabric works fine and creates a barrier for warm air in the awning and the cold air on outer side that creates the condesation build up on the roof fabric.

In summer the double layer helps reduce heat build up.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

We have the Omnistor and Caravanstore canopy/awnings and when the sides are fitted the condensation on top and sides is very heavy in cool/cold weather

I wouldn't like to sleep in one

 

[KnL]

Steve,

We own two Inaca awnings and generally find them to be excellent.

The porch awning is the 'Puigmal - Winter Tent' which is bombproof and although it is heavily plasticised, does not suffer from condensation. Probably due to the fact that we do not use it as much for sitting out in and secondly, it is not as good a fit due to not being sealed fully around the awning rail.

Therefore good ventilation is probably the answer to the issue.

Our full awning is the 'Elba' and this does suffer from condensation. It is something that we have come to expect, especially on cool nights where there is a lot of moisture in the air. You can guarantee that if there is a lot of dew outside, the inside of the awning will be affected, however I can't recollect the roof being affected any more than the vertical panels or windows.

We tend to open everything up on a morning (ventilation wise) and find that it soon airs off.

We've never found the level of condensation to be a problem and certainly not found it to be any worse than in our previous awnings.

I've also noticed that we get a fair bit of condensation for a day or two after erecting the awning over wet grass, or after prolonged heavy rain.

We've never used the awning for sleeping in so can't comment on how comfortable that may or may not be.

Ken S.

 

[Steve L]

Thanks guys for your offerings.

Our awning is of the new plasticised type. I have wondered should we run a fan heater at night to try to keep the air warmer in the awning.

Previously we had a Trio Mexico awning which didn't suffer any damp like thhis one has.

Our caravan heater is located in the bottom of the wardrobe which is over the nearside wheel. Do you think the blown air heating being on most of the time could be causing damp air via the heater vent?

Cheers

Steve L.