Floor damp/ rot inside

[Swilks93]

Hi. I noticed I have some damp at the front of my caravan (only one side) I’m pretty sure I’ve found the leak and that has been rectified. There is a patch at the front I’m going to replace fully with new marine ply. But as for the rest of the damp ply it’s still pretty solid so I was wondering how to go about cleaning it ? And once cleaned should I seal it with anything ? TIA

 

[Jcloughie]

Perhaps a solution of Jeyes fluid to sterilise the wood and kill any bugs. Perhaps there is an alternative with less smell.



John

 

[Mel]

Bleach based cleaner/ spray mould and mildew remover will kill any mould spores ( apply with care). Good airing afterwards.
Mel

 

[Mr Plodd]

Why bother? It's going to be covered with vinyl or similar, isn't it?

 

[Jcloughie]

Why bother? It's going to be covered with vinyl or similar, isn't it?

Mould can grow if left, killing the spores is easy, so why not?

John

 

[Mr Plodd]

The original question was about "how to go about cleaning it" no mention of disinfecting it, or mould spores etc, which, for some bizarre reason, everyone seems to have jumped in on.
Hence my post which related directly to the question being asked, how to clean it.

 

[Dustydog]

The original question was about "how to go about cleaning it" no mention of disinfecting it, or mould spores etc, which, for some bizarre reason, everyone seems to have jumped in on.
Hence my post which related directly to the question being asked, how to clean it.

I guess it’s never been cleaned since he fixed the water ingress. So it is more than likely spores of some sort may be present. So I’d say the cleaning advice given will kill two spores with one swipe😉. However as I know the black staining will never wash off!

 

[Jcloughie]

The original question was about "how to go about cleaning it" no mention of disinfecting it, or mould spores etc, which, for some bizarre reason, everyone seems to have jumped in on.
Hence my post which related directly to the question being asked, how to clean it.

Why bizarre. Disinfecting is a form of cleaning. I agree with Dusty, the black will not wash off, and I agree with you, it will be covered.

John

 

[Beachball]

Just look under our sink my wife has this Dettol mould & mildrew remover it will kill any mould spores .

 

[meCara]

I understand you want to clean the remaining ply but after cleaning I would strongly advise using an all round wood preserver which will protect against wet rot, dry rot, fungi etc.

Link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sikagard-u...&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583520388306918&th=1

If the ply has turned dark black and you have cut out areas of rot then you will likly have a fungi somwhere. Once established fungi can survive in even dry conditions, spread and continue to cause further rot, hence the term dry rot.

Sealing the leak will solve the initial problem, treating the affected areas should provide a permanent solution.

I work in construction and have been dealing with this type of problem for many years and seen areas contunue to rot (Dry Rot) when not treated.

Good luck

 

[Mr Plodd]

Dry rot actually needs moisture (but not a lot)

 

[meCara]

Dry rot actually needs moisture (but not a lot)

My understanding from reading my texbooks is that dry rot can actually carry moisture to where it is travelling. I have opened up areas, wood floors mainly, where dry rot has been extensive and actually seen water droplets on the fungi. I used to come across it a lot in terrace houses that had wooden floors where the air bricks had been blocked. It can travel through Brickwork, Plaster and most building materials.