Possible damp location

Feb 20, 2025
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Hi all,

Picked up our first van this week, 2003 Abbey Aventura 330.

Purchased knowing that there were issues that need sorting (link to welcome post) but for the price we paid this isn't an issue, I am also very handy with DIY so not afraid of the undertaking.

I have damp in this area and was wondering if anybody could take an educated guess as to the cause? The awning rail seals look in great condition and there isn't any damp higher up so to my mind it can only be the window?

Where and how would start? I'm confident on sorting the inside. I will also keep this thread update with progress for anybody interested.

P1000291_1024x1024 2.jpg
 
Feb 20, 2025
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If it is window I would expect the damp readings to be right up to the bottom corners of rear of the window. I would be re sealing the awning rail.Also the skirt rail
Cheers for the fast reply. I was toying with the idea of re-sealing the rails regardless but didn't want to open a can of worms. Reading your reply has re-enforced that idea.

Edit: Any recommendations on sealant?
 
Last edited:
Nov 30, 2022
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If tue area you have highlighted is accurate then my money would be on the side window being the source of your damp. There is no locker door to leak which narrows down the possible culprit.
Water doesn't travel uphill veryfar, so the leak must be at least level with, or higher than the upper extremity of the damp.
The internal wall board will need to come off to effect any repair regardless of where the ingress is,
So once that's off you will have a much better idea of where the leak is. The skirt rail is a possible cause, but the area highlighted is rather a long way above that rail, so I would doubt the moisture has wicked that far up from the skirt.
Good luck, and do keep us posted as your experience might help someone else I tge future.
Looks like your purchase has been reasonably well cared fir too.
 
Feb 20, 2025
7
2
15
If tue area you have highlighted is accurate then my money would be on the side window being the source of your damp. There is no locker door to leak which narrows down the possible culprit.
Water doesn't travel uphill veryfar, so the leak must be at least level with, or higher than the upper extremity of the damp.
The internal wall board will need to come off to effect any repair regardless of where the ingress is,
So once that's off you will have a much better idea of where the leak is. The skirt rail is a possible cause, but the area highlighted is rather a long way above that rail, so I would doubt the moisture has wicked that far up from the skirt.
Good luck, and do keep us posted as your experience might help someone else I tge future.
Looks like your purchase has been reasonably well cared fir too.
Thanks Mr Plodd. I will be tackling this the weekend and will start by stripping the inside. Appreciate the input. Bit of TLC and she will do us for a couple of seasons I reckon(y)
 
Sep 4, 2011
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I had a side window leak on a caravan about 15 years ago and if you lift the rubber inside around the window you should get a high damp reading if there. But I would also expect you would find the inside panel below the window right up to it to have an high reading also,
 
Mar 14, 2005
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You haven't told us how you detected the leak, but I feel I should point out that if you have visual signs of damp inside the caravan, then its means its been damp for some time, and is likely to have affected materials somewhat beyond the area of visual detection. It is necessary to remove all the affected material, and to treat with rot preventer even further before replacing with fully treated new material, and of course making sure the source of the leak has been cured.
 
Feb 20, 2025
7
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You haven't told us how you detected the leak, but I feel I should point out that if you have visual signs of damp inside the caravan, then its means its been damp for some time, and is likely to have affected materials somewhat beyond the area of visual detection. It is necessary to remove all the affected material, and to treat with rot preventer even further before replacing with fully treated new material, and of course making sure the source of the leak has been cured.
Previous owner told me about the area and I can feel it is slightly spongy. I assume this means it is more wet than damp but I will remove all the covering near that area to investigate (y)
Have look on vintage section of this forum,, I've posted several images on how I did mine ..Gary
I took a look this morning when I did a search before posting. Tidy job, I need to find a dry building to get the work done in. Not sure if I missed it on the thread but which sealant did you go with?
 
Jan 20, 2023
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My parents previous caravan had damp there and it was the awning rail. Given the age of the caravan even seals that still look good might be letting water in. Personally I would remove and reseal the awning rail and also the window.
 
Apr 23, 2024
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A roof strap leak , can cause water to run down above the foam insulation and down the side wall until it hits a frame member thats not sealed and moves to the inner wallboard and presents itself a lot lower down.The way the caravan was stowed ( slight constant tip to the left) can cause this. To check the window frame seal , remove the window and clamps and the cover strip and the window gasket , then look a the frame surround , if rotted (which if the lower wallboard is spongy its 90% it will be , remove it and replace with 23 x 47mm timber and before refitting the window gasket , seal it with Soudal Fix All( black). When having refitted the window gasket ( they will have used staples to secure the gasket in place and they will probably be rusted , a sure sign of damp ingress , peel back the lip and apply more Soudal ( this prevents water getting underneath the seal by capillary action). Excessive Sealant can be cleaned off with Brake cleaner or IPA
 
Feb 20, 2025
7
2
15
A roof strap leak , can cause water to run down above the foam insulation and down the side wall until it hits a frame member thats not sealed and moves to the inner wallboard and presents itself a lot lower down.The way the caravan was stowed ( slight constant tip to the left) can cause this. To check the window frame seal , remove the window and clamps and the cover strip and the window gasket , then look a the frame surround , if rotted (which if the lower wallboard is spongy its 90% it will be , remove it and replace with 23 x 47mm timber and before refitting the window gasket , seal it with Soudal Fix All( black). When having refitted the window gasket ( they will have used staples to secure the gasket in place and they will probably be rusted , a sure sign of damp ingress , peel back the lip and apply more Soudal ( this prevents water getting underneath the seal by capillary action). Excessive Sealant can be cleaned off with Brake cleaner or IPA
Think you nailed it. Live update.

Roof rail above area come away. Water travelled exactly as Ian described. Let's get to work :ROFLMAO:
 

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