Should my insurance cover this???

[SilverSurfer]

Following a caravan service I was notified that there was a damp issue in the caravan, this is over a window to the near side towards the rear. I suspected the awning rail was causing this and unscrewed part of it, gently pulled it away from the wall and applied sealant before screwing back and resealing all around.
During the next rainfall water could be seen dripping from the bottom edge inside the window, hence my repair was not the solution.
Out came the ladders and up I went to find a small hole in the metal roof, about the size of a dart point piercing through, so small I had not even seen it before. I mixed a bit of marine filler Plastic Padding and filled the hole, all drips and leaks stopped, I have no idea at all what caused the hole or when it happened, the caravan is covered in winter.
I have attempted to remove the top cupboards just below the repair hopefully in an attempt to dry out the interior but without success as it appears to be screwed in from above. Damp readings are quite high and I am at a loss what to do.
The caravan is insured by the major club on a 5c policy and is just over five years old.
My question is ...... do you think I have any chance of being covered by the insurance with regard to sorting out the damp problem?

 

[Damian]

Firts questions.
What make of caravan?
What length of water ingress warranty has it got?

From your description of the location of the leak it may, and I say "MAY" be due to a cupboard fixing (normally a staple) point touching the van outer roof skin and causing electrolysis and "rotting" of the aluminium outer skin.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Thanks Damian, the caravan is an Avondale and all warranties now ended, I did take a warranty following the closure of the company which was for three years through an independent.
having found the hole I am sure that was the cause as the leak has now gone even following heavy rain over the past few weeks.
what I should have said in my original posting was that the caravan is a disabled adapted purchase and meets our family needs, ( I suppose that is irrelevant but we cannot easily replace with a similar setup, although other companies now supply this modification).

Thanks again, hope to get some advise here.

 

[Damian]

I would certainly put in a claim and see if they will cover it, it is not as if it is neglect or anything yo have done , more a probable manufacturing fault (use of staples too long)

 

[Raywood]

Did the hole appear to be pierced from the inside or the outside? if something pierced it I would assume the area around the hole was pushed either in for an external impact or out for something from inside. If it was external then it should be covered as something has hit it, if internal you would need to establish the cause. Having sealed the hole the evidence may have gone but I would put in a claim and see what they say as CC insurance is very good.
Be warned however that if it needs a new roof it may not be available and the you will get will be a cash settlement based on what the repair should cost.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Thanks for your reply Ray, the hole was from out to in, imagine a dart being thrown at the roof.
I hope that I made it clear that I am hoping to have the water ingress (damp to roof and panels with some decay of plywood lining) repaired.
Tomorrow I will contact CC and explain the situation before completing a claim form, will post outcome of claim ASAP.

Cheers and thanks again.