How to pick up on possible DAMP problems.

Many caravans get some kind of damp or water ingress problem sometime in its life.

The construction of most touring caravans is made up of a wooden sub frame made from soft wood with a coated hardboard inner wallboard which when it is in contact with water soaks it up like a sponge and this capillary action can make even a tiny entry point for water, become a much larger problem.  Even if the leak is stopped the water ingress has penetrated the wood sub frame and wall board the wood will set out, and rot will set in.

As you enter the caravan, use 3 of your natural senses to assist you:-

Smell

Touch

Sight

1. When you first enter the caravan a simple smell test will tell you if there has been any historic water ingress in the caravan.  Rotting wood has a distinctive damp musty smell.

2. Whilst walking in the doorway and down the center corridor of the caravan feel if the floor beneath your feet is bouncy or soft and springy or has highs and low points in it.

3. Look around carefully at all the exposed wall boards and inside all the cupboards any under all bed boxes and floor lockers etc for any sign of discoloring or pimpiling to the decorative wall board.

4. Touch all the wallboard surfaces for any signs of soft spongy feel or cold or damp feeling on your hands.

If you suspect wood rot, Don't hesitate to give us a call!