Caravan Water Ingress Check

Water Ingress or damp is the biggest misconception in the caravan industry. It strikes fear into the hearts and minds of pretty much every caravan owner.

Let’s get this straight, not all water ingress or damp is going to end up with the inside of your caravan being dismantled, or costing you thousands of pounds. 95% of all cases which we see are easily rectified and relatively inexpensive to fix here at our Caravan Service Centre. 

Water ingress refers to the entry of water into the caravan through cracks, gaps, or damaged seals. If water finds its way inside, it can lead to the development of damp, which is the presence of excessive moisture in the caravan's structure. Dampness can affect various components, including walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture, causing significant damage and potential health hazards to its occupants.

A key misconception is that you can smell damp, but this is not always the case, you can only smell damp if the wood behind has rotted which can take some time to occur. There are a few different stages, all of which have a different cost/state of repair.

Here at Yorkshire Caravans of Bawtry we recommend not to leave it “too late” when it comes to concerns around water ingress or damp patches in your caravan. Water damage and dampness can devalue your caravan. If left untreated, the structural damage caused by water ingress can be costly to repair, and the presence of damp and mould will significantly reduce its resale value.

Regularly conducting a caravan damp check allows you to identify any signs of water ingress or dampness early on. By addressing these issues promptly, you can prevent further damage, ensure the safety of occupants, and protect the long-term value of your investment.

When it comes to ensuring the longevity and safety of your caravan, Yorkshire Caravans stands out as the ideal choice for conducting a comprehensive damp check. Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the preferred option for many caravanners. Our Full Caravan Service and Habitation Service encompass a thorough damp report that meticulously examines every nook and cranny of your caravan. By availing this service, you can rest assured that any potential problem areas will be identified, allowing for timely attention and maintenance. Trust Yorkshire Caravans to provide you with unparalleled quality and peace of mind for your caravan's well-being.

Stage 1

At this point any ingress/damp is not visible and can only be detected using a moisture meter. During this stage only a reseal is required, most commonly windows or awnings rails. Not uncommon in caravans only a few years old.  

Stage 2

This stage usually occurs when the owner has missed a service or two.  It is quite possible that it is visible under the window rubber or there is pimpling of the wallboard. It may not be visible and depends on the location of the damp. Method of repair will include resealing the area which is causing the leak i.e. window, awning rail, roof light and may also require some wallboard to be stripped and replaced. This can lead to a larger repair bill, but is dependant on the extent of the damage caused by the damp in the caravan.  

Stage 3 

This stage is why caravan owners are terrified of the word ‘DAMP’.  It may well be noticeable by smell; the walls could be soft to touch and it will certainly be visible either by pimpling or water marks.  The walls could also be unstable due to the rotten wood behind.  The cause is neglect due to lack of servicing and proper maintenance.  Most cases which are at this stage are beyond economic repair.