Damp Problems!!!!

[gazzeroo]

Hi guys, once again looking for advice. I have just run a damp meter round my 20 year old MH. It`s in pretty good nick apart from a couple of places. The meter indicated 15/16% around the bottom left corner of the van in the wc. Also around the fan in the roof near the kitchen, but only on the rear edge. I have looked outside and can see where it is possibly letting in water. My question is, do I seal up the suspect areas now or wait til the meter level drops. The van stands outside all the time, but with the summer approaching, it might have a chance of drying out more. I don`t want to seal in the damp. Also any advise on what to seal it with, I have good quality silicone and Soudal classic. As always I would really appreciate your comments
regards
Gary

 

[GJH]

There were some minor spots of damp found in our van when it had its habitation service 15 months ago. We had it re-sealed ASAP afterwards and the problem was cured by it drying out over the summer.

 

[MikeD]

Our three year old Autotrail regularly had 12 -18% damp readings but was passed on its annual Hab check. This year 40% and a warranty claim. Booked in for May. Hopefully then ok

 

[pappajohn]

Dont seal with silicon....no good outside.

Sikaflex etc is best....doesnt become dry and brittle like most sealers

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

I would seal the areas you think need it with a good sealant and check again when the better weather comes along next week -i thought that 15% was ok -especially for a toilet area

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[IanF]

On my Protimeter up to 15% is considered "dry". In my opinion you must recognise that given you're measuring the dampness on the inside and only on the surface( if a "prong" type meter is being used) you must assume that if the surface reading is that high behind the point tested may be higher and more worrying. I now have bought one of the so called "contact less" meters and they do measure up to 40mm deep and give more useful readings

 

[gazzeroo]

Thanks chaps, for the replies, helpful as always. I will probably seal the affected areas and keep an eye on them

 

[AlunJ]

Hi any recommended examples of the contact less meters, and what % should raise concerns??

 

[IanF]

TFA Dostmann HumidCheck Contact 30.5503 Material Moisture Measuring Device
available on Amazon where I bought one for £59. Be careful I've seen the same one on sale for up to £80.

Up to 15% is considered "dry" 15 to 22% considered requiring further checking 23% upward normally considered "wet"
Expect immediately around window seals to be high as condensation always forms on the materials used to form the window opening . This is absolutely normal and of no real concern as long as it does not extend away from window opening at all
Hope that assists you
Ian

 

[big bertha]

Hab check done a couple of months ago and damp free but I bought a non invasive metre that was recommended here. We've been away for a few days came back Wednesday, went over areas with metre today and a couple of areas over 20%, the kitchen window frame area and just under roof and high wall area in lounge. It doesn't look or feel damp. could it be condensation build up.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}