Damp solutions (1 Viewer)

[Josephine55]

My Peugeot boxer (1997) leaked on sides and the rear when it rained and the wind was in certain direction . In lifting the carpet and checking the sides i can see that there has been previous repairs(not mentioned by elderly sellers in 2015) and a sealant to side. Some wood has now totally rotted and apparent that the sealant had held damp in -the wall/side crumbling.

What advice can anyone give? I want to try to resolve the problem my self. Motorhome specialists charge a fortune -that I cannot afford

 

[irnbru]

Sorry to hear of your damp troubles. You are gonna have to tackle it yourself or try fluttering your eyelashes at the nice diy men on here.

 

[Josephine55]

I am going to try my self but need advise -can you offer any ?

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[DavidG58]

possibly the best advice is get a quote and listen very hard when they explain what needs doing, or better still get it written down, you are probably looking at a big job though, particularly if external panels need to be removed

 

[Peter JohnsCross MH]

Not realy a DIY solve if its rotten

Peter

 

[TheBig1]

it is possible but a lot of hours of work. first reseal the areas where the water is getting in. then dry the van out before starting to strip out the rot a metre squared at a time

a few photos will help with advice

dont underestimate how much work this will take, think in terms of weeks or months depending on your ability

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[TheBig1]

it is possible but a lot of hours of work. first reseal the areas where the water is getting in. then dry the van out before starting to strip out the rot a metre squared at a time

a few photos will help with advice

dont underestimate how much work this will take, think in terms of weeks or months depending on your ability

 

[Josephine55]

Thanks but it sounds as if I wont be able to do the job my self! At least I have started the work -i am currently drying it out and digging out the rot .

 

[TheBig1]

the most common mistake is tackling too much at each stage. if you start pulling apart all that appears rotten, you soon lose the structural strength still in the walls

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[TheBig1]

the most common mistake is tackling too much at each stage. if you start pulling apart all that appears rotten, you soon lose the structural strength still in the walls

 

[Josephine55]

I have tried to find the leak and filled and sealed areas that look iffy but without success ! I assumed even the experts have trouble locating the source of the problem?
I love my van and don't want her to die! If I leave it but stay in a warmer climate will she survive?

 

[TheBig1]

common leak points are joining seams, which need to be cleaned out fully and resealed. often this involves removing the aluminium strip around the top of the walls. also any openings for skylights and windows which need removing, cleaning off old sealant and re-installing using new sealant

just patching random bits will never work plus you need to use the right sealants. i often see people try and bodge a leak with silicone bathroom sealant, which does more harm than good

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[funflair]

I love my van and don't want her to die! If I leave it but stay in a warmer climate will she survive?

That won't really help as even in warm places they get rain and if it's as you say the rot has set in already and won't get any better.

Martin

 

[Josephine55]

Thanks - def sounds too much. Im going to get a quote. Whats the best sealant?

 

[TheBig1]

Thanks - def sounds too much. Im going to get a quote. Whats the best sealant?

there are 2 types, non setting mastic for sealing skylights, window frames and under trim pieces. sikaflex urethane based sealer for bonding and permanent seals

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[Wildbill]

just make sure you do it a bit at a time it is possible to do it your shelf if you have time and tools if you do it a bit at a time you can still use the van.
the most important thing is dont have a bran fart and start ripping out lots of stuff just a bit at a time.
and doing it your self you will save a fortune
bill