I would be a bit concerned about the weight of the wood, maybe a sheet of thin lightweight plywood would be better? This would keep the weight down. You could then either paint it or wallpaper it to make it look better. You would also have to make sure that the roof has been completly dried out, and resealed, before putting anything else on to it.
Update lol
Decided againt my friends advice and started peeling wallpaper to see how much was damaged, the whole roof was literally dripping with water so major restoration has began, even the insulation is soaking so it looks like it is coming off as well, all the canvas is off, let me ask u another question can the canvas be put through the washing machine in parts? anyway i have taken pics and will post them as soon as i know how lol but i am going to make sure i seal everything and treat all wood and hopefully i can see the bigger picture xxx
Good that you decided to have a proper look yourself, the repairs you do now should last, if you had gone with your friends idea, that would have soon rotted as well.
As for the canvas, NO DO NOT PUT IN WASHER. best to just wash with proper tent canvas cleaner, you must not use any detergent as this will stop the canvas being waterproof. I would just wash with plain water in the bath or a tub and then let dry, but it would probably be best to wait until you put the canvas back on and then give it a good hosing down with plain water.
ok thx nannashirley, i have taken the piece of metal off that runs the lenghth of the caravan and i think this will need replacing as the rubber that is in the metal of it has a lot of holes in it also, do u know where i might get this metal from, thx again