Hi
I have owned a 2008 Sterling Elite from new, I missed the last service which invalidated my 6yr body/leak warranty, my fault and a hard lesson.
I found a water leak coming in from the awning rails, I removed them cleaned & resealed them no more leaks. I done this with the help of all the posts etc. in this wonderful site a big thanks to all.
I don't think I will have to replace any wallboard, the board in the top lockers off side front about two feet long and only 1" down feels soft and still reads high when checked with my meter, all readings below that are fine. My question now is how long will the board take to dry out? any suggestion would be most welcome, the job was done about two months ago.
Could be quite a while yet. Does your Sterling have Alde heating? Getting the walls good and warm will help disperse the damp - nothing too severe or the wallboard might warp or delaminate. Warm sun on the outside and gentle heat on the inside is the way.
The moisture is completely trapped, so the only way its going to depart is by evaporation over time.
Thanks A1-Mel
Yes it has Alde heating, I will set it around 10 maybe 15 degree's see if the helps, any sun I get hits the wrong side of van so will turn it round just incase we get some sun Ha!
Was thinking of a caravan cover but read so many stories about condensation problems although I am able to open the door or leave a fan (timed on/off of course) during cover being fitted.
It may well just dry out with the Alde heating on and occasional sun on the outside. The Alde radiators warm the whole fabric of the 'van if left on for some time and I have seen this work.
If it doesn't show signs of improvement, Franny's puncturing method is worth a try. Several small needle holes in the dampest areas should do it. You can seal the holes up afterwards with waterproof PVA glue or white sealant.
Thanks guy's there is a cable loom runs the length of the van right at the top held with screws could drop a bit to put small holes if necessary. I will try just heating first, Then if not drying out I could try breather holes.
Hi
It's been a wee while but a wee update on my damp bit, the wetness/dampness traveled down the wallboard & made the plywood kind of poke the wallpaper out like small bubbles. This must have been because the damp had no way of escaping, wished I had put wee breather holes in it, anyway the side is bone dry no damp readings no softness apart from the very top about 12" long. If the wee bubbles annoy me I suppose I could remove the front corner wallboard paper & replace the paper only. I would need to flatten/sand the plywood then repaper.
Sorry to take so long with my feed back.