We've had our 1998 Willerby Salisbury for 12 years, she's 100% sound and watertight. Our site closes October to March and we popped across at the weekend just to take some bits up ready for start of season on Friday 🎉🎉
For the first time in years we've found mould everywhere, the outside is thick of green moss and algae, nets/blinds and curtains have black mould spots everywhere and most internal doors. I'm so glad we lift our mattress and other than being cold doesn't seem to have any signs. Hubby has checked everywhere and there is zero sign of any water ingress, all gutters are clear she's sound.
We do only have single glazed windows/doors and we have never upgraded/upped any insulation or anything.
I'm wondering what it might be due to, as I say we have had absolutely no issues in the last 12 years and it just seems really strange that all of a sudden we've encountered it at what seems such an extent. Could it just be down to the winter being wet but warmer than usual? We have done nothing different when closing down for winter last season. Or is that it am I going to be plagued with mould forever now due to age of van? I'm taking my dehumidifier up at the weekend hopefully that'll help a good bit.
Any ideas anyone or anyone else encountered similar yet?
What a shock for you - sorry to hear this.
It may just be the excessively wet and mild winter - but has anything changed outside the van? You also say that this year the outside was thick with moss, so it sounds as if there has been a change outside which has blocked sun and wind.
Are there shrubs/trees which have not been cut back as much as usual? A new fence? another van stored nearby?
Also, as per ianK01, have you checked that the air vents are not closed, or blocked by anything (which could be external dust/leaves/spiderwebs)?
Thanks for the quick replies.
Here's a couple of pictures for reference.
The conifers at the back have been cut right back and are done annually but they are a little a little taller. I renewed all vents in September (got a job lot in homebase 20p each bargain of century) and leave them open over winter, all doors in wardrobes and cupboards left open and have nothing touching the walls. We do have a stove fitted.
Going to get the place warmed up over the weekend, sleeves rolled up and good clean inside and out and see what comes of it again next week, I'll be constantly checking.
I wonder if the CROSS flow of air through the van is being impeded by the stuff that is around the van, especially near the skirting.
Could be moist air trapped underneath, or the wood itself holding moisture against the van.
Are the skirting air vents clear?