Damp repair

Lochlannach

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Damp repair

· Posted: 01.06.2019 · #1

I'm looking for recommendations for somewhere that can sort a problem for me.

I have a Benimar sport 310 with bunks in the back. When giving the van a once over before using it last week I discovered a problem. There's damp/rot in the back wall along the side of the top bunk where it's attached to the wall. Seems likely that the top seal/high brake light/top window is letting in water which has gathered at the bunk support . It's not a spot you'd normally see without moving the mattress so could be developing for a while over the winter/spring unfortunately.

I'm half thinking of having a go - taking out the bunk and pulling the internal wall off, tracing it, stopping the leak and replacing the timber as necessary. Not sure how the windows are fixed in or where to get a close match to the existing finish but I'm sure that could be solved - I had transporter conversion I did all the work in before this and am handy enough.

I'm time poor though and ideally want it looked at before or main holiday which is mid July.

Ideally some where that will do a good job and is reasonable - I don't mind paying for good work but hate paying too much for mediocre work. Who have ye used or would ye recommend?

I'm in Kildare town. I'm not too bothered about having to travel a bit either to get sorted.

I tried Maynooth motorhome but it will be a good while before he can even take it in for assessment.

eirebus

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Re: Damp repair

· Posted: 01.06.2019 · #2

Anchorpoint motorhomes are good they have an ad here on the website, just down the M 7 from you, but you seem competent yourself so you should have a go although a damp meter check from Anchorpoint may give you a line of travel of the damp it's not always coming from where you think

Thorn123

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Re: Damp repair

· Posted: 01.06.2019 · #3

That is a critical spot to have some rot, as your rear bike rack hangs from that area.

CHAUSSON

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Re: Damp repair

· Posted: 02.06.2019 · #4

Quote by Lochlannach

If you are handy yourself, you will do a better job than anyone, trouble with damp is when you start stripping it might turn out to be a much larger job than you expect. I have seen people leaving motorhomes In for damp repairs and getting huge quotations after inspection resulting in The Motorhome been scrapped. If your main Holiday is in July you might be better off getting that out of the way first and just seal around the high brake light for the time being

Lochlannach

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Re: Damp repair

· Posted: 02.06.2019 · #5

More than before I'm sure the most likely leak spot is the brake light....popped it off yesterday evening to find there's an additional hole about 5mm diameter through the outer skin where the water can get in - nothing at all to stop it!

There is no reason for it to be there given that the cable goes in the other side and has sealant around it as do the screws holding the light on. It's like they had a second point for the cable and didn't seal it up when not used

The screw nearest the additional hole is also not really biting indicating that there's some rot in that area too.

It's a bunks out, blinds off, bike rack off and strip the inner of the rear wall to determine how much damage and fix it.

nilrac

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Re: Damp repair

· Posted: 02.06.2019 · #6

Kev, Fix the hole and make wateright ,dont start ripping the back out without seeing how bad it really is, damp wood will dry out ,boats do, Dismantle only when rot has set in then there is no other option. take out the bunk and fittings then with a sharp brad awl and tapping get the outline of the frame and pencil it in. Next in the corners of the framework where you think the damp is, about a inch from the wood frame ,with a sharp stanley knife cut a 4x4 inspection pocket and save the cut out. then inspect the framework and if ok leave to dry out. you could put a dehumidifier in the van. To repair the wall put a square of thin ply 3/4 of an inch bigger and 2 pack adhesive applied around the edges and with a wire threaded through , insert on the angle and brought back on the square . Secure with a rod through the wire and a couple of blocks to pull it back. after it has set then put the bit you first cut out with 2 pack applied ,back in and fill in with filler. you could paint or use say fablon to finish off.

Lochlannach

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Re: Damp repair

· Posted: 04.06.2019 · #7

Quote by nilrac

Oh I'll be poking about in the screw holes and that before I strip any wall covering off.

However the brake light screw not getting a bite and some movement & softness around where the bunk attaches tells me it's likely I have some rot.

I'm more bothered about how to finish it at the end than anything else about the job - I'll not be able to match the existing wall board and I'm not sure how paint will look.

Lochlannach

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Re: Damp repair

· Posted: 04.06.2019 · #8

What type of filler and adhesives should I be looking at using.

I need some to glue in any replacement frame and attach the wall board.

I would consider something like sika but not sure if it's suitable for this type of work - maybe a wood glue for the frame work?

I will most likely use sika to seal the hole outside under the brake light to prevent further ingress.

nilrac

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Re: Damp repair

· Posted: 04.06.2019 · #9

Kev if it was me , I would make the inspection panels and see the extent of the damage,if you have good wood top and bottom then you can use a 2 pack wood adhesive to stick new wood alongside to reinforce the old. use panel pins to hold in place. I have used silkaflex to seal both inside and out , I have stuck my solar panel to the roof with it and it is still there 15 year later.You say that a tail light screw is not biting ,is it a wood screw ?

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