Front window seal

jon ruddock
jon ruddock Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited March 2016 in Caravans #1

Hi fellow caravaners,

I got my caravan out today to get it ready for its first trip of the year this weekend, after cleaning it I noticed that the front windows all seem to have what looks like steaming up between the window panels. At first I thought they were just dirty but
definitely not on the inside or outside. I bought the van brand new in Aug 15 althogh it was the previous years model. I would like to think that such things are covered by the warrenty but surely this should not be happenning on such a young van? Its too
late to sort this out for my first trip of the year so it looks like I will be looking out of steamed up windows!

Your thoughts would be grately appreciated.

THanks Jon.

Comments

  • cariadon
    cariadon Forum Participant Posts: 861
    500 Comments
    edited March 2016 #2

    it is something i get when it's cold and sunny, as the sun moves off the window it disappears.

  • Janny
    Janny Forum Participant Posts: 62
    edited March 2016 #3

    We have this on our van sometimes especially if it's been cold than goes hot , just one of those things .

  • davetommo
    davetommo Forum Participant Posts: 1,430
    edited March 2016 #4

    same here

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited March 2016 #5

    It is a very common problem, even on brand new vans, I've come to the conclusion that the moisture content in the void can vary, not only if the bonding has failed which is unlikely with a young van, but also the humidity levels in the factory when the windows are made. Low levels of moisture in the void are an inconvenience when it condenses onto the cold surface. As the temperatures level out it usually evaporates back into the air and isn't visible. High levels of moisture in the void is another issue entirely.  

  • jon ruddock
    jon ruddock Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited March 2016 #6

    Thanks for the replies, and it looks like you are all right. No moisture this morning so I can enjoy the weekend and be able to look through the windown!

  • silvervaper
    silvervaper Forum Participant Posts: 74
    edited March 2016 #7

    This thread
    here     might be some help?

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited March 2016 #8

    If the window is very wet the bungs can be removed by gently warming them with a hair dryer. They will probably break, but softening them will help prevent damage to the window. New bungs are easy to get. The moisture can be dried off by using an air pump,
    the secret is doing it on a day when the humidity levels are low. Don't push the new bungs back in full, they will seal the holes but can be removed easily if you want to do a bit more drying. The bungs will also stop insects from getting in.

  • MrGarval
    MrGarval Forum Participant Posts: 120
    edited March 2016 #9

    I agree with Nuggy, just remove the bangs as suggested and it will dry out. Alternatively just wait and all will return to normal, that is until the sun gets on them again.

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited March 2016 #10

    The air pump I used on my big centre front window is made for pumping air into a fish tank and is rated at 160 litres of air per hour. The pump is very quiet, just a gentle hum and the window is now dryer than the two smaller side front windows. I also bought
    a dial humidity meter for £3 which helped me judge which day and time was the dryest, usually middle of the afternon was best.

  • pancake
    pancake Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited March 2016 #11

    Can you recmmend an air pump for me as all my front windows

    have a lot of moisture in them.Also,where can  they be purchased and are they costly.Many thanks in anticipation.

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited March 2016 #12

    Near to where I live is a large pet shop called "Pets at Home" where they have an aquarium area with lots of fish tanks and all the accessories. The pump I bought is a medium size, rated at 160 Litres of air/hour, any smaller would be a waste of money and time. I think I paid about £25 which I reckoned if it worked would be a lot cheaper and less hassle than a new window. It works by a diaphram so is very quiet, but mains operated. Get about 2.5 meters of tube and you can test the pump by putting the tube end in a cup of water and see the air bubbles coming out. I chose a warm dry sunny day and let it run for a few hours. Did that twice and it has made a big difference. The pump is called "love fish" All I can say is it worked for me.

  • pancake
    pancake Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited March 2016 #13

    Thanks Nuggy but is the tube small enough to go through the holes where the bungs came from?

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited March 2016 #14

    Thanks Nuggy but is the tube small enough to go through the holes where the bungs came from?

    Write your comments here... Yes, you only need to put the tube through one hole into the window space and the damp air will be pushed out via the other hole.

  • pancake
    pancake Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited March 2016 #15

    Thanks a lot Nuggy,I will certainly give it a try.

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited March 2016 #16

    pancake, you will have to be patient and wait for a dry day, otherwise you will be blowing damp air into and through the window. I found using a humidity meter very helpul letting me know how dry or humid the atmosphere is, I kept my eye on it and waited
    till the needle dropped. If I have to do it again in the summer, that is no probem, just don't push the new bungs back in fully. If for some reason it doesn't work for your windows at least you have not wasted a huge sum of money A new window could cost hundreds
    of pounds and might still show condensation. good luck

  • pancake
    pancake Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited March 2016 #17

    Thanks again Nuggy,I do appreciate all youf advice.I wiill certanly do as you suggest and wait for when (or if) a sunny day arrives.I will let you know the result.Cheers.

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