Damp readings
Comments
-
Lifted from the 'net - hope this helps:
Readings between 0-15% no cause for concern
Readings between 15-20% engineer to make note of readings and recheck at next service.
Readings between 20-24% possible early sign of water ingress, look for tangible evidence or ask for a re-check.
Readings between 25-30% moisture evident, remedial work necessary, may not require stripdown unless surface damage (staining, pimpling and softness) is apparent. There is a risk of wallboard deterioration due to retained moisture in the structure if re sealed only.
Reading of 31% and above structural damage is occurring, deterioration inevitable, full stripdown of affected area is required
0 -
From a workshop sheet
Readings between 0 - 15% are not a cause for concern.
GUIDANCE NOTES
Readings between 15 - 20% may require further
investigation when compared with the average of all
readings taken. Consideration should be given to
re-checking the area in three months.
Readings greater than 20% will identify areas needing
remedial work. There may be early signs of water
ingress or evidence of moisture. Again, consideration
should be given to re-checking the area in three months.
When readings go above 30% structural damage may
be occurring and deterioration is inevitable.I think that yours is easier to understand R&R
0 -
I think that yours is easier to understand R&R
Think it amounts to the same thing, though.
I breathed a sigh of relief when ours went in for service a couple of weeks ago and the highest reading was 4%
1 -
Taking damp readings can be a bit of a dark art, particularly at this time of year.
The inside of the van can suffer from surface condensation if its cold and this really screws the readings. If you took the readings when the van had had some heat on and had been well ventilated then 18 is still not a problem, just keep an eye on it. Given your location then with the recent weather you were lucky it has not floated away! A reading of 18 is not worth losing any sleep over. We have had very high humidity for months.
0 -
Agree - and perhaps I ought to clarify re our low readings. Firstly, the van is in use for at least a week every month, throughout the year. Secondly, it is plugged in at home and the heating set to 12 degrees but, at this time of year, I tend to go in, in the afternoon and give the heat a quick blast for half an hour or so. Some might argue I'm being wasteful of energy, but it keeps the van free of any damp and condensation problems - so I'm happy.
0 -
I'm afraid I've become a little OCD since finding damp in mine. I find damp meters vary dramatically depending on how much pressure you put on the rubber seals for example. I use a mains dehumidifier about once a month (bear in mind there are vents in the floor which will draw air from outside the van anyway). I've discovered a sealant called "Captain Tolley's" which literally pours into cracks and crevices like water then sets like rubber to plug the leak. The proof will be in the pudding so watch this space but it was developed for boats so should be good.
0 -
Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure has been around a long time, Geoff. Indeed, I'm looking at a bottle on the shelf in my study (why is it there???? - just part of the junk in here!)
I used it to good effect on one of the front windows in a previous boat when an expensive repair to the seal was avoided by just dribbling a drop down the side of the seal. Pick a dry day, though. It cured the leak for years until I sold the boat.
0 -
We have used Captain Tolleys for many years now. We kept our old Avondale Mayfly dry for years with an annual application. Best to apply during a dry spell though! The one disadvantage with it is that because it is thin it can run very easily so be sure to wipe off any excess from the paintwork. I don't recall it harming the paint in any way but if it's allowed to dry it can look unsightly.
0 -
I recently bought a iXium damp meter, mainly for motorhome, but also to check hardwood logs are dry enough for woodburner.
I compared readings with a friends professional >£80 meter and results showed very little difference, so am happy with the £14.99 one.
See link below:
0 -
My 5 year old Bailey has just had a couple of sections of the marine ply underneath replaced as I was getting readings in the 20s which had been creeping up for about a year from just over 15%. I insisted it was resolved at the last service point as the warranty was in danger of running out.
All readings are now below 15%, which is ok, but some are still too high for my liking. I'm currently putting it down to the weather and will keep checking. Which I do on a monthly basis.
I use one of these:
As good as you're going to get without entering the professional market.
0
