Habitation check - Damp tests

One of the most important checks we do during a habitation check is damp testing. Water ingress is by far the worst enemy of your motorhome or caravan, it can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage in no time at all. In your motorhome or caravan there are many pipes connecting your water system and many seals keeping rainwater out, if there are any faults or damage to any of these, damp could become a problem. Once damp takes its place, fixing the issue can be costly and destructive, deconstructing your motorhome’s interior to rectify water-damaged areas can run up a bill of thousands of pounds, often avoidable with early diagnosis and rectification to the cause of the leak.

The Damp test report will highlight the results and any recommendations brought about from the performed tests. This will show you the areas of the vehicle that may require attention to maintain a suitable moisture level.

Dampness is caused by moist air getting trapped in small or confined spaces and with motorhomes being confined living areas, by nature, they are the perfect trap for moist air. Older motorhomes and caravans are most likely to suffer from severe damp, especially models with wooden frames. Newer models may have designs intended to prevent water ingress but they are not immune to damp and water may still get inside.

Regular damp checks are important as the seals can break down over time as you're traveling around. During your annual habitation check all your water systems will be checked as well as damp testing performed and also your ventilation points will be evaluated. Ventilation is an important part of your vehicle helping to cut down on condensation which can lead to dampness.

At Habsafe we recommend learning about the tests we perform during your habitation check so throughout the year you can ensure your vehicle is safe and in order. You can learn about damp testing and how to perform the tests yourself here (link). With the right tools and a good understanding of what to look for you will be sure to catch any damp before its too late.

If you want to know more about performing habitation checks yourself why not book one of our workshops here.