Caravan and Canvas Annex - Help sought
Submitted: Monday, Jan 29, 2007 at 20:52
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Jason (macca)
Hi all,
I recently purchased a 22ft caravan onsite at the Hawkesbury River. The van is an older model Windsor (mid to late 80's at a guess) and comes with a canvas annex. The annex has mould on it and the annex roof seems to be leaking. The caravan also has a few leaks by the look of the stains around the roof. The water appears to be coming in around the roof vents and at a guess, some water seems to be coming in around in a few corners.
My questions are:
1. What should I use to clean the mould off the canvas annex
2. What product should I use to re-waterproof the annex
3. What products and steps are required to re-seal the van roof where the water is coming in around the roof vents and around the seems of the van
Any info is greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Jason
Reply By: Member - Andy Q (VIC) - Monday, Jan 29, 2007 at 21:12
Monday, Jan 29, 2007 at 21:12
G'day jason,
If i was you Jason I'd go a tarp/tent-maker and ask his/her advice, for a van of that era I would suspect aging in the canvas. Prone to tearing and leakage especially if the annex has been connected to the van for a long period of time, it may even be starting to rot.
Good luck with it
andy
AnswerID:
218481
Reply By: Member Dublediff(VIC) - Monday, Jan 29, 2007 at 21:40
Monday, Jan 29, 2007 at 21:40
Agree with the other post re the canvas = how much can a koala bear - after while the canvas gives up the ghost and it will need replacing. Same issue with the seals on the van. In all of the joints a special flexible jointing material is used. After a while it loses it flexibility and lets in the moisture -the best method is to relieve the joint of the old material and replacing it. It is not rocket science but is labour intensive and will cost bucket loads if you have it done by somebody else.
AnswerID:
218492
Follow Up By: Jason (macca) - Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 06:59
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 06:59
I found out late last night that the canvas annex is about 6 years old.
FollowupID:
478951
Reply By: wazzaaaa - Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:26
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:26
Hi Jason,
On my 80's caravan I used a wire brush in an electric drill to remove all the old sealant from all joints on the roof, then resealed it with sikaflex no leaks even after three or four years. I always
check the roof every now and then just to
check the sikaflex is still pliable
Wazzaaaaa
AnswerID:
218572
Reply By: Bilbo - Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:38
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:38
Jason,
As "Waazzza" says - use Sikaflex" ,,,,,,,and only Sikaflex.
It's twice the price of silicone but it's good stuff and doesn't peel off after a couple of years. It'll save a lot of 'dong again' down the track.
There are many different types off Sikalflex - Use Sikaflex Automotive.
Bilbo
AnswerID:
218574
Follow Up By: Jason (macca) - Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 14:06
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 14:06
Thanks all. I will take the advice and use Sikalflex.
FollowupID:
479018
Reply By: Member Dublediff(VIC) - Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 20:03
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 20:03
If the canvas is relatively new and appear sound, ie no rips etc, then a bit of elbow grease with a plastic brush and lots of fresh water (there are some commercial products for removing mould available, try Rays tent city or similar) and make sure the canvas is completely dry before packing it away. It should not require reproofing as some "professional" retailers will tell you.
AnswerID:
218681