Touring Caravanning

Ventilating a static caravan – how to stop damp and condensation

How can you stop condensation in winter? We tell you how to ventilate a static caravan.

No one wants to open the door of their static caravan to be met with the smell of damp and mould. Luckily there are steps that can be taken to prevent excess condensation from causing damage to your caravan, in-between visits, and across the winter months when it will be closed up for an extended period.

What is condensation?

The definition of condensation is ‘water which collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it.’ Condensation occurs when warm, moist air contacts a cold surface and is more prevalent in winter when the outside temperature is low.

What causes condensation?

In static caravans, the main cause of condensation is poor ventilation and it can be a problem in caravans that are closed up for several weeks or months every year, with no open windows and doors. However, condensation can also result from moisture generated by everyday activities including boiling a kettle, taking a shower and washing up and in the confined space of a caravan it is inevitable. Most static caravans have double glazing and some may have central heating. Unfortunately, although good insulation, heat and double glazing keep us warm, they also reduce the effectiveness of any ventilation, causing condensation.

How to reduce condensation

Ventilate – ensuring good airflow throughout the caravan is essential. On arrival at the caravan, especially after a prolonged absence, always open windows and roof vents and try to have them open while you are staying in the caravan. This gives the damp an escape route and will also help to dry out any places where the damp has already taken up residence. Never obstruct the vents and always keep them open to prevent moisture being trapped inside the caravan and to allow fumes from water heaters and fires to escape. Caravan vent covers allow you to keep the vents open while reducing any draughts.

Fans & Vents – if your caravan has bathroom and/or kitchen extractor fans or a cooker hood, always have them on when cooking or showering. Leaving them on for a little while after you have finished will help too as excess moisture can take time to be removed. When cooking, use pan lids – not only will this reduce steam, it will also save fuel. Where the air inside the caravan feels damp, a dehumidifier is a great solution. Alternatively, place moisture traps in the caravan that are filled with dehumidifying crystals.

Wipe down surfaces – a good habit to get into is regular wiping down of surfaces where moisture has settled. This can be done with a cloth, kitchen roll or squeegee and will prevent the moisture turning into mould.

During periods when the caravan is unoccupied, prop open internal doors, cupboards and drawers to encourage air circulation and clean the fridge thoroughly before leaving it propped open too.

What damage does condensation cause?

Condensation that has been left unchecked will cause damp, mould and mildew. The first sign on entering a caravan that has been unoccupied for a period, will be a musty smell. Walls may become stained and will feel soft when pressed. Damp patches will form on walls and ceilings and black deposits will form around windows and doors and on walls.

Damp, mould and mildew can also cause health problems in the elderly, young children and those with underlying health issues. Health risks commonly associated with damp include asthmatic episodes, allergic reactions, skin conditions such as eczema and rashes, infection of the lungs. Mood swings, memory loss, fatigue and migraine can also all be triggered.

Where to look for condensation

The most obvious places for condensation to be seen is on windows which will mist up. Flat surfaces will also feel wet to the touch. However, moisture will gather anywhere it can, focusing on cold, dark corners, so always check inside cupboards, under-seating storage and wardrobes. It will also attack fabric – clothes and soft furnishings – which will feel damp to the touch.

Following these helpful hints will put you in the best position to prevent any condensation problems getting out of hand but if you need any further advice, our staff is here to help you on 01754 871 152.