Damp Check Guide: How to Spot Damp in a Used Caravan

Damp is the single biggest fear for any caravan or motorhome owner, and for good reason—it’s the silent killer of leisure vehicles. If you’re looking at a used caravan, knowing how to spot the early warning signs can save you thousands in repairs down the line.

At Golden Castle, we are transparent about damp. Every used vehicle we sell comes with a verified damp report, but if you’re viewing a private sale or just want to be prepared, here is our down-to-earth guide on how to perform a basic caravan damp check.

Understanding Why a Caravan Gets Damp

Dampness in a caravan is not the same as condensation on a window. It’s a structural issue. It happens when water breaches the caravan’s outer shell, usually through a seal, rail, or roof fitting, and saturates the hidden wooden framework behind the internal wallboard.

Once the structure absorbs the moisture, it leads to:

• Structural Rot: The integrity of the wood framework weakens, eventually leading to soft floors and unstable walls.
• Decreased Value: Damp caravans are extremely difficult to sell and command a significantly lower price.
• Health Concerns: Mould and mildew growth are common side effects.

This is precisely why a proper caravan damp inspection is non-negotiable.

3 Simple DIY Checks Before a Professional Inspection

Before you even think about booking a professional service, you can use your own senses to find the most obvious signs of a problem.

1. The Smell Test: What Does Damp Really Smell Like?

If a caravan has been sealed up for a while with moisture trapped inside, it develops a distinct odour.

• The Telltale Sign: Look for a persistent, musty, earthy, or stale smell—like old, wet clothes or damp soil. This odour is often strongest when you first open the door.
• Avoid the Trap: Be wary if the interior smells strongly of air freshener or disinfectant, as this is a classic attempt to mask underlying moisture issues.

2. The Feel Test: Identifying Spongy Walls

This is the most critical non-technical test you can perform for a caravan damp check. Damp walls feel physically different from dry, stable walls.

• Where to Check: Focus on corners, around all windows, near vents, and inside cupboards, as water tends to pool here first.
• The Difference: A dry wall feels solid, firm, and perhaps a little springy. A damp wall will feel noticeably spongy, soft, or pliable, sometimes described as feeling like wet cardboard.

3. The Visual Test: Tracking Water Damage

Since water runs downwards, signs of a leak often appear below the actual source.

• Visible Clues: Look for dark staining, blotches, or yellow tide marks, especially on the ceiling or high up near external fittings (like grab handles and roof rails).
• Wallboard Damage: Check for peeling or bubbling interior vinyl wallpaper. Also, look for any corrosion on internal screws or fittings that shouldn’t be rusty.

The Gold Standard: Your Professional Damp Check

While a DIY check is a great start, nothing replaces a proper caravan damp check using specialized equipment.

A professional inspection, often part of an annual habitation check, involves:

• Technical Meter Reading: A technician uses a digital resistance damp meter to measure the precise moisture content in critical areas of the walls, floors, and ceilings.
• The Scored Report: You receive a detailed, written report with moisture percentages for every reading point.

Is Your Caravan Due for a Damp Check?

Damp spreads quickly. If you have any concerns about a caravan you own, or if you simply cannot remember the last time it had a professional inspection, it is time to book it in. Regular checks are the best way to maintain your warranty and protect your caravan’s long-term value.

Our expert service team uses the latest equipment and provides a full, written report for complete peace of mind, allowing you to focus on finding that next sunny spot!