Help - water inside front window, any cure?

PATMAU replied on 08/04/2017 19:28

Posted on 08/04/2017 19:28

We have condensation in our caravan windows which dries out once the sun shines.  Seems to be a Spring/Winter problem,.  However, this year, one of the windows has water between the two layers.  Not much but it is also going green.    We have removed the bungs to see if that helps air circulation.  My husband has considered drilling a small hole in the area of the water to drain it out, but I have fears of the window cracking if he does so.  Any ideas of how to solve this without paying out for a new window.

ABM replied on 09/04/2017 13:03

Posted on 09/04/2017 13:03

Just  A thought  undecided  !

If  the  water  disappears  usually  - is  that  because you  have  removed  the  little  plastic  plugs ?  or  is  it  just  happening  naturally  over  time  ??

Whichever  it  is,  you  must  have  a  leaking  seal  between  the  inner  and  outer  layers  of  plastic  { not  as  in a  rubber  seal  but  where  the  two  layers  come  together }  Using  a  hand  magnifying  lens  might  show  where  that  is  --  allowing  careful  application  of  "Captain  Tolley's  Creeping  Crack  Cure"  {  Other  tongue  twisting  sealants  are  available  innocent ! }  to  seal  it.

If  the  Green  mould/mildew  does  not  disappear  perhaps  a  DILUTE  application  of  Milton  solution  into  one  of  the  plug holes   a  time  or  three  might  help.

{  I  say  Milton  because  it  is  used,  I  understand,  for  sterilizing  Babies  Bottles  and  does  not  cause  them  to  go  brittle  as  far  as  I  know  } 

When / if  you  get  them  dried  out I  wonder  if  it  might  help  if  you  leave  out  the  plugs  when  stored  then  the  air  inside  will  be  no  more  moisture - filled  than  the  air  outside.

A B M

Nuggy replied on 09/04/2017 15:38

Posted on 09/04/2017 15:38

Drying out the window void is easy. Don't drill more holes.

I suggest you go to a shop that sells fish tanks and equipment for aquariums. Buy a medium sized air pump and about four feet of plastic tubing that attaches to the pump. The pump will be mains electricity operated. Push the other end of the plastic tube through one of the bung holes and down inside the window space. Switch on and air will be blown through the void and out of the other bung hole. After a few hours it will slowly dry out. Best done on a hot sunny day. I also bought a small hygrometer (not hydrometer) from a hardware shop (cost 3 pounds) which measures air moisture. You can use the air pump when the air is at it's driest. 

ABM is correct, let a drop of Creeping crack cure trickle down the sides of your window, if it has delaminated the droplet will go into the crack and you will see where it is. It is milky coloured. Immediately clamp the two sides of the window together with mole grips and the glue will dry in about 30 minutes. Put a piece of thin cardboard in the jaws of the mole grips to protect the window.

I have done all of the above and so far the repair has held.

PS. The air pump will cost about 20 pounds, a new window could be 200 pounds. Good luck.

Nuggy replied on 09/04/2017 15:56

Posted on 09/04/2017 15:56

One final comment, if you buy new bungs and put them in, only push them in the minimum amount. Then if you want to take them out again they will not break. 

Merve replied on 09/04/2017 20:26

Posted on 09/04/2017 20:26

Brilliant guys. Thank you. You learn something everyday, My windows are fine but this is great info for any time problems occur- thanks. 

PATMAU replied on 10/04/2017 19:50

Posted on 10/04/2017 19:50

Thanks for the advice everybody.  We have a fish tank and paraphernalia packed away in the loft, will have to get the pump and piping out.  Certainly worth a try and the creeping crack stuff as well.  I knew if I posted on here I would get some help.  Thank you again.

Navigateur replied on 10/04/2017 20:03

Posted on 10/04/2017 20:03

{ I say Milton because it is used, I understand, for sterilizing Babies Bottles and does not cause them to go brittle as far as I know }

Every baby I have encountered was very floppy.

Nuggy replied on 10/04/2017 23:14

Posted on 10/04/2017 23:14

Creeping crack cure is like very runny milk and is in effect a liquid plastic. Only apply one small drop at a time and let it run down the edge of the window where the inner and outer sheets have been bonded. If there is a hairline crack it will go into the crack and set in a few minutes if it is a warm day. If you accidentally drip some on the caravan surface, wipe it off immediately, otherwise you will never get it off. 

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook