Damp report

[MARRIO]

Just had my 1st habitation check done on my one year old van in order to maintain the warranty ( I wouldn’t bother otherwise ).
I’ve always thought that anything above 15% was an area of concern, however the highest reading is 21% & the average about 18%, conclusion is everything is fine. The report states 0-50% no cause for concern, 50-80% at risk & 80-100% structural damage possible. I can only assume they are using a different method of testing than I have previously seen. Anyone wiser than me ? Of course I could ask the service engineer but it’s taken 6 weeks of phone calls, emails & personal calls to even get the report. Needless to say I wont be going back there again.

 

[Lenny HB]

15% is OK, 20% should be monitored and checked every 3 months.
Also you get variations depending on the weather, if it's been hissing down for weeks readings are often a bit higher but if it's been dry 20% is not a good sign.

 

[MARRIO]

15% is OK, 20% should be monitored and checked every 3 months.
Also you get variations depending on the weather, if it's been hissing down for weeks readings are often a bit higher but if it's been dry 20% is not a good sign.

So why do they say under 50% is acceptable. I have asked them to explain but won’t hold my breath waiting for a reply as it took 6 weeks to send the report.

 

[meanders]

I would be going somewhere else to get a second opinion PDQ. Let us know where you are and someone will know someone trustworthy. You only need a damp check, not a full hab check. However if the damp proves to be incompetence I would want gas etc rechecked.

 

[MARRIO]

I would be going somewhere else to get a second opinion PDQ. Let us know where you are and someone will know someone trustworthy. You only need a damp check, not a full hab check. However if the damp proves to be incompetence I would want gas etc rechecked.

Warranty states that inspection must be done by a Pilote dealer. I have my own damp meter & everything seems good to me hence questioning what method they use.

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[B+W vanman]

Warranty states that inspection must be done by a Pilote dealer. I have my own damp meter & everything seems good to me hence questioning what method they use.

Which dealer did you use, if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[meanders]

Warranty states that inspection must be done by a Pilote dealer. I have my own damp meter & everything seems good to me hence questioning what method they use.

Ours say that it had to be done by a Euramobil dealer, but they are actually happy with a report from any engineer registered with NCC. Even so, I would still get it rechecked by a NCC workshop or engineer. You can always file both with a question msrk.

 

[MARRIO]

Which dealer did you use, if you don’t mind me asking?

Won’t name them but I live in West Wales & they are my nearest Pilote dealer.

 

[B+W vanman]

Won’t name them but I live in West Wales & they are my nearest Pilote dealer.

Ok ta!

 

[Pausim]

The Google AI Overview says:
“For Pilote caravans, readings under 15% on a damp meter are considered dry, while anything above 20% warrants investigation and potential remedial work.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
0-15%: Indicates a dry surface with no damp issues.
15-20%: Could be the start of a damp problem; make a note and keep an eye on it.
20-25%: A potential damp problem; consider calling a professional or investigating further.
25-30%: You likely have a water ingress problem; remedial work may be required.
Above 30%: A serious damp problem; a complete strip down may be required and requires urgent attention.”

The testing is for % moisture content and as far as I know that is the only method ever used. Some non invasive (pinless) moisture meters can give false readings, the one I have (cheap) reacts to metal which can be hard to avoid in some vans. There are also different levels for different materials, such as masonry, but stone mullions and bricks are not often found in motorhomes. The 0% to 50% given in your report is very questionable and I suspect someone has got that very wrong. I would check with Pilote.

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[Two on Tour]

I they have used a non invasive type of damp meter, then they will give high false reading if they are used near metalwork or screws.

 

[MARRIO]

The Google AI Overview says:
“For Pilote caravans, readings under 15% on a damp meter are considered dry, while anything above 20% warrants investigation and potential remedial work.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
0-15%: Indicates a dry surface with no damp issues.
15-20%: Could be the start of a damp problem; make a note and keep an eye on it.
20-25%: A potential damp problem; consider calling a professional or investigating further.
25-30%: You likely have a water ingress problem; remedial work may be required.
Above 30%: A serious damp problem; a complete strip down may be required and requires urgent attention.”

The testing is for % moisture content and as far as I know that is the only method ever used. Some non invasive (pinless) moisture meters can give false readings, the one I have (cheap) reacts to metal which can be hard to avoid in some vans. There are also different levels for different materials, such as masonry, but stone mullions and bricks are not often found in motorhomes. The 0% to 50% given in your report is very questionable and I suspect someone has got that very wrong. I would check with Pilote.

Thanks for your reply. It’s also my understanding that 15% is the limit. I have written to the dealer who carried out the checks & also to Pilote in France, I can’t find who imports them to the UK. I too have a cheapo damp meter & that shows the levels well below 15% hence my questioning the method used.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Question...which points are actually 20% plus? As above as stated...none invasive testing is a bit of a bugger if a lower category tester is used. Always used a penetrative type and never failed yet.