MAINTENANCE
179
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
The condensation should clear itself when
the ambient conditions return to normal and
the air between the panes dries. However, if
this is taking a longer time than required, the
breathable plug (normally located in the top
corner of the window) can be removed, with
a pin or sharp object, and replaced when the
panes are dry. Care should be taken when
doing this.
Acrylic (Plastic) Window Cleaning
The material used to produce most caravan
and Motorhome windows is acrylic plastic.
While the acrylic used is very durable, it is
able to be scratched with relative ease and
therefore, care must be taken when clearing
your vehicle not to use aggressive clearing
products. Equally, care should be taken when
using a drying cloth that it is clean and free
from grit.
Condensation
What is condensation?
Condensation is the change of water from
its gaseous form (water vapour) into liquid
water. Condensation generally occurs in the
atmosphere when warm air rises, cools and
looses its capacity to hold water vapour.
As a result, excess water vapour condenses to
form droplets.
Why condensation occurs
Condensation occurs when warm moist air
meets a cold surface. The risk of condensation
therefore depends upon how moist the air
is and how cold the surfaces of the vehicle
are. Both of these depend to some extent on
how the vehicle is used. In a Caravan with a
cold outside wall, if the temperature of the
wall falls below the dew point temperature,
it is quite normal for condensation to occur
predominantly on the external walls.
When condensation occurs
Condensation occurs usually in winter,
because the Caravan is cold and because
skylights, windows and doors are opened less
and therefore the moist air cannot escape.
How condensation occurs
Condensation occurs often for short periods
in bathroom and kitchen areas because of the
steamy atmosphere, and quite frequently for
long periods in unheated areas; it also occurs
in cupboards or corners of rooms where
ventilation and movement of air is restricted.
What is important
Two things are particularly important:
- To provide ventilation so that moist air
can escape.
- To use the heating reasonably
How can you prevent condensation
Provide ventilation so that moist air
can escape.
a) Good ventilation of kitchens when
washing, cooking or drying damp clothes
is essential. Use the electric element of
the space heater will help, when washing,
cooking, or drying damp clothes, and
particularly when the windows show signs
of misting up.
b) If there is no mains electric supply and
therefore you cannot use the electrical
element of the space heater, open the
skylights or windows slightly, but keep the
door closed as much as possible.
c) After showering, keep the bathroom
window or skylights open, and shut the
bathroom door long enough to dry off the
room.
d) In all other areas provide some ventilation.
Fixed ventilation is provided in accordance
with BS EN 721: 1998 this is through
skylights and ‘Heki roof lights’ in the roofs
and from ventilators through the floor
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