How to Spot Caravan Water Damage (and How We Can Help)

Nothing puts a dampener on your van life adventures quite like discovering caravan water damage. Whether you’re a grey nomad exploring the Sunshine Coast or a young family setting up camp on the Gold Coast or beyond, water damage is the silent destroyer of caravans that can ruin your holidays faster than you can say “unpowered site”.

The truth is, caravan water damage doesn’t announce itself with a brass band – it sneaks in quietly and causes havoc behind the scenes. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

What Exactly Is Caravan Water Damage?

Caravan water damage is basically what happens when water gets into places it shouldn’t be in your van. Could be through dodgy seals around windows, a crack you didn’t notice, or even a plumbing connection that’s seen better days.

Here’s the kicker – it starts small but grows fast. What begins as a tiny leak can turn into rotting timber, nasty mould, and repair bills that’ll make your eyes water more than the damage itself. It’s like that mate who overstays their welcome – starts harmless enough, but before you know it, they’ve taken over your whole house.

The Telltale Signs: Don’t Miss These Red Flags

Visual Clues That Scream “Houston, We Have a Problem”

Keep your eyes peeled for these warning signs:

• Stains and discolouration on ceilings, walls, and around windows and doors
• Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint
• Soft or spongy spots in walls or floors
• Rust on metal components
• A musty smell that wasn’t there before (your nose knows!)

The Touch Test

Run your hands along walls and surfaces – if something feels softer than it should, that’s probably timber deterioration knocking at your door. Rotten timber frames are something we see all the time, and sometimes owners are completely unaware until significant deterioration occurs or when they bring in their van for other caravan repairs and we spot it then.

Check the Usual Suspects for the Culprits Behind Water Damage

The most common culprits for water entry include:

• Roof seals around vents, air conditioners, and solar panels
• Window and door seals
• External storage compartment seals
• Plumbing connections and fittings
• Tail lights and number plate mountings

Does Caravan Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Here’s where it can get a bit tricky. Comprehensive caravan insurance offers financial protection against unforeseen events like water damage, but the devil’s in the details. Most caravan insurance policies will not cover the cost of damage caused by damp if it’s due to lack of maintenance.

The key factor is whether the water damage resulted from:

• Sudden and accidental damage (covered) – like a storm damaging your roof
• Gradual deterioration (not covered) – like worn seals you should have maintained

If water has entered via a cracked or worn seal and you have proof of maintaining the seals, you have a much better chance of the insurance company covering the damage. Basically, though, you’ll need to chat with your insurer to find out what’s covered and what’s not.

Real Stories from Real Customers

Just last month, we had Ryan Ramsay bring in his 2018 dual axle with significant water damage in both the front and rear. We were able to get him back on the road quickly. As Ryan put it: “Emma and the team were honest, clear, and upfront from the start. They walked me through exactly what needed to be done, provided transparent pricing, and kept me well-informed throughout the repair process.”

Six months later, Ryan’s van is still performing beautifully, which is the kind of lasting repair work we’re proud of.

When Prevention Fails: How We Can Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, water finds a way in. That’s when you need professionals who know caravans inside and out. We’ve been helping Queensland families and grey nomads get back on the road for years, and we’ve seen it all.

Our water damage repair services include:

• Comprehensive damage assessment
• Structural timber repairs and replacement
• Complete resealing of roof and compromised areas
• Interior restoration including walls, flooring, and fixtures
• Preventive treatments to stop future issues

We don’t just patch things up – we fix them properly the first time, so you can get back to making memories on the road.

Don’t Let Water Damage Rain on Your Parade

Water damage might be sneaky, but with regular checks and professional help when needed, you can keep your caravan in top condition for many years of Aussie adventures.

Ready to give your van the health check it deserves? Contact our friendly team today for a thorough inspection or to discuss any concerns you have about water damage. Whether you need urgent repairs or just want peace of mind before your next big trip, we’re here to help.