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tyndalelady · 01-05-2010, 04:52 PM

How was that for a title? lol I am about to start a total renovation on our slide out. It is a 21 ft slide (not flush) with the basic table/couch stuff in it. We are going to remove the flooring and put down Pergo, paint the walls and add a bunch of Ikea Expedit storage in the dining area. We plan to put a nice day bed in the place of the couch for our daughter.

In measuring yesterday I found some condensation along the wall by the table. Wall was damp so there is not leak, just basic living condition condensation. It is very cold here and we are full time.

What I want to do is to use carpet as an insulation on the walls. Either by attaching it directly to the walls (ie: nailing it) or by putting snaps on the wall and attaching the carpet pieces to that. It is downright cold sitting here and typing this. Our old Airstream had fabric/carpet pieces that attached with snaps and we really enjoyed the extra insulation.

My major question is.... will the moisture collect behind the carpet and cause eventual damage or will it not collect because we are keeping the cold out? I really need to do something to make this slide warmer. I feel like I am missing a piece of the puzzle here and need all the help I can get.

We are getting some damp-rid this weekend. We only have the condensate problem on the side of the rig that is in the shade.

What do you think?

Missy
I will be cross posting this on the Escapees board.

Gary - K7GLD · 01-05-2010, 05:46 PM

Since it is damp air exposure to a colder surface that causes condensation, I'd think that any treatment that totally PREVENTS cold and damp air from REACHING that surface would be most effective. Along those lines, applying some form of insulating coating directly to the affected surfaces would seem potentially more effective than an intermediate material that still allows damp air contact in between...

The trick, is finding a way to do that that is both visually appealing, AND effective...

tyndalelady · 01-05-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD

S

The trick, is finding a way to do that that is both visually appealing, AND effective...

Right this moment effective is sounding better than visually appealing. I am cold.

Missy

Gary - K7GLD · 01-05-2010, 06:01 PM

You might need to take a trip to Lowes or Home Depot, and look at available wall coverings - I'm afraid anything merely hung in place would still allow too much cold damp air in between and cause continued problems...

Gary RVRoamer · 01-06-2010, 10:39 AM

Condensation occurs where a cold surface meets warmer, moist air. Therefore you need to isolate (insulate) the two. I'd glue some form of insulation to the wall if I could, even if just a 1/4" thick foam panel. Then cover it with something that does not transmit cold well, e.g. wood or carpet.

But are you really sure there is no leak? Dampness in just one area of a wall, especially down low, is often the sign of a small leak up high, with dampness accumulating at the bottom of the wall. It would be unusual for a wall to be cold and collect condensation in only one small area at the bottom. Not impossible, but unusual.

tyndalelady · 01-06-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Roamer [Gary]

Condensation occurs where a cold surface meets warmer, moist air. Therefore you need to isolate (insulate) the two. I'd glue some form of insulation to the wall if I could, even if just a 1/4" thick foam panel. Then cover it with something that does not transmit cold well, e.g. wood or carpet.

But are you really sure there is no leak? Dampness in just one area of a wall, especially down low, is often the sign of a small leak up high, with dampness accumulating at the bottom of the wall. It would be unusual for a wall to be cold and collect condensation in only one small area at the bottom. Not impossible, but unusual.

This is what I am now leaning toward after reading everything and thinking more.

No, there is not a leak. There were a bunch of books in front of the wall and there was no circulation. Once I moved the books, it dried right up and has not been a problem. It has also been a little (little) warmer.

Missy

steelheadbluesman · 01-15-2010, 01:24 AM

I think you've got it figured -- Air circulation/ventilation is key. I'm from Oregon, so I'm familiar with moisture problems. I've had a problem with condensation on the inside of my windshield (water actually streaming down the inside of the glass), while camped in cold weather. And when I opened the curtain, super-cold air would come out, which was trapped behind the curtain. So I got a small fan, opened the curtains a few inches, and operated the fan on the dash in cold weather. No more condensation, no more cold air accumulation. I've had a few other condensation issues, and the answer is always the same: open up the space, and move some air through. Hope this helps a little