condensation or leak?

[Tom_Barb]

about 2 years ago I replaced the old entertainment center and TVs in our couch, In doing so I noticed the insulation over forward portion of the coach was wet. Thinking leak, I removed the wet stuff, Then I sealed all the seams with Eternabond tape as per instructions for use.
ran all new HDMI cables, then replaced the insulation.

all was well until I was required to replace the HDMI cable, I noticed the same wet insulation.

the Question is how do I determine if it is condensation reoccurring ?

I have checked for leaks during the heavy rain this passed week. shows nothing on any seam I can see where the wet insulation is.

the cabin roof where this is occurring is simply 1 layer of fiberglass with 1 seam across the roof, which is sealed with tape.

[wildmanbaker]

Tom, its usually just the front cap that has this problem The ceiling from the cap to the rear are usually better isolated and better moisture barrier as they usually use Styrofoam for insulation. Removing the roof is a very large job and may be beyond most shops ability. As was mentioned earlier, contact an Insulation Contractor to get an estimate, and how they might do it. Likely drilling holes in the ceiling and using a hose to inject the foam into the required areas.

[Tom_Barb]

D.E.Bishop wrote:
Just a thought, lay a piece of 3/4" thin wall pvc across the area behind the cabinets for future hdmi cables an tben spray on the insulation. Even one inch czrdboard tubing will work. What would be the need for replacing the cables?

I've been studying how to do this, and believe it will require the roof be removed to get it done.

[Tom_Barb]

MountainAir05 wrote:
I am assuming that this just started and has not been going on long term. As I stated , on our 99 ours did the same thing.

As I've said, this area was wet 2 years ago, So when it started? who knows.

It has never been wet enough to leave a stain on the ceiling.

This time it is really packed full and tight, not much air can get in the area now to carry moisture in.

We will wait and see if it continues.

[D_E_Bishop]

Just a thought, lay a piece of 3/4" thin wall pvc across the area behind the cabinets for future hdmi cables an tben spray on the insulation. Even one inch czrdboard tubing will work. What would be the need for replacing the cables?

[MountainAir05]

I am assuming that this just started and has not been going on long term. As I stated , on our 99 ours did the same thing. I forgot to mention that I also replace the tv antenna cable and the little battery charge along with new cable. Ours was 7 or 8 years old when the same issue happen. Could one of the cables have a crack in it.

[Tom_Barb]

Executive wrote:
Most likely that will only get you soaked insulation. If it's condensation only air flow will keep it dry. If it's from a leak, you'll have ugly wet insulation which leads to mold.....Dennis

This is very possible, we will now check this area more often.

Placing a vapor barrier in there is next to impossible the area is 3-4" thick, 4 feet long y 8 feet wide, and has 3 aluminum ribs made from 1" aluminum tubes.
it is impossible to remove the ceiling with our removing the cabinets on both sides of the coach, so you are reduced to working thru 3 6" speaker holes.

OBTW, I did use fiberglass battens

[wildmanbaker]

diplomatdon wrote:
To anyone replacing fiberglass insulation I would recommend finding rock wool. Better R value, fireproof and waterproof. Tom/Barb if unable to find it locally make a quick trip to Canada, Home Depot or most building supplies businesses carry it. Good luck.

You will still need a vapor barrier. The US quit using Rock Wool in the early 1960s because of settling and moisture really affected its insulation qualities.

[diplomatdon]

To anyone replacing fiberglass insulation I would recommend finding rock wool. Better R value, fireproof and waterproof. Tom/Barb if unable to find it locally make a quick trip to Canada, Home Depot or most building supplies businesses carry it. Good luck.

[wildmanbaker]

You need a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from reaching the cool outer shell where it is condensing. As Dennis said, just stuffing it with fiber glass insulation will only get you more wet insulation. Without deconstructing the interior of you MH, about the only way to fix it is to have it spray foamed, as rgatijnet1 said. You can buy small kits to DYI, or try to contact a insulating company for an estimate.

[Executive45]

Tom/Barb wrote:

rgatijnet1 wrote:
I had a condensation problem during the Winter in the upper front cap on my Monaco coach. The only way I corrected it was to remove the shifting fiberglass insulation and replacing it with spray on two part foam insulation.

I have thought of doing that, and still may, But I have a few wires and cables up there that may some day need replacing.

For now, I've packed the area full of fiberglass insulation, we will see how well that works.

Most likely that will only get you soaked insulation. If it's condensation only air flow will keep it dry. If it's from a leak, you'll have ugly wet insulation which leads to mold.....Dennis

[Tom_Barb]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
I had a condensation problem during the Winter in the upper front cap on my Monaco coach. The only way I corrected it was to remove the shifting fiberglass insulation and replacing it with spray on two part foam insulation.

I have thought of doing that, and still may, But I have a few wires and cables up there that may some day need replacing.

For now, I've packed the area full of fiberglass insulation, we will see how well that works.

[rgatijnet1]

I had a condensation problem during the Winter in the upper front cap on my Monaco coach. The only way I corrected it was to remove the shifting fiberglass insulation and replacing it with spray on two part foam insulation.

[doxiemom11]

I don't know if we would have condensation or not, but we keep the doors ajar for the cabinets on either side of the tv. They hold the other electrical components. It is very warm up there from use, or sun, and then if it's cold at night, condensation could happen. Try leaving the doors open just a bit and see if the problem happens again.

[Tom_Barb]

William Willard wrote:
Check the bolts holding your air conditioner -- That`s often the cause of leaks toward the front, & elsewhere - Bill Willard

Did the complete re-seal of all the roof mounted stuff 2 years ago.
the forward air/con unit is about 8 feet back from this location and the insulation is dry between the two.


Is there a substance that can be applied to the underside of the fiberglass that will stop the condensation ?