RV Moisture Detection and Thermal Scanning
Water ingress is one of the most destructive forces for any caravan or motorhome. Often, moisture damage remains hidden behind internal walls and flooring until it causes major structural issues.
At RNR Refinish, we use industry-leading thermal scanning technology to accurately detect moisture. Unlike traditional methods that can yield false readings or even damage your RV, our advanced facility provides factual, evidence-based data for our commercial, insurance, and private customers.
We provide pre- and post-repair scans on all work to guarantee zero leaks, ensuring your pride and joy is protected by accurate, reliable data.
Why RV Moisture Testing Needs a Specialist
Caravans and motorhomes are built using large amounts of sealants, urethane, and fibreglass. In the event of an impact, a fibreglass motorhome body absorbs the shock differently than a standard vehicle, acting almost like a rubber ball. While the damage might appear minimal on the surface, the underlying seals and structural joints can be compromised.
Because of these unique building materials, traditional moisture testing methods often fall short. After years of experience and investment in repair technology, we have developed a testing process that provides accurate answers without putting your RV at risk.
Our Moisture Detection Methods (The Right Way)
We use a combination of advanced technology and controlled testing to locate water ingress.
1. Thermal Imaging Moisture Scanning (Our Primary Method)
This is by far the most accurate method available and is setting the new standard for the industry. Our calibrated thermal scanners provide factual data, precise moisture-level measurements, and high-resolution images of affected areas.
- Non-Destructive: There is absolutely zero risk of damage to your seals, caravan, or motorhome.
- Visual Evidence: Scans generate clear images using multiple colour palettes to highlight moisture pockets, providing undeniable proof for insurance claims or peace of mind.
Note: For the most accurate results, the exterior surface must be dry and the scan cannot be performed in active rain. The system works best when the surrounding non-affected areas are slightly warmer.
2. Targeted Moisture Reading
Used as a supporting tool, traditional moisture reading provides clear indications of water entry. Because probe-based readers require pushing prongs into the surface, we only use them selectively to avoid damaging unaffected flooring or interior walls. If a repairer tests your RV with a reader but cannot provide you with the factual numerical results, the test is incomplete.
3. Controlled Water Testing
For hardware, roof hatches, storage doors, and external fittings, controlled water testing is highly effective. In our specialised detail bay, we use an expanding tube system to simulate consistent, average rainfall over specific areas. When combined with our thermal scanners, this immediately identifies active entry points.
Warning: The Testing Methods We Avoid
Recently, some repairers have started using positive-pressure fans inside the RV while spraying the exterior with a garden pump bottle and soapy water to look for bubbles. We strongly advise against this testing method. For more information, please see our blog post The Hidden Danger of RV Pressure Testing.
While it looks visually impressive to a customer, it is highly misleading and can cause the leaks it claims to find.
- The “Upside-Down Sink” Reality: Caravan seals are designed to keep outside water out. They are not designed to withstand heavy air pressure pushing from the inside out. Think of a kitchen sink: if you put the plug in and fill it with water, it seals perfectly. If you flip that sink upside down and put pressure on the plug, it leaks immediately.
- Creating Damage: Forcing air pressure from the inside out pushes seals in the wrong direction, often creating holes where there were none. We have seen lock-tight, fully verified reseals taken to other facilities for this “soapy water test,” only for the pressure to blow holes in the fresh sealant.
- Customers are often charged over $1,000 for these pressure tests, only to end up paying even more to rectify the damage caused by the test itself.
Internal Leaks & Caravan Shower Repairs
Not all moisture comes from external weather conditions. Internal plumbing, hot water systems, and leaking showers are very common culprits. If you are dealing with internal water damage or need caravan shower repairs, our thermal scanning equipment can pinpoint the exact source of the moisture behind the shower tray or internal walls before any invasive teardowns begin.
Equipment Specifications
We utilise proprietary, highly calibrated scanning equipment designed specifically for complex composite and insulated materials.
High-Resolution Thermal Sensor:
Detects minute temperature differentials caused by trapped moisture beneath fibreglass, aluminium, and composite panelling.
Calibrated Digital Output:
Provides factual, measurable moisture readings rather than simple “pass/fail” estimations.
Non-Destructive Diagnostic Matrix:
Operates with zero physical impact on RV surfaces, interior trims, or external sealants.
Comprehensive Visual Reporting:
Generates multi-colour digital imaging and datasets suitable for commercial compliance, insurance validations, and customer records.
Get Factual Results Today
Don’t rely on guesswork or testing methods that put your caravan at risk. For industry-leading testing and quality repairs, contact RnR Refinish.