Pop up roof ceiling leaking from net attachments

[Ocean Wanderer]

Has anyone had a problem with dampness around the net attachments which are screwed into the ceiling of the elevating roof?
There are four attachments and I just noticed that the screw heads are wet and the roof material surrounding the screws is damp. The only thing I can think of is that the factory fitted roof rails are not properly bonded at the points where they are attached to the roof. Looks like they are riveted on when the roof is assembled.

 

[RockinNRollin]

The screws are the ultimate condensation hubs; they are always very cold as they have a direct link to the outside skin of the roof and they occupy an area where warm moist air naturally moves to. Ours are always wet in the morning irrespective of rain. Particularly noticeable at this time of year with lots of moisture in the day and colder overnight temps. The metal at the end of the roof at the shortest point (where the lining stops) also tends to accumulate moisture for the same reason.

 

[myvanrodney]

The screws are the ultimate condensation hubs; they are always very cold as they have a direct link to the outside skin of the roof and they occupy an area where warm moist air naturally moves to. Ours are always wet in the morning irrespective of rain. Particularly noticeable at this time of year with lots of moisture in the day and colder overnight temps. The metal at the end of the roof at the shortest point (where the lining stops) also tends to accumulate moisture for the same reason.

same here.. condensation.

 

[Ocean Wanderer]

The screws are the ultimate condensation hubs; they are always very cold as they have a direct link to the outside skin of the roof and they occupy an area where warm moist air naturally moves to. Ours are always wet in the morning irrespective of rain. Particularly noticeable at this time of year with lots of moisture in the day and colder overnight temps. The metal at the end of the roof at the shortest point (where the lining stops) also tends to accumulate moisture for the same reason.

Yes condensation! Hadn’t thought of that. Makes sense.

 

[Ocean Wanderer]

same here.. condensation.

Good to know I’m not the only one!

 

[nomadicjonboy77]

I found a puddle in my van last week and discovered that a small bit of the roof tent was poking through the rubber seal and letting water in when it rained. So also worth checking this is not the case

 

[Nejc]

The screws are the ultimate condensation hubs; they are always very cold as they have a direct link to the outside skin of the roof and they occupy an area where warm moist air naturally moves to. Ours are always wet in the morning irrespective of rain. Particularly noticeable at this time of year with lots of moisture in the day and colder overnight temps. The metal at the end of the roof at the shortest point (where the lining stops) also tends to accumulate moisture for the same reason.

Same...

 

[peregrinus]

A pop top cover would stop the cold bridge at those points.

 

[RockinNRollin]

A pop top cover would stop the cold bridge at those points.

I don't think it would make a massive difference. I've only ever seen two types of cover; a thermal wrap (which doesn't go over the roof, so wouldn't help) and a waterproof topper (which does go over the roof, but is only thin waterproof material so probably no meaningful insulation properties).

I don't think it's really a problem either way - I have a microfibre and whizz around in the morning to dry off those points, plus the frame around where the bed sits which is another place where condensation can form.

 

[WelshGas]

I don't think it would make a massive difference. I've only ever seen two types of cover; a thermal wrap (which doesn't go over the roof, so wouldn't help) and a waterproof topper (which does go over the roof, but is only thin waterproof material so probably no meaningful insulation properties).

I don't think it's really a problem either way - I have a microfibre and whizz around in the morning to dry off those points, plus the frame around where the bed sits which is another place where condensation can form.

The trick is good ventilation and judicious use of the Diesel Parking Heater.
Members are always praising the virtue of a windscreen insulated cover - no windscreen condensation, but you will get it elsewhere. You need to get the ventilation right first.
For 10yrs we've just used the supplied VW covers with front window vents in the summer and cracking front windows open by 1-2 cm in winter. We have Climair wind deflectors and never have condensation anywhere.