Waterproofing and Tanking Your Van
Damp is the number one killer of campervan conversions. Proper waterproofing during the build prevents it.
Sources of Moisture
- Condensation (from breathing, cooking, drying clothes)
- Rain ingress (through roof vents, window seals, seams)
- Ground moisture (soaking up through the floor)
- Gaps in the van body (factory seams, bolt holes)
Floor Tanking
Tanking means applying a waterproof membrane to the plywood floor before installing any covering.
- Paint the plywood with Sika Primer
- Apply Sikafloor or similar tanking membrane (2 coats)
- Seal edges with Sikaflex 221 where the floor meets the van walls
- Let cure for 24 hours before fitting flooring
Body Sealing
- Seal ALL factory holes (unused seatbelt mountings, cable entries)
- Apply Sikaflex 522 to roof seams and gutters
- Replace any corroded sealant around windows and roof lights
- Use butyl tape behind all fittings screwed to the van body
Vapour Barrier
Fit a vapour barrier (breathable membrane) between the insulation and the interior plywood. This prevents warm moist air from reaching the cold metal body and condensing. A Tyvek-style membrane (£20 per 10m roll) is ideal.
Conclusion
A properly tanked floor and sealed van body prevent 90% of damp issues. Do it during the build — fixing damp later is ten times harder.
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Getting Started
If you're new to this topic, start with the basics:
- Understand the key concepts
- Research your specific needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Plan your approach before buying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the cheapest option (often costs more long-term)
- Skipping research on UK-specific requirements
- Not reading reviews from other UK van lifers
- Forgetting about ongoing costs and maintenance
UK-Specific Considerations
Living in the UK means dealing with:
- Variable weather conditions
- UK regulations and standards
- British suppliers and support
- Right-hand drive vehicle considerations
Budget Planning
For most van lifers, we recommend:
- Budget option: £50-100 (basic but functional)
- Mid-range: £100-200 (good quality, lasting)
- Premium: £200+ (best quality, longest lasting)
Maintenance Tips
Keep your equipment working well:
- Check regularly for wear and tear
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions
- Store properly when not in use
- Replace parts before they fail
Community Recommendations
The van life community consistently recommends:
- Starting simple and upgrading as needed
- Buying from established UK suppliers
- Reading forums and Facebook groups for real-world advice
- Watching YouTube tutorials before attempting installations
