Need help building my van

[Tundrawolf]

Hi, I lived in my van for 8 months and didn't account for mold. My fiancee told me it was full of it and she was right. So I ripped everything out of the van and am starting over. I need advice on what to do with the topper/van roof seam. There's tons of areas where water could settle and turn back into mold. 

I had the idea of spray foaming it, but I realize I should have sprayed my mold killing primer first. I may spray mold killing primer, seal it with paint then spray again with mold killing primer. So you can see how far I got with that before spraying everything down. I am thinking about making it shelving, somehow. Please can anyone give me some ideas on what to do with this space that will combat mold and be functional.

 

[desert_sailing]

Peace lilly is a great absorber of mold spores.

I am still trying to see how I can fit one to keep my air somewhat clean.

 

[bullfrog]

Keeping the area well ventilated and dry to prevent the condensation and water build up should be your main focus after getting rid of the mold.

 

[highdesertranger]

if that is spray foam I would get rid of all of that. highdesertranger

 

[Tundrawolf]

Why?

 

[highdesertranger]

spray foam holds moisture. it will rot any sheet metal it is touching. highdesertranger

 

[bullfrog]

Hopefully the foam will have not stuck so well since there was still a coating of mold and can be removed completely. Any signs of rust need to be wire brushed and treated as well. I would make sure the fiberglass topper is sealed to the metal van body and then use thick rusty metal primer as a base for some good waterproof paint. If you are getting so much condensation that it puddles something has to change. The easiest is better ventilation with maybe a fan. If in a cold climate and using unventilated propane heat I would consider some form of vented dry heat. Having a easily removable ceiling that you can remove and dry out daily might work as well or desiccant that will absorb the moisture and dried out. Really you will just have to figure out what combination works for you. Maybe getting rid of the girl friend and living with the mold! Lol!!! Some types of mold are really bad for your health and rust is really bad for your van. Be sure What you are doing will solve the problems before doing anything permanent. Let us know what ends up working for you.

 

[JuanKnucklehead]

spray foam holds moisture.  it will rot any sheet metal it is touching.  highdesertranger

not that i was thinking about using in my van,,but great info just to log in my memory bank for future reference,,,spray foam & metal=rust ,,,thank you