caravan insulation

It never occured to us that the caravan would have walls that got wet!
We expected the windows to have condensation (they have and it freezes in this weather) and the shower has mould problems. Caravans need ventilation, we've just taped the wall vents up as the wind was blowing the snow through them, we had snowballs on the roof, which then melted and dripped onto whatever was under that vent. Anyway we have thermal linings to all the curtains which keeps us warm and thats the main thing.
We have a cupboard in the main bedroom that we store the suitcases in and the ironing board, washing and anything we can fit in. When we got the suitcase out to go away with we found everything had mould growing on it and the walls of the cupboard (that are external walls) were wet and going mouldy. The wardrobe in that room also has an external wall and that was wet at the bottom.
So we have lined the walls with 2" polystyrene and now we're hoping that works. We've also put the polystyrene under the dog's crate as her bed is damp on the bottom and she's not had an accident!
So if you're going to live in a caravan in the winter, consider the cupboards on external walls, the point that there will be a lot of condensation, there seem to be drafts all over but they are necessary if you tape up all the vents it will be a lot worse.

update third row

The third row of the heavy blocks is finished!
Now there is the outer 3 rows of smaller blocks to do. Also all the filling in, hardcore, damp proof membrane, rebar then concrete. So just a small amount of work before the kit gets here in January!!!!!

third row

Just the porch to do the third layer on and that is the blockwork finished.

Just a little waterlogged now!

muddy site

Rain

I don't know whether to cheer because it is raining or not! On one hand Iain can do blockwork as the temp is well over 4C and on the other hand the site is a quagmire! We have rivers, ponds, streams and mud lots and lots of mud.
So Iain is out in the rain and wind laying blocks, and tomorrow he'll be laying blocks and hopefully that will be the third layer finished. Then the hardcore can be packed into the middle.

Our mortgage company are happy with the valuation and have told us what our first payment will be and it's nearly enough to pay the kit manufacturer, GM Timber Systems. Just have to sign on the dotted line.

We're not in the caravan this week. Our portaloo supplier couldn't get here to empty the portaloo and even if they had it was frozen. Water pipes freezing, being in 2 feet of snow, having to put on more clothes to go to bed, trying to get out of the drive on foot (not a chance of getting the car down the drive), none of that bothered us, but we cannot manage without a toilet, so we've rented a holiday cottage in 'The Seaboard Villages' and are enjoying central heating, baths, washing machine and walks on the beach, inbetween coming up to site every day.
The portaloo supplier is coming on Tuesday so we'll be back in the caravan, but in the meantime I think I'll have another bath.

snow and more snow

The valuation guy has been and taken a picture of the snow!
He will give his valuation to the Mortgage company and they will offer us our first installment based on that. Hopefully it will be enough to pay the kit manufacturer so that can be delivered in January.
Our foundations aren't finished but with the snow there is nothing we can do. There is always the possiblity that the temperature will rise above 4C for a long enough time so we can finish the foundations.
At least we are not the only builders with the same problem, the Valuer has seen quite a few that had planned on getting the kit up before Christmas and the snow has halted everything. Kind of reassuring really.
The temperature dropped to -10 yesterday so we stayed in and kept warm. It's about -2 today and has snowed a bit this morning so looks like Meg gets her walk this afternoon.