A Chilling Realisation

[major_clanger]

I've noticed that I get rather cold sitting at my desk. I've been assuming this was a draft, except that I couldn't see where it would be coming from and on checking with a candle there wasn't really an obvious flow of air.

However, I've just had a Blinding Flash of Obvious. My flat is in what was once a small factory and its rather industrial architecture includes large vertical concrete columns - one of which is right next to my desk. And it's very, very cold, which is hardly surprising as the other face of it is exposed to the outside. It is at these point I remember reading about how many new buildings use concrete 'chiller beams' to provide cooling rather than pumping cold water around, and realise that in effect I'm sitting next to one.

I wonder if lagging or padding it would work? If so, how much would I need, and are there any other special requirements such as fire resistance and ease of cleaning to bear in mind?

Comments

[flick.livejournal.com]

Not sure how much help, but what about hanging up a fabric something-or-other, like a tapestry. Maybe line the back with foil?

[coth.livejournal.com]

Joe and Judith recently had their house lined with internal insulation - that might work.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I was remembering that as well. They'd remember what the stuff was called - it's certainly for lining walls and would presumably work well on a pillar.

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

That is what is referred to in the trade as a 'cold bridge' - and v. bad for cold days, as you note.

Ideally, you want to thermally isolate it. My limited knowledge would suggest that you could build a timber frame against it, and then lag and board the frame. This is pretty much the same as coth's suggestion!

[purplecthulhu.livejournal.com]

I believe there are similar issues in parts of Cthulhu Towers. I'll find out when I get back there on Monday...

[hughe.livejournal.com]

You want to stop the hot air from touching the cold pilar surface, and also stop radiated heat "shining" on the pillar from being absorbed.

so pretty much anything will work, the best being something that traps air, as air is bad at transfering heat as long as it doesnt move. so lagging right next to the pilar should do.

you can get stuff for insulating walls behind radiators. it is like foam with silver on one side. if you use that you want to lag the pillar with the silver pointing outwards.