ᐅ Stone column in conservatory damp

Created on: 25 Nov 2020 08:03
J
joachim45
Hello,
we have a conservatory with triple glazing that is heated together with the living area.
Inside, there is an uninsulated stone column, located next to the windows. (The stone column is from the original construction.) I understand that this is not ideal from a thermal perspective, so please do not provide advice regarding that.
Unfortunately, the stone column gets completely wet because it is the coldest spot. What can be done about this besides wiping it down?
Is there any way to prevent the moisture?
Window with pink curtains; between them a dark, textured column; fabric scraps on the windowsill.
H
halmi
26 Nov 2020 07:37
I think if you now google “largest thermal bridge,” your picture will come up. That’s really extreme.

Has the conservatory been there for a while?

Either insulate it from the outside or wipe it down daily.
Musketier26 Nov 2020 09:10
Most likely, insulating from the outside is the only option, and then integrating it visually in a sensible way. Either use a trellis in front to hide it, or do the opposite with decorative elements (e.g., rusticated stones) to make it stand out visually, so it looks like it’s meant to be that way.
Nida35a26 Nov 2020 09:28
If it is only damp now, at -10 degrees Celsius (14°F) outside, you will get frost flowers inside. It feels like a 10cm (5 inches) wide area on the inside and 50cm (20 inches) on the outside. How is the small inner area supposed to warm the column? External insulation or rebuild the column with thermopanzer?
C
cschiko
26 Nov 2020 11:19
I would clearly recommend insulating from the outside. If possible, you could upload a photo of the exterior view. That way, ideas can be gathered on how to implement the solution. Otherwise, it will be difficult to effectively address the problem.
H
hanse987
26 Nov 2020 11:33
For me, the whole thing in its current design is a construction flaw.
Heating the column from the inside is just treating the symptom. For me, only external insulation would be an option!
Musketier26 Nov 2020 11:44
Are the windowsills continuous throughout and thus thermal bridges?

Have you perhaps ever consulted a conservatory builder to see if it might still be possible to replace the column afterward?