Research Report

Literature Review and Research Summary on Wind Washing of Air Permeable Insulation

Building Enclosure Consulting Multiple Climates
JOHN STRAUBE RDH Building Science
JONATHAN SMEGAL RDH Building Science

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Wind washing (sometimes described as the “knitted sweater effect”) is air movement driven by wind pressures through or behind the thermal insulation within enclosures.

This summary report explains the building science physics of wind washing, including some previous laboratory testing on the air permeance of stone wool insulation. Information about research conducted for ROCKWOOL is used with permission. All contents © RDH Building Science.

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