Experimental study on the deterioration of thermal insulation performance due to wind washing of the cavity insulation in leaky walls

The article concerns the wind washing of the cavity insulation in leaky walls. The measurements in lightweight timber frame buildings have shown large amounts of air filtration that affect heat transfer through the envelope. This article presents the results of a laboratory study on wind washing of structures that are insulated with loose mineral wool, with partial and without wind protection (corresponding to meet existing ones), under different wind loads. Wind washing led to an 85% reduction of thermal resistance in the examined structures. Long-term measurements also show problems of subsidence of loose fibrous material in the construction, which leads to increased convection heat transfer.