How Long Does Spray Foam Insulation Last? Lifetime Insights
Discover how long spray foam insulation keeps a home comfortable and energy efficient. Installing spray foam in a house is a permanent solution that will last a lifetime. Unlike traditional insulation, spray foam insulation does not need replacing every 15 years. So, how long does spray foam insulation last? Let’s find out!
How Many Years Will Spray Foam Insulation Last?
Spray foam insulation lasts for 80 years to 100 years, but closed-cell spray foam will last a little longer than open-cell spray foam. For many homeowners, this lifespan will extend beyond the entire time they own their house.
Closed-cell spray foam lasts longer than open-cell spray foam due to its rigid structure. It also maintains its original shape better when exposed to severe temperature changes, moisture buildup, and mold growth.
Factors That Impact How Long Spray Foam Insulation Lasts
Although spray foam insulation lasts for almost a century, several factors will affect how long it lasts. Amateur mistakes during the installation process can reduce the lifespan of foam insulation. Some of the most common errors that impact how long spray foam insulation lasts include:
- Applying foam on a surface that is too hot or too cold
- Installing too much or too little foam
- Missing the corners or leaving other gaps
- Spraying foam on top of old insulation
- Failing to clean a surface before application
The most common spray foam mistakes occur during do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Selecting the wrong insulation materials and equipment can ruin a spray foam insulation installation before it even starts.
A professional insulation contractor can remedy most foam insulation mistakes encountered during an initial inspection. With the right tools, spray foam installers can remove old insulation, prepare the substrates for a fresh application of spray foam, and perform a proper installation that will last for decades.
Will Spray Foam Insulation Deteriorate Over Time?
Installing spray foam insulation will improve indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and prevent air leakage. As an inert product, spray foam does not break down. However, over time, all types of insulation experience decreased R-value, the unit of measurement that indicates how well insulation restricts conductive heat flow.
Water damage and vermin can speed up the deterioration of insulation, but spray foam usually holds up better than traditional options. In the most severe cases, like flooding or pest infestation, insulation may need to be removed and reapplied.
How Long Does Spray Foam Insulation Last Compared To Traditional Insulation Materials?
Open and closed-cell spray foam both last longer than most forms of traditional insulation. But how do other types of insulation stack up against spray foam? Let’s look at how long fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wool insulation last.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass batts will start to deteriorate and sag in 15 to 20 years. Blown-in fiberglass can last between 80 and 100 years, but only in ideal weather conditions. Plus, loose-fill fiberglass remains limited in application, used mostly in attics.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation lasts for 20 to 30 years under ideal conditions. Made from recycled paper, you will sometimes find it used in attics and walls. However, cellulose does not withstand the elements very well, and its use should be limited to homes in mild climates.
Mineral Wool Insulation
Mineral wool insulation lasts as long as foam insulation: 80 to 100 years. However, mineral wool insulation costs more than almost any other insulation option. Also known as rock wool insulation, mineral wool requires more labor hours to install than other materials.
How Long Will Spray Foam Last Outside?
Spray foam will last indefinitely outside when the conditions are perfect. However, animal activity and severe weather may reduce its life expectancy. Most homeowners apply spray foam to crawl spaces and decks, where the insulation is exposed to the elements.
The Insulation Solution That Lasts A Lifetime | iFOAM
If you need insulation for your home, you can set it and forget it with high-quality spray foam insulation. The lifelong durability of spray foam means professional installers only need to install it once. Call iFOAM today at (855) 935-4723 to see if spray foam insulation is the right solution for your home.