How Long Does Spray Foam Insulation Last?

By Author: Home Guru
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There are numerous insulation options on the market, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In addition to material quality, longevity is an important factor to consider when selecting insulation.

Some insulation can last for decades. Others, on the other hand, can last the entire life of your home.

How Many Years Does Spray Foam Insulation Last?
Polyurethane is used to make spray foam insulation. Polyurethane is extremely long-lasting. When used as spray foam insulation, the material can withstand significant temperature fluctuations, moisture buildup, and mold and other organism growth.

Spray foam insulation services comes in two varieties: closed cell and open cell. Closed cell spray foam is the more effective insulator of the two. It also tends to last longer due to a rigid structure that keeps its shape better over time and when exposed to the conditions discussed above.

Both types of spray foam insulation have a lifespan of 80 to 100 years, with closed cell spray foam having the slight advantage in terms of durability. This represents the lifetime of the house and then ...
... some for most families!

Does Spray Foam Insulation Deteriorate?
Insulation loses its R-value as it deteriorates (a measure of heat resistance). This can result in drafts, cold spots, and increased energy bills.

Insulation removal and replacement may be required for a number of reasons, including water damage and animal activity. Spray foam, on the other hand, is less susceptible to these external factors than other types of insulation (except in cases of significant exposure, such as a leaky roof or an infestation).

So, what causes the deterioration of spray foam insulation? The most common cause of spray foam lifespan reduction is installation errors.

What Affects the Lifespan of Spray Foam Insulation?
The following are examples of common spray foam installation errors:

1. Failure to apply the proper thickness of foam Failure to remove all old insulation before applying spray foam
2. Spraying foam insulation over top of old insulation without cleaning the substrates and/or allowing the substrate to fully dry before installation
3. Leaving holes and gaps in the insulated space
4. Installing spray foam on a surface that is either too hot (over 80 degrees Fahrenheit) or too cold (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit) (below 60 degrees Fahrenheit)

These issues frequently arise when homeowners attempt to apply spray foam insulation on their own. Problems frequently begin with the purchase of low-quality materials and the incorrect use of equipment. These issues are then exacerbated by installation errors.

A professional insulation contractor will know what tools to use, will bring the necessary equipment, will prepare the area for proper installation, and will complete the job correctly the first time. Insulation professionals also understand where spray foam should be applied for maximum efficiency and how much insulation should be installed.

How Long Does Spray Foam Insulation Last Compared to Other Materials?
Although spray foam is considered the "gold standard" in home insulation, it is far from the only option. There are numerous types of home insulation to choose from, each with its own set of advantages for homeowners.

However, when compared to other options, spray foam insulation is virtually unrivaled in terms of durability and longevity:

Fiberglass insulation: Fiberglass insulation can begin to disintegrate in as little as 15 to 20 years. Loose-fill fiberglass has a much longer lifespan (possibly up to 80 or even 100 years), but this is highly dependent on environmental factors.

Cellulose insulation: Cellulose insulation has a life expectancy of 20 to 30 years. However, if the insulation (made of recycled paper) is exposed to poor conditions, its lifespan will be reduced.

Mineral wool insulation: Mineral wool comes the closest to spray foam insulation in terms of long-term viability. Rock wool insulation can last as long as your house does (approximately 80-100 years). However, installing mineral wool insulation is a time-consuming task. Furthermore, many homeowners consider the material to be prohibitively expensive.

If exposed to harsh conditions, any type of insulation may need to be replaced. Spray foam, on the other hand, is more resistant to the common factors that cause insulation to degrade and lose its effectiveness.

How to Make Spray Foam Insulation Last Longer
Spray foam insulation requires very little maintenance under ideal conditions to maximize its effectiveness. It is, for the most part, a "set it and forget it" solution.

However, it is critical to be aware of the conditions inside your home after spray foam insulation has been installed. For example, if you install spray foam insulation by the best spray foam insulation company in the attic, you must ensure that your roof remains in good condition and that any damage is repaired as soon as possible.

The same care must be taken with low-lying areas of the house. Spray foam insulation is ideal for finished basements, but it is important to keep an eye out for cracks, leaks, unwanted critters, and other problems. The same is true for crawl spaces; keeping the crawl space ventilated and free of moisture is critical for ensuring spray foam insulation effectiveness.

In general, you should be aware of temperature changes, drafts, and other problems in your home. These are common sense aspects of good homeownership, not steps you must take specifically with spray foam insulation. If you notice these issues after installing spray foam, it could indicate a problem with the insulation.

Contact your spray foam insulation contractors today!