Attic Insulation Shelf Life

Pros and cons each type of insulating material has its pros and cons.

Attic insulation shelf life.

The expected service life of fiberglass insulation under ideal conditions is usually stated as 100 years. Plenty of attics have 50 year old insulation. I did a lot of research and compiled a lot of data on the useful life of a great many building components. I m wondering if perhaps my attic instulation needs to be replaced or topped up.

Is there a shelf life to attic insulation. If kept dry undamaged and away from uv rays all of these insulating materials have a lifespan of 100 years or more effectively the life of the house. At the same time cellulose loose fill foamboard loose fill and rock wool insulation can last up to 100 years. According to the international association of certified home inspectors or internachi most types of insulation have a life span much longer than homeowners might think.

Depending on your home s insulation type you ll be protected for a few decades. In many cases the only thing wrong with the insulation is the fact that it is thin and has a low r value. I life in a 50 year old back split and i ve noticed that front and upper areas of the house are noticably colder than the set tempertature. I never saw any document that estimated that the useful life of insulation was only 15 years.

The international association of certified home inspectors states that spray foam insulation wrap tape and housewrap insulation can last for more than 80 years. Housewrap wrap tape and spray foam last 80 or more years while loose fill foamboard cellulose fiberglass rock wool and loose fill all last 100 years or more.