With so many types of insulation materials developed by countless manufacturers available on the market, it can be difficult to determine how long home insulation will last and remain effective.
In this guide, SmartStone’s energy saving experts explore the various factors that affect the lifespan of insulation materials and things to consider before putting money down on an insulation install.
What is the average lifespan of insulation?
Over the past few decades, ever since energy-efficiency within our homes has become more of a nationwide priority, there have been vast developments in the insulation space. Companies are continuing to develop increasingly more effective and durable insulation materials. This means that most modern insulation materials are lightyears ahead of their pre-2000s counterparts.
Today, the average lifespan of most insulation materials is around 80 to 100 years. However, it’s good to keep in mind that this relies on insulation being kept in optimum conditions.
Unfortunately, insulation installed around the average house targets areas which are far from optimum. These include walls and roofs affected by rain, condensation, and damp. So, think of insulation as a shield. The shield will certainly protect you from falling to harm, but will suffer some damage in the process. In the long run, this will affect the shield’s strength and effectiveness. The same is true for insulation materials.
A good rule of thumb to discovering how long an insulation product will reasonably last is to check the warranty. This will give you an indication of how confident manufacturers are that their product will last and remain effective. A warranty also gives you peace of mind. You’ll be due compensation should anything go wrong with your insulation material before the stipulated lifespan.
With all this in mind, quality insulation which has been correctly installed should last between two to three decades. This more than guarantees you’ll recoup the expenses you paid for insulation through savings on your energy bills. Naturally, the lifespan of your insulation will ultimately depend on the quality of the material, the professionalism of the install works, and how well preserved they are kept within the house.
What causes insulation to become ineffective?
Before carrying out any insulation works on your home it’s important to tackle any urgent issues that may damage your insulation materials and reduce their overall lifespan. Whether you’re installing insulation in your walls, roof, or floors, there are plenty of concerns to look out for. You can deal with some of these factors beforehand to ensure you get the most value out of your insulation.
Here are a few common problems which will cause insulation to become ineffective over time:
- Pest and rodent infestations
- Mould and water damage caused by leaks on walls or in lofts
- Excessive dirt and air pollutants
- Blocked vents preventing airflow
- Dislodged or damaged insulation by tradespeople carrying out other works in the area
It always pays to invest in quality when it comes to insulation. The most professional insulation materials will be more durable and resist common reasons insulation becomes ineffective, such as pest or rodent problems. Cutting corners with insulation, whether it’s on the materials or the installation, is only going to result in additional expenses and hassle down the line.
A verified surveyor will be able to guide on the best insulation materials for your property.
Enjoy Insulation with a 25-year Insurance Backed Guarantee
Are you looking for the best materials for your next home insulation project? At SmartStone, we can help you identify quality insulation and ensure it is professionally installed by an accredited tradesperson.
What’s more, all of our products come with a 25-year Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG). As members of the BBA, NIA, Trustmark, and Green Deal Approved Installers, we take our responsibility to ensure UK homeowners benefit from the most up-to-date and approved insulation methods seriously. 1000s of happy clients can testify to our quality insulation and workmanship, which we source through a professional network of insulation experts located across England, Scotland, and Wales.
