Properly installed spray foam is designed to last the life of the building - it doesn't settle, sag or biodegrade, and it holds its R-value long-term (LTTR). That permanence is a big part of its value versus materials that degrade.
Why it lasts
- Dimensionally stable: correctly cured foam keeps its shape and adhesion for decades.
- Holds R-value: rated on long-term thermal resistance - it doesn't lose effective R the way settled batt can.
- Inert: it doesn't rot, and closed-cell resists moisture that would degrade other materials.
What actually shortens it
Not age - installation errors. Off-ratio or poorly-cured foam can fail early; that's an install problem, not a lifespan one. Physical damage or an unaddressed water source can also affect it.
The takeaway
Done right, spray foam is a one-time investment for the life of the structure. Done wrong, it fails early - which is, again, about the installer. See why spray foam fails and pros and cons.
Thinking about spray foam? Get a free quote from a vetted Alberta installer.