Does insulation "expire"?

[clonedad]

So I know they don't technically have an expiration date, but I came across a good deal on some r19 Owens Corning faced batts. But, they're from 2005. Worth purchasing? They are still in the packaging and appear to be in really good shape.

At this point they're approaching 20 years old though, and I know that OC didn't stop using phenol formaldehyde as a binder until 2009, which is also a concern.

Thoughts?

 

[malibu101]

If they are kraft (paper) faced. check that the paper hasn't deteriorated. Maybe?
Otherwise I say run it.

 

[paredown]

My only thought is that the lofted thickness may not match batts being sold today at the same R value--which would only be a problem if you were putting it in a wall cavity, say and it was made to loft thicker than your cavity.

Other than that, I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

 

[rlitman]

...At this point they're approaching 20 years old though, and I know that OC didn't stop using phenol formaldehyde as a binder until 2009, which is also a concern...

Most of that has probably off-gassed in the intervening years. If this is going to be layered into a ventilated attic, it's not the slightest concern.

 

[racecougar]

I wouldn't have any qualms about using it.

 

[Shocker]

I picked up 5 rolls of 24" R19 that were 45ft long. They were at least 30 years old. They were dirty, but worked just fine for me.

I will say expansion will be slower, but all of what I dropped in expanded to nearly 6" when all was said and done. They were free.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd use it. If they are going in a ceiling and that good of a deal, take the savings and buy more unfaced batts to roll out perpendicular the the "old" batts.

More insulation for the same money, win win.

 

[rayra]

glass fiber? Use it.

Try not to have the vapors about the vapors.