Very good question and the answer is yes, but it takes time. Fiberglass surfaces usually have an external
If the fiberglass insulation is of good quality, installed correctly, and not disturbed, you can expect it to have the same lifetime as the building itself — usually 60+ years.
Too much exposure to the sun will make fiberglass brittle over time. Since you'll be doing most of your boating during the daytime, this will likely be a factor. Salt can get between the layers of fiberglass and then grind away over time.
The question is whether the insulation is still providing an effective thermal barrier years after the fact. Optimally, fiberglass insulation can last 80–100 years before needing replacement; however, its useful life is reduced when conditions are unfavorable.
Fiberglass is vulnerable to damage, but because it's made of plastic, glass fiber and resin, it's probably not going to rot. On the other hand, the wood behind the fiberglass that's often used to give a boat its shape can rot.
A soft or moveable transom on a fibreglass boat is an indicator of rot, and can significantly weaken the connection between the boat and the engine. A soft floor on a fibreglass boat can also be an indicator of unseen rot, leading to a boat that is not structurally sound.
There is a more complex form of UV degradation that is exclusive to fiberglass products, however. Constant exposure to subvisible rays of light can cause a weakening of the glass fibers in fiberglass products, causing them to become exposed in a process known as “fiber blooming”.
Fiberglass can also be decomposed through the action of microorganisms. This process is typically slower than composting, but it is still an effective method for breaking down this material. These methods help to reduce the amount of waste that is produced and sent to landfills or incinerators.
Fiberglass boats and fiberglass roofing have been known to last up to 50 years! Even under tough conditions, the mechanical properties and microstructural integrity of fiberglass can last for longer than 15 years. With resin protection, our planters are certainly made to last.
Hulls are cut at the waterline before being crushed. Crushed fiberglass without bottom paint goes to concrete company which uses it as a reinforcing addative in concrete. Crushed fiberglass with bottom paint goes to a company which burns it in power generating boilers.
Polymer matrix composites, such as glass-fibre reinforced polymers (GFRPs), are known to degrade over time when exposed to natural environmental conditions.
Not Using Enough Resin
Using too little resin with fiberglass can also be a problem. If you don't use enough resin, the fiberglass may not stick to the surface properly. It can also lead to fiberglass fibers fraying and your final product could be brittle and weak.
Fiberglass and fiberglass resin it doesn't rot but if you leave it in the sun the sun will break down the material and you'll have what they call dry rot. It has nothing to do with bacteria or decay it's that the sun and the ultraviolet rays have broken down the fiberglass and now it's starting to fall apart.
While fiberglass is prone to bleaching in the sun, that amounts to discoloration rather than a loss of structural integrity. Typically, fiberglass can hold up for years in direct sunlight with no discernable loss of material strength or shape.
Time and exposure eventually erode the relatively soft surface of gelcoat, leaving it dull and chalky. Fortunately, the gloss usually can be restored. The outer surface of a fiberglass boat is normally a special resin called gelcoat.
With proper maintenance, you can expect fiberglass shingles to last for 30-50 years. That's a potential half-century of use that you can get out of these sturdy shingles! So why does the life expectancy of fiberglass shingles outshine many other roofing materials?
Fiberglass planters are a reliable option for year-round displays, thanks to their durability and minimal upkeep requirements. With thoughtful care and occasional maintenance, they'll retain their appearance and functionality no matter the weather.
Fiberglass will break down over time for one of several reasons. The sun's heat and ultraviolet rays can eventually cause fiberglass to get brittle. If the gel coat surface is cracked or damaged due to impacts or vibrations, water seeps in through the cracks and damages the structure.
Direct contact with fiberglass or breathing airborne dust containing fiberglass may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. The symptoms of irritation are often nonspecific, temporary, and may include itching, coughing, or wheezing.
The depth and size of the damage determines what method you should use to repair. For shallow voids, dents, and crazing, you can use a fairing compound. For deeper gouges and holes, you would do a proper FRP repair using mixed resin, fillers, and reinforcement fabric.
Water can penetrate fiberglass, freezing in winter and eventually de-laminating the multi-layer cores. Long haul out periods can reduce the likelihood of winter damage.
Glassfiber insulation is made from strands of glass fiber and temporarily loses its thermal resistance when it gets wet. However, if it can dry out and has not become compacted, it will retain its insulating properties. Wet insulation in a closed wall cavity will usually not rapidly dry out.
Although not technically classed as biodegradable, fiberglass will eventually break down and deteriorate. Fiberglass will start deteriorating in around 50 years, but it can take hundreds of years.
People who work with fiberglass or who have worn-out duct work lined with fiberglass in their homes or workplace may have long-term exposure to fiberglass. There is no evidence that fiberglass causes cancer in people.