Spray foam insulation was sold heavily to homeowners as an energy saving upgrade. Many people only discover the problem years later, when they try to sell or remortgage and the lender says no.
Why lenders object
The concern is not the insulation itself so much as what it does to the roof and what it hides. Sprayed directly onto the underside of the roof covering, foam can restrict the airflow the roof space needs, and it can trap moisture against the timbers. It also covers the timbers completely, so a surveyor cannot inspect the structure. Faced with a roof they cannot assess, many lenders decline rather than take the risk.
The two types
Open cell foam is soft and sponge like, usually applied around 10cm thick, and can be torn by hand. It absorbs moisture over time. Closed cell foam is much denser and rigid, applied in thinner layers of around 2.5cm, often found directly under the tiles. Closed cell is harder to remove and needs specialist equipment.
You can usually tell them apart yourself by pressing it, but if you are not sure, that is what a survey is for.
What removal involves
The foam is stripped back, the roof timbers are then inspected properly, often for the first time in years, and any damage found underneath is dealt with. Ventilation is restored, and the loft can be re-insulated with breathable modern materials that let the roof space work as it was designed to.
The certificate matters
On completion you should receive a removal certificate. This is the document that lenders, surveyors and buyers will ask for as evidence the foam has been properly removed, so keep it with the property paperwork.
If you are planning to sell
Deal with it before you market the property rather than after an offer has been agreed. A stalled sale is far more stressful and expensive than arranging the work on your own timetable. We offer a free survey across the South Coast and will tell you honestly what you are dealing with.