Spray foam

As the cost of heating our homes has risen, homeowners have understandably looked at ways of making their homes more energy efficient. Some have turned to the installation of spray foam insulation to the underside of roofs in roof voids.

Spray foam insulation is more common than you may think. This type of insulation was included in the government’s Green Homes Grant scheme (which closed to new applicants in March 2021), giving homeowners in England help to pay for certain energy-efficient home improvements. In fact, according to the Property Care Association, there may be as many as 250,000 homes with spray foam roof insulation in the loft. 

The spray foam roof insulation industry is unregulated and if isn’t installed correctly or sprayed in a roof space that is unsuitable, such as one with a condensation problem, it can lead to rot in roof timbers. For this reason, it is looked upon unfavourably by the majority of mortgage lenders.

As surveyors appointed by mortgage lenders, when we discover spray foam insulation in roof voids, we have to report it. Because of its very nature, it is very hard to assess the condition of the roof timbers concealed by the insulating foam. This means some lenders require further investigation. Other lenders, instead of investigating further, refuse to lend unless the spray foam roof insulation is removed. Some will not even consider the property for mortgage purposes at all if spray foam insulation is present.

The financial implications for homeowners who have spray foam roof insulation can also be significant. Vendors may find it difficult to sell their property to someone who needs a mortgage, unless they pay to get the insulation removed.

We are seeing spray foam insulation more and more and, as you can see, it is a complex issue. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us if you require any informal advice on a property you are dealing with that has been identified as having spray foam insulation installed.