Spray foam insulation, especially the closed-cell variety, was once hailed as a modern, energy-efficient solution to heat loss. However, in the UK, it's now at the centre of serious property issues – and many homeowners are having to remove it altogether. Here's why:
Most UK mortgage lenders now refuse to approve mortgages on properties with spray foam insulation, particularly in lofts. This applies to both buyers and remortgaging homeowners.
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) valuers often mark spray foam as a significant red flag, meaning the property value is reduced – or lenders reject it entirely.
There is no consistent regulation or guarantee that the foam has been applied correctly. Even a good product can be ruined by bad installation, so lenders take a blanket "no" approach.
Spray foam can create an airtight seal – but in older UK properties, this can trap moisture between the foam and roof timbers. That can lead to rot or hidden damp, even if the roof looked healthy before.
Surveyors can't inspect the timbers or roof structure properly when foam is covering everything. This makes it difficult to assess the real condition of the roof.
Especially in traditional buildings, breathability is key. Foam disrupts the natural moisture movement, causing condensation build-up and damp in some cases.
Many cases of improper installations have been reported – with spray foam applied too thickly, or without understanding the building type. Some installers failed to explain the long-term risks or lender concerns, leaving homeowners with costly issues.
No checks or certifications were enforced at the time, so now even good jobs can be questioned.
Because of all the above, homeowners are increasingly being told by:
...that they must remove the spray foam before a sale or remortgage can go ahead. It's often the only way to get the property valued correctly and to make it eligible for financial products.
While it can seem like a setback, removing spray foam actually brings several advantages:
Removal helps restore mortgage eligibility and property saleability, bringing the house back in line with what buyers and lenders expect.
Once removed, roof timbers can be properly inspected and repaired if needed. Any hidden rot or damp can finally be seen and dealt with.
Especially in older homes, removing foam allows the roof space to breathe properly again – reducing condensation and potential damp issues.
Homeowners can move forward with clean documentation and avoid future disputes or complications with surveyors, buyers, or insurers.
Once the foam is gone, owners can consider approved alternatives like breathable insulation or mineral wool that comply with building regs and lender requirements.
Our expert team at warm up UK specializes in the safe, thorough removal of spray foam insulation. We'll restore your roof space and can advise on approved alternative insulation options.