Some homeowners are experiencing issues with spray foam insulation, including problems with mortgages, property condition, and misleading sales practices.
This page explains what spray foam insulation is, the potential risks, and what you should do if you are concerned.
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid that expands to fill spaces, often in lofts and roof areas. It is designed to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss.
There are different types of spray foam insulation, and it can be effective when correctly designed and installed for a suitable property.
However, it is not appropriate in all cases.
Potential Problems
Some homeowners have reported issues where installations were not suitable or not carried out correctly.
This can lead to issues such as:
Reduced ventilation in the roof space
Condensation, damp or timber decay
Roof structures becoming difficult to inspect
Spray foam can trap moisture if ventilation is inadequate, which may lead to long-term damage if not properly managed.
Mortgage and Property Sale Issues
Some homeowners have experienced:
Difficulty selling their property
Mortgage or remortgage refusals
Surveyors unable to assess the roof
This is often because spray foam covers roof timbers, making inspection difficult and increasing uncertainty for lenders.
While many major lenders do consider properties with spray foam, each case is assessed individually.
If You Are Concerned About Your Insulation
1. Get Independent Advice
You should arrange an inspection by a qualified independent surveyor with experience in spray foam insulation.
Ask for an assessment using RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) guidance
Request a written report explaining the condition of your roof and insulation
For more information:
2. Do Not Rush into Removal
Removal can be costly and may not always resolve mortgage issues.
Some installations do not require removal
Lenders may still request further checks after removal
Always seek independent advice before agreeing to work
3. Contact Your Mortgage Provider
If you are planning to:
Sell your home
Remortgage
Release equity
Contact your lender early to find out:
What information they require
Whether an inspection report will be sufficient
Be Aware of Scams
There has been an increase in complaints about companies offering spray foam inspection or removal.
You should be cautious of:
Unsolicited phone calls or doorstep visits
Claims that your insulation must be removed urgently
Businesses claiming to work with the Government or the Council
Some consumers have been pressured into paying thousands of pounds for unnecessary work.
Protecting Yourself
Do not agree to work offered through cold calls
Do not feel pressured to make quick decisions
Always get an independent assessment first
Obtain more than one quote before proceeding
If you need advice on how best to improve your home’s efficiency, you can seek independent advice from Community Energy Plus.
Complaints and Your Rights
If you believe your insulation was mis-sold or installed incorrectly, you may have rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Time Limits
You usually have up to 6 years to make a claim
This normally starts from when the work was completed
TrustMark Complaints
If your installer is registered with TrustMark, you may be able to use their complaints process.
Follow the button below to find out more:
Please note that TrustMark generally cannot investigate work completed more than 6 years ago. However, you can still contact them at: disputes@trustmark.org.uk for further advice or support.
Key Advice
Spray foam insulation is not always unsuitable, but must be correctly designed
Always seek a qualified independent survey before making decisions
Removal is not always necessary and does not guarantee mortgage approval
Be cautious of unsolicited offers and high-pressure sales
You may have legal rights if you were misled or the work was poor
Further Support
Citizens Advice consumer service
Your mortgage provider
Trading Standards (via Citizens Advice)