What Is Spray Foam Insulation—and Why Is It Causing Problems?
Spray foam insulation—either open-cell or closed-cell—was once widely promoted across the UK for its energy-saving benefits. Installed in roof voids and loft spaces, it was marketed as a smart, eco-friendly choice under various green schemes. However, a growing number of homeowners are now discovering the long-term issues it brings.
Closed-cell foam, in particular, is dense and impermeable, which can lead to hidden moisture build-up, timber decay, and compromised roof ventilation. It also makes surveyor inspections almost impossible, which has led mortgage lenders and equity release providers to classify spray foam-insulated homes as high-risk. The result? Mortgage refusals, reduced property values, and an urgent need for full removal in many cases.
Why Spray Foam Removal Is Often Essential in the UK
Mortgage providers such as Nationwide, Halifax, and Santander have issued blanket refusals on properties with existing spray foam—regardless of whether it was installed properly. Homeowners seeking to remortgage, release equity, or sell their property find themselves stuck unless the insulation is completely and professionally removed.
That’s why the demand for certified spray foam removal is rising sharply. Beyond just taking out the foam, the process must be safe, thorough, and documented with a removal certificate. This is not just about restoring your roof—it’s about unlocking your home’s financial potential.
VAT Relief on Spray Foam Removal—What You Need to Know
Here’s where things get interesting: under HMRC’s guidelines for Energy Saving Materials (ESMs), if the removal job includes the installation of qualifying insulation—such as breathable mineral wool or foil-backed insulation—it may qualify for zero-rated or reduced VAT.
This only applies if the insulation is considered the primary part of the service. For example, some companies structure the invoice so the top-up insulation is the main service, with removal provided as part of that. In this case, VAT drops from 20% to 0%—a major saving.
However, if a company does not include any energy-saving insulation in the service or fails to structure the invoice accordingly, you’ll likely pay full VAT. Some firms even keep the 20% margin for themselves, meaning the customer pays more than they should.
Spray Foam Removal: Why the Market Is a Minefield
Here’s the truth: spray foam removal in the UK is completely unregulated. No formal licensing body oversees who can call themselves a spray foam specialist. This lack of oversight has created a breeding ground for rogue traders, misinformed advice, and inconsistent pricing.
That’s exactly why we established National Spray Foam Advice—to help homeowners avoid pitfalls and connect only with vetted, reputable removal specialists who understand how to deliver the work safely, legally, and with the correct VAT structure.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Navigating this unregulated space can be risky if you don’t know what to look for. Some companies offer “too-good-to-be-true” pricing, skip necessary safety checks, or fail to properly clean and treat the exposed roof after removal. Watch out for:
Companies that avoid discussing VAT relief or offer vague responses
No mention of moisture checks or timber inspection
Lack of waste disposal records or environmental licenses
No removal certificate offered post-job
Pressure sales tactics and no written contract
Being informed and cautious isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
What a Reputable Spray Foam Removal Should Include
Working with a specialist through National Spray Foam Advice means a complete and compliant service. Here’s what the process typically involves:
Initial roof assessment: Includes inspection for damp, rot, ventilation, and structural integrity
Manual removal of foam: Carefully extracted by hand, avoiding damage to rafters or tiles
Full foam clearance and cleaning: Ensuring the loft or roof space is completely clear
Installation of qualifying insulation: If VAT exemption is being applied, this must be included
Post-job inspection: Documentation including moisture readings and ventilation improvements
Spray Foam Removal Certificate: Issued to prove safe, full removal and compliance with lender requirements
Licensed waste disposal: Ensuring materials are properly handled and disposed of
This is what separates trustworthy firms from the rest.
VAT Considerations & Cost Transparency
Always ask if VAT is included in the quote and whether the job qualifies for a reduced or zero rate. Some companies proactively include a free insulation top-up to meet the conditions for VAT relief—and clearly explain this upfront. Others don’t mention it at all.
Ballpark removal costs across the UK are:
Small loft (under 30 m²): £2,000–£3,500
Medium loft (30–60 m²): £3,500–£5,500
Larger spaces (60+ m²): £5,500+
These vary based on roof type, access, thickness of foam, and presence of damage. Costs can increase if rot, damp, or structural issues are discovered during removal.
Get the Right Advice—And Avoid Overpaying VAT
The VAT rules are complicated, and without proper advice, you might end up paying 20% more than necessary. We’ve spoken to homeowners who were never told about the potential for exemption—or who were quoted for removal only to find surprise VAT charges later.
By working with vetted specialists through National Spray Foam Advice, you ensure everything is transparent, compliant, and structured correctly.
Need Help with Spray Foam Removal? Get in Touch
At National Spray Foam Advice, we connect homeowners with certified, trusted specialists across the UK who:
Offer full and safe spray foam removal
Provide Spray Foam Removal Certificates accepted by mortgage lenders
Structure the job to qualify for VAT exemptions where possible
Are upfront, honest, and transparent with pricing
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners regain control of their property’s value and unlock mortgages, sales, and insurance again.
📍 Contact Us:
Phone: 02078703965
Email: team@nationalsprayfoamadvice.co.uk
✅ Want help now? Just send your property address and contact number.
We’ll connect you with a vetted removal expert in your area—no pressure, no obligation.
Conclusion
Spray foam insulation once seemed like a smart energy solution—but for thousands of UK homeowners, it’s now an expensive obstacle. The need for proper removal, certification, and understanding VAT rules is critical. This market is unregulated, full of misinformation, and ripe for confusion.
But you don’t have to face it alone. National Spray Foam Advice is here to make the process clear, safe, and cost-effective—connecting you with real professionals who do things the right way.
