Spray Foam Mortgage Problems? Get Free, Impartial UK Advice | NSFA
If you have spray foam insulation and are struggling to sell, remortgage, or secure a mortgage, we can help guide your in the right direction.
Understanding the risks of spray foam insulation, dealing with mortgage rejections, or navigating legal disputes can be overwhelming. Our expert advice helps homeowners make informed decisions while safeguarding property value and structural integrity.
The UK government confirmed in 2022 that it would not intervene in cases where spray foam insulation led to mortgage refusals or property devaluation—leaving homeowners to deal with the consequences alone.
Surveyors and mortgage lenders frequently flag spray foam insulation due to damp, condensation, and hidden timber decay risks. This can delay or block sales, remortgages, or refinancing applications.
We provide personalised advice on the best course of action, from mortgage-friendly solutions to spray foam removal and replacement options. Home visits can be arranged for a detailed assessment of your situation.
Contacting us for advice means getting reliable, unbiased guidance from experts who understand the complexities of spray foam insulation issues. Whether you’re dealing with mortgage challenges, structural concerns, or considering removal, our team is here to provide clear, tailored support. With our network of trusted professionals e, we’ll help you make informed decisions and navigate any obstacles with confidence.
Removing spray foam insulation can be a complex and technical process, but National Spray Foam Advice makes it simple, safe, and stress-free. From connecting you with trusted specialists to helping you compare competitive quotes, we guide you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth experience.
Spray foam removal requires specialised skills and equipment to protect your home's structure. Our network consists of qualified professionals trained to remove spray foam insulation safely, preserving timber integrity and minimising disruption.
We help you compare quotes from trusted removal experts, ensuring you get the best service at a competitive price. Multiple quotes allow you to choose an option that fits your budget without compromising on quality or safety.
From initial assessment to full removal, we manage every stage to ensure a smooth, efficient, and stress-free experience. Our experts provide clear communication and updates, addressing any concerns you may have from start to finish.
Our Spray Foam Insulation FAQ is here to help answer your questions, from understanding how spray foam might affect selling your home or getting a mortgage, to knowing what’s involved in installation and removal.
If you're thinking about selling or refinancing your home and have spray foam insulation, you might be wondering if it needs to come out. The answer really depends on a few things, like the buyer’s mortgage lender and the specific condition of your insulation. Most mortgage lenders are wary of homes with spray foam in the roof, as it can make it harder to assess ventilation and moisture risks, which might mean they’re less willing to approve a loan.
In most cases, lenders may ask for the insulation to be removed before they’ll approve a mortgage, so it’s worth looking into early on. Talking to national spray foam advice can help you understand the best steps to take. That way, you can be prepared and avoid any surprises when removal becomes necessary to make the sale go smoothly.
If you’ve been turned down for a secured loan because of your spray foam insulation, don’t worry—there are still a few things you can try. First, it might help to get a spray foam specialist to check your insulation and provide a report on its condition. This report could show that the insulation is in good shape and doesn’t pose any risks, which might help ease some of the lender’s concerns.
You could also try talking directly with your lender. Sometimes, lenders are open to more information and might reconsider if they understand the specifics of your insulation setup. It’s also worth exploring other lenders or brokers, as some may have more flexible criteria and be more willing to work with properties that have spray foam.
If these options don’t pan out, and you’re set on getting the loan, you might need to consider having the insulation removed—especially if it’s affecting access to the roof structure. While removal does come with a cost, it could give you more financing options and make future transactions easier.
Some insurance companies may not insure homes with spray foam insulation due to the risks, especially if the foam blocks access to structural areas or was installed poorly. Insurers may worry the foam will hide rot, dampness or other structural issues which would increase their risk. But policies and requirements vary widely and some insurers are more open to insuring homes with spray foam if it was installed professionally and documented. Check with individual insurers to see what their requirements are for spray foam insulation.
There are several downsides to Spray foam. Improperly installed can trap moisture, which can lead to dampness and rot in timber structures, especially in roof spaces. This can also restrict ventilation, which can lead to condensation and mould. Spray foam can also make it difficult for surveyors to assess structural areas, which can affect mortgage approvals and property sales. Removal if needed can be tricky and expensive. Spray foam is also more expensive to install than other types of insulation and some insurance companies won’t cover houses with spray foam due to these issues.
Spray foam can impact a home’s value depending on the installation, material and location in the home. Poorly installed or maintained spray foam can create problems that detract from the home’s appeal to buyers or lenders. If spray foam blocks access to critical areas of the home like the roof structure, lenders will view the home as a higher risk and that can reduce the value.
You may be able to receive compensation for your spray foam insulation, especially if you financed the installation or paid by credit card. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, if you paid all or part of the cost on a credit card, your card provider may be jointly responsible with the supplier if the insulation was misrepresented or has caused problems. This means you could potentially make a claim for a refund or compensation if the product was not as described, was improperly installed, or has caused structural issues.
Closed-cell spray foam provides strong insulation and blocks moisture effectively, which can help protect against dampness. However, its rigid structure can limit airflow, potentially trapping moisture in the roof timbers and causing long-term issues. Open-cell foam, on the other hand, is more breathable, allowing moisture to escape and reducing the risk of condensation build-up. However, open cell can act as a sponge in some circumstances. If you have a leak, it can hold the moisture around your beams.
Spray foam insulation is not banned in the UK; however, its use has become increasingly controversial due to potential issues. Concerns have been raised about improper installation leading to moisture retention, structural damage, and difficulties in assessing roof conditions. These issues have prompted some mortgage lenders to be cautious or even refuse loans on properties with spray foam insulation.
