Why Your Mortgage Was Declined — And How We Can Help
If your mortgage application has been declined due to spray foam insulation, you’re not alone. Every week, our team at National Spray Foam Advice hears from homeowners and buyers facing this frustrating situation.
Spray foam insulation, especially when installed in the roof, has become a major barrier to mortgage approval in the UK. Many lenders simply will not proceed until it’s been professionally removed, surveyed, and certified.
That’s where we come in. We’re a dedicated advisory team, set up to guide you through this process and connect you with vetted, specialist spray foam removal experts who understand what lenders need.
Which UK Lenders Commonly Decline Properties With Spray Foam?
While lender policies do change, the following major UK mortgage providers are well known for declining properties with spray foam:
TSB
Skipton Building Society
Principality Building Society
Aviva
Halifax
Nationwide
📌 Note: This list reflects the most commonly reported issues from callers. Always check with your specific lender, as some cases may vary.
Why Are Lenders Rejecting Spray Foam Insulated Roofs?
Spray foam is considered high-risk by many mortgage providers for several reasons:
Inaccessible Roof Timbers: The foam prevents a full inspection of structural integrity.
Moisture Trapping: It can lead to condensation or rot in hidden areas.
Reduced Roof Breathability: Especially problematic with closed-cell foam.
Survey Limitations: Many RICS surveyors will automatically advise against lending on a spray-foamed property.
Ultimately, lenders want peace of mind — and spray foam disrupts that.
Your Options: What to Do If You’ve Been Declined
At National Spray Foam Advice, we’ve supported thousands of people in the exact same situation. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Remove the Spray Foam – Professionally
Removal must be done by specialists who understand both the insulation and mortgage side of things. We only work with teams who:
Use safe, manual removal methods (never dry ice blasting)
Know how to preserve the roof structure during removal
Provide official removal certificates accepted by lenders and surveyors
We can connect you with trusted experts in your area.
2. Involve a RICS Surveyor – Before and After Removal
Lenders often require a RICS-registered surveyor to:
Confirm the roof’s condition prior to removal
Verify no lasting damage post-removal
Support your re-valuation or mortgage reapplication
Our contacts include surveyors who regularly handle spray foam cases — so you get the right advice the first time.
3. Get the Right Documents
Lenders typically request the following:
Spray Foam Removal Certificate
Post-removal RICS Survey Report
Structural Engineer’s Report (if necessary)
Proof of New Insulation (if installed)
We ensure your specialist provides all required documentation to lender-approved standards.
4. Work with a Specialist Mortgage Broker (If Needed)
Some mortgage brokers are unfamiliar with how spray foam affects lending. We can point you to brokers who:
Know how to present removal documentation
Understand lender policies around re-inspections
Help reapply quickly after removal
Already Been Declined? Start Here
If your mortgage has already been refused:
Don’t panic. Many lenders will reconsider once removal and certification are complete.
Contact us first. We’ll talk you through your options.
Hold off on DIY removal. Using the wrong team or method can make the situation worse.
Why We Don’t Recommend Dry Ice Blasting
We’ve seen a rise in companies offering dry ice blasting for spray foam removal. We strongly advise against this method.
It’s:
Incredibly aggressive, often damaging timbers and membranes
Rarely lender-approved
Incompatible with certification requirements
All removal specialists we recommend use manual, controlled methods only, to preserve your roof and your mortgageability.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong vs. Getting It Right
While professional removal has a cost, the alternative is worse:
Properties can sit unsellable for months
Buyers can lose mortgage deals
DIY removal often voids warranties or causes hidden damage
With the right team and the right process, your property can be made mortgage-ready again — and we’re here to help you do just that.
Speak to Us – We’re Available 7 Days a Week
We’re not a removal company. We’re a small, dedicated team set up to guide homeowners and buyers through the spray foam removal process, connect you with qualified specialists, and help you satisfy your lender’s requirements.
📞 Call us on 020 7870 3965
📧 Email: team@nationalsprayfoamadvice.co.uk
🕘 Open 9am–6pm, 7 days a week
