How to Tell—and What to Do About It
Spray foam insulation has become a real headache for UK homeowners—especially those trying to sell or remortgage their homes. These days, most properties with spray foam in the roof need full removal before they can pass a survey or secure lending.
But with that comes another issue: overcharging.
At National Spray Foam Advice, we hear from people every week who’ve been quoted eye-watering sums—or already paid them—and aren’t sure what’s reasonable.
In this post, we’ll help you understand:
What removal should really cost
How to spot the signs of overcharging
What to do if you’ve already paid
What to do if you haven’t yet agreed to the work
What Should Spray Foam Removal Actually Cost?
For a standard UK loft (open-cell foam, typical access), a full and professional removal usually costs between £3,000 and £6,000. This includes:
Complete removal of all spray foam
Safe waste disposal
Photographic evidence of the work
A proper certificate of completion
If you’ve been quoted significantly more than £7,000, you’re right to question it—especially if the company hasn’t clearly explained why.
Red Flags: Are You Being Overcharged?
Here are five signs you may have paid too much—or are about to:
1. You Got a Quote Without an Assessment
If someone gave you a price over the phone or at your door with no inspection or written quote, that’s a bad sign. Every job should start with either a proper site visit or detailed photo review.
2. You Were Quoted Over £7,000 for a Standard Loft
For most properties, quotes above this figure are excessive. If the job doesn’t involve unusual access or additional structural work, this pricing needs to be questioned.
3. No Documentation Was Provided
You should receive:
A certificate of completion
Photos taken before, during, and after
Proof that the foam was fully removed and waste handled legally
If you didn’t get these, even a completed job may not satisfy surveyors or lenders.
4. You Were Pressured to Pay Upfront or in Cash
Did they push you to “book today” for a discount? Were you asked to pay in cash or before work started? These tactics are classic signs of a rogue operator.
5. Your Survey Still Failed After “Removal”
Some companies leave hidden foam behind—between rafters or in hard-to-access areas. If your property is still flagged after removal, the job likely wasn’t finished properly.
What If You’ve Already Paid?
If the work is done and you’re worried you’ve overpaid, we’ll be honest: you don’t have many options to get the money back—but there are a few steps worth taking.
What You Can Do:
Get the job checked
We can help assess whether the foam was fully removed, and whether the job meets the right standard.Request missing paperwork
Even if you didn’t receive documentation at first, try contacting the company. Ask for a certificate and photo record in writing.Report concerns
If you suspect unfair pricing or incomplete work, report it to Trading Standards or Action Fraud.Keep all paperwork
Save your invoices, emails, texts, and photos. If you take things further, you’ll need them.
We can talk this through with you—whether you just want clarity or need a referral to someone who can check the work.
What If You Haven’t Booked the Work Yet?
This is your best chance to avoid a mistake.
If you’ve received a quote—or are feeling pressure to book a removal company—pause before you commit.
Here’s how we can help:
We’ll review your quote
Give you honest, impartial advice
Spot any red flags
Connect you to a vetted removal specialist
Make sure you get proper documentation from the start
No pressure. No upselling. Just straight answers.
What Should a Proper Removal Include?
Every legitimate spray foam removal job should come with:
A clear, written quote
No cash-only or high-pressure demands
Proper tools, trained operatives, and insurance
Full photographic documentation
A certificate of completion
Waste handled and disposed of properly
This is the standard you should expect. Don’t settle for less.
Speak to Us First
You don’t have to guess. You don’t have to risk getting ripped off. Before you commit to any spray foam removal:
Call us. Ask your questions. Show us your quote.
We’ll give you a straight answer—and if you need a contractor, we’ll point you to one who’s qualified, experienced, and fair.
Phone: 020 7870 3965
Open: 7 days a week, 9am – 6pm
Conclusion: You Deserve to Get It Done Right
Spray foam removal is a big job. You’re doing the right thing by addressing it—but that doesn’t mean you should overpay or get a half-done job.
If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or just want a second opinion, let us help.
At National Spray Foam Advice, we’re here to make sure you get honest guidance and quality support—every time.
