A Clearer Look at Official UK Guidance — and What Homeowners Should Do
Spray foam insulation has become a significant concern for UK homeowners. Whether you’re trying to sell your property, remortgage, or release equity, spray foam in the loft is now routinely flagged by lenders and surveyors — and one organisation’s stance is shaping the conversation:
How To Save A Sale That’s Fallen Through
✅ The Property Care Association (PCA).
In this guide, we break down what the PCA says, how that affects your mortgage or sale, and what to do if your property contains spray foam insulation.
Who Are the Property Care Association?
The PCA is a nationally recognised trade association representing experts in:
Damp, timber, and structural moisture
Roof surveys and moisture diagnostics
Building preservation and property care
When it comes to the risks associated with insulation and moisture control, the PCA’s guidance is seen as the industry standard — particularly by chartered surveyors, mortgage lenders, and insurers.
PCA’s Position on Spray Foam Insulation
In their 2021 spray foam guidance document, the PCA states clearly:
“Spray foam insulation applied to the underside of roof coverings can significantly restrict the ability to inspect and assess the roof’s condition, making it difficult for surveyors to confirm structural integrity.”
Their primary concerns are:
Obstructed access to inspect roof timbers
Moisture becoming trapped behind the foam
Accelerated timber decay and hidden roof defects
Inability to assess roof ventilation and durability
Long-term uncertainty over performance
In short — the PCA recommends extreme caution, particularly in the sale or valuation of homes with spray foam applied in roof spaces.
Why Mortgage Lenders and Surveyors Follow PCA Guidance
Surveyors working for banks and lenders are trained to follow PCA-aligned standards when assessing damp, timber, and roof risks. If spray foam blocks their view of the rafters — and the PCA flags it as an inspection barrier — they cannot confidently report on the roof’s condition.
That often leads to:
Downvaluations
“Further investigation required” notes
Conditional lending (pending removal and certification)
This is why many lenders now ask for PCA-aligned spray foam removal certificates before approving any financial product.
What Should Homeowners Do?
If your loft or roof has spray foam insulation, and it’s blocking a mortgage, sale, or refinance — here’s what the PCA would expect to happen:
Spray foam insulation should be fully and safely removed
The roof structure should be inspected for damage, decay, or trapped moisture
The removal process should be documented
The property owner should be issued a certificate confirming the roof’s condition and full foam removal
What Should Homeowners Do?
If your loft or roof has spray foam insulation, and it’s blocking a mortgage, sale, or refinance — here’s what the PCA would expect to happen:
Spray foam insulation should be fully and safely removed
The roof structure should be inspected for damage, decay, or trapped moisture
The removal process should be documented
The property owner should be issued a certificate confirming the roof’s condition and full foam removal
👉 Learn more: PCA Technical Document: Spray Foam Insulation in Roofs (PDF)
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How NSFA Helps You Align With PCA Guidelines
At National Spray Foam Advice, we work with specialists across the UK who:
Use manual, PCA-compliant spray foam removal methods
Provide before-and-after documentation
Issue mortgage-ready spray foam removal certificates
Perform inspections based on PCA-aligned roof risk reports
We’ve helped homeowners across the UK unlock frozen property sales, remortgage applications, and equity release — all by following the correct, lender-approved route.
Don’t Risk Mortgage Failure — Do It the Right Way
Following PCA guidance is no longer optional. It’s become the standard route lenders and surveyors expect.
📞 Speak to an expert today: 020 7870 3965
📧 Email: team@nationalsprayfoamadvice.co.uk
✔ Free consultation | Vetted removal partners | Documentation included
