Just Been Told Spray Foam Is a Problem? You’re Not Alone
If your home survey flagged spray foam insulation, you’re probably shocked — and maybe a little panicked.
This one issue is causing sales to fall through, mortgages to be declined, and homes to be devalued across the UK.
But what’s going on? And more importantly — how do you fix it before it ruins your plans?
Let’s break it down, simply and clearly.
What Does It Mean When a Survey Flags Spray Foam?
When a surveyor spots spray foam insulation in your loft — especially when it’s been sprayed directly onto the underside of the roof — it’s typically marked as a defect or limitation.
That might sound like:
“The roof structure was not fully visible due to spray foam insulation”
“Risk of trapped condensation — specialist advice recommended”
“Spray foam insulation may affect the ability to obtain lending or insurance”
These notes can trigger:
Mortgage refusals
Delays or demands for removal
Buyers pulling out entirely
Insurers declining or loading policies
Why Do Surveyors Flag Spray Foam So Often?
Surveyors aren’t trying to make your life difficult — but they can’t do their job properly when spray foam insulation is involved.
The top reasons surveyors raise concerns:
🧱 Roof Structure Hidden
They can’t inspect rafters or timbers if foam is covering everything.💧 Moisture Risks
Spray foam, especially open cell, can trap moisture, leading to unseen rot or mould.🌬️ Poor Ventilation
Foam blocks airflow in roof spaces, causing condensation and long-term decay.📑 Lack of Documentation
Most installs have no certification or post-install inspection. That’s a red flag.
And remember — surveyors are liable for their advice. If they miss something behind the foam, it’s on them.
So they play it safe: they flag it.
What Happens Next? Why Lenders Follow Surveyors
Lenders heavily rely on the surveyor’s report. If that report flags spray foam:
They may withdraw the mortgage offer
Refuse to lend until it’s removed
Or lower the valuation, sometimes by tens of thousands
Even equity release providers (e.g. Legal & General, Aviva) often decline applications outright when spray foam is present.
How to Solve the Spray Foam Problem and Keep Moving
At National Spray Foam Advice, we help homeowners every day with this exact issue.
Here’s how to fix it:
✅ Step 1: Get Free, No-Obligation Advice
Before doing anything drastic, call our experts on 020 7870 3965
Or email team@nationalsprayfoamadvice.co.uk
We’ll review your surveyor’s report, talk through your options, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
✅ Step 2: If Required, Arrange Safe, Compliant Removal
If removal is necessary (and often it is), you’ll need:
A team that specialises in non-destructive removal
Proper documentation to satisfy your surveyor, lender, or buyer
A final compliance certificate they’ll actually accept
We’ll connect you to vetted spray foam removal professionals who handle this from start to finish.
✅ Step 3: Get Re-Surveyed and Get Back on Track
Once the foam is removed and certified:
A surveyor can properly inspect the roof
The red flag is cleared
You can proceed with your sale or mortgage confidently
Some of our clients have completed the entire process in under 3 weeks.
No, spray foam insulation is not banned in the UK — but it might as well be for some lenders and surveyors. While there's no official legal ban, mortgage lenders often refuse to lend on properties with spray foam, especially when it’s applied to the underside of roof tiles.
This confusion leads many homeowners to assume it’s “illegal.” In reality, it’s just become extremely problematic in the eyes of surveyors, insurers, and finance providers.
In most cases, no — not without removal or specialist documentation. Lenders follow the surveyor's lead. If the survey says “risk,” “unknown roof condition,” or “ventilation issues,” the lender will see that as a financial liability.
There are rare cases where:
Spray foam is fully documented
It’s installed to a high, compliant standard
The surveyor signs off with no concerns
But this is the exception, not the rule.
Because it’s not just about appearance — it’s about what can’t be seen.
Spray foam:
Blocks visibility of key roof timbers
Makes it impossible to check for rot, decay, or pest damage
May compromise ventilation
Often lacks installer documentation
Surveyors are liable for any missed issues. If they can’t verify roof health, they’ll flag it to protect themselves and the lender.
Need to Fix a Spray Foam Red Flag? Speak to Our Experts
Don’t let a survey report stop your home sale or remortgage.
We’ve helped hundreds of UK homeowners resolve spray foam issues quickly, get certified documentation, and get back in control.
👉 Call now on 020 7870 3965
📩 Or email team@nationalsprayfoamadvice.co.uk
No pressure. No scripts. Just honest, expert advice from people who deal with this every single day.
