Spray foam insulation has been widely promoted as an efficient solution for reducing energy bills and improving thermal performance in homes across the UK. Applied directly to the underside of roof tiles, it seals gaps and creates a barrier against draughts. However, many property owners in Wiltshire are now discovering the serious issues that spray foam can cause—particularly when it comes to mortgages, roof health, and long-term maintenance.
At Wiltshire Spray Foam Removal, we specialise in the safe and professional removal of roof spray foam. In this article, we reveal the truth behind spray foam insulation and explain why removal is often the most sensible step.
What Is Roof Spray Foam?
Spray foam insulation is a polyurethane product applied in liquid form, which expands and hardens into a solid foam. It’s typically used in loft spaces to reduce heat loss and is often sprayed directly onto the underside of roof tiles or rafters.
While it can be effective in the short term for improving thermal efficiency, it is not without significant drawbacks—particularly when applied without careful consideration for ventilation, roof structure, and long-term impact.
The Hidden Problems with Spray Foam
1. Mortgage and Surveying Issues
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners is the difficulty of securing a mortgage or remortgaging a property that has spray foam insulation in the roof. Many lenders in the UK are now refusing mortgage applications where spray foam is present, due to the risk of hidden damage beneath the foam layer.
Surveyors are often unable to assess the condition of the roof timbers or underlay, leading to devaluation or failed sales.
2. Moisture Trapping and Timber Decay
Spray foam, particularly closed-cell types, can prevent the roof from breathing. This traps moisture against the timber structures, leading to rot, mould, and decay—sometimes without any visible signs until significant damage has occurred.
The result can be costly structural repairs and reduced lifespan of your roof.
3. Limited Access for Roof Repairs
Once applied, spray foam bonds to tiles and rafters, making it extremely difficult to inspect or maintain the roof from inside the loft. Any future repairs to leaks or underlay can require cutting through hardened foam—often resulting in more damage to the structure.
4. Fire Safety and Insurer Concerns
Some types of spray foam may affect the fire resistance of your roof. In cases where the product has been poorly installed or lacks proper certification, insurance companies may raise concerns or exclude cover for roof-related damage.
Why Spray Foam May Need to Be Removed
Given the above risks, removal is often necessary to:
- Satisfy mortgage lender requirements
- Enable accurate roof inspections and surveys
- Prevent or stop timber decay caused by trapped moisture
- Allow for roof repairs or upgrades
- Restore the value and marketability of your property
At Wiltshire Spray Foam Removal, we offer a careful and methodical approach to extraction, ensuring that the underlying roof structure is protected throughout the process. Whether you’re looking to sell your home, address a hidden leak, or comply with lender demands, professional removal is the safest and most effective solution.
The Importance of Professional Removal
Spray foam should never be removed using DIY methods. It requires specialist tools and techniques to avoid damaging roof timbers, membranes, or tiles. Our team is experienced in dealing with all types of spray foam and provides a clean, controlled removal process with minimal disruption.
We also offer pre- and post-removal roof condition assessments to help support mortgage applications or future renovation plans.
Conclusion
While spray foam insulation may once have seemed like an energy-saving solution, its hidden risks have become increasingly clear. From mortgage complications to structural concerns, many homeowners are now opting to have it professionally removed.
If you live in Wiltshire and need expert advice or spray foam removal services, contact Wiltshire Spray Foam Removal today. We’re here to help you protect your property, restore your roof’s integrity, and move forward with confidence.
Call us on: 01722 548 394
Click here to find out more about Wiltshire Spray Foam Removal
Click here to complete our contact form and see how we can help with your Spray Foam Removal needs.
