Spray Foam Insulation Mortgage Problems
Loft insulation can be a great asset to a home. It can increase value, decrease bills and appeal to home buyers who are more eco-conscious.
But not all loft insulation has these benefits. While high-performance materials like mineral wool can work beautifully, spray foam insulation can unfortunately cause numerous problems – ultimately decreasing the value and saleability of a home.
As a result, some mortgage providers – a shocking 25%, according to the BBC – will not provide mortgages to homes with spray foam insulation.
So, what’s the problem with spray foam insulation, and what can homeowners with spray foam insulation mortgage problems do? Read on to learn all the details.
What is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation is foam that is sprayed on in a liquid form and sets to become firmer. It was often used as a form of insulation within lofts and attics.
There are two types of spray foam insulation:
- Open cell, which remains softer to the touch when set
- Closed cell, which is hard when set. It can lack breathability, causing moisture to build up.
In fact, both forms of spray foam can potentially cause damage to timber-framed roofs because they may not allow enough ventilation. As a result, condensation accumulates and the timber can ultimately begin to rot.
Why did homeowners install spray foam insulation?
The government’s Green Homes Grant scheme provided funding for people to install spray foam insulation in their roof areas. The goal was to prevent energy wastage.
Why are homeowners facing spray foam insulation mortgage problems?
The government has modelled risks of damage for homes with both open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation. It found that in some weather patterns, damage to roof timbers from moisture could occur within 5 years of installation. That would, of course, significantly harm the value of the home, reducing its appeal to mortgage lenders.
It’s also been said that many homes had spray foam insulation installed by people who were not properly trained and did not apply it correctly. While some argue that spray foam insulation still has its uses if applied well, mortgage providers may not be willing to take on this risk.
Lastly, spray foam insulation can present a problem if it prevents inspectors from properly examining the joists and timbers in the roof.
What can you do if your home has spray foam insulation?
If you’re facing spray foam insulation mortgage problems, you could try showing documentation to prove the foam was applied by experts. You could also get a surveyor to look at your roof and determine whether the foam was installed correctly and whether there is any damage.
But ultimately, the best choice for many people may be spray foam removal.
It’s crucial to know that spray foam insulation removal must be done by experts, too. People who try DIY removal could end up damaging the roof structure even further and exposing themselves to toxic chemicals from the foam.
So, ensure that the people you hire to remove your spray foam insulation are accredited and trained in spray foam insulation removal.
Get expert spray foam insulation removal from Loft Insulation Experts
It’s clear that some of the issues involved with spray foam insulation happened because it was installed in many homes by unqualified workers. That’s why Loft Insulation Experts offer a dedicated spray foam insulation removal service performed by fully trained, accredited and insured professionals.
If you’re in Hampshire and the surrounding areas and struggling to get a mortgage because of spray foam insulation, we’re here to help. To get a free, no-obligation quote, just call us 01264 554 551 or email us at info@loft-insulationexperts.co.uk.
