Homeowners Fear Losing Homes Over Controversial Spray Foam Insulation

Homeowners Fear Losing Homes Over Controversial Spray Foam Insulation

December 1, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Business

Homeowners with spray foam insulation face challenges. Many lenders refuse mortgages for homes with this type of insulation. Reports state that about 250,000 homes in the UK have spray foam installed, largely from the government’s Green Homes Grant scheme.

When installed poorly, spray foam can trap moisture, risking roof timber’s integrity. There is no method to assess the installation’s quality without removing the foam.

Major mortgage providers are concerned about poor installations, with many requiring costly surveys before lending. Darryl and Selina from Belfast shared their experience. They struggled to secure a mortgage for their home in 2022 due to the spray foam installed by previous owners. Natwest denied their mortgage application based solely on this insulation.

Darryl expressed shock at the situation, stating he initially didn’t recognize the insulation. Once they learned of the issue, the previous owners had to remove the foam, costing around £7,000. Darryl criticized the marketing of spray foam and highlighted its selling points, which often overlook future resale challenges.

The couple remains anxious about their home’s value. They worry lenders will deny future mortgage applications because of the spray foam’s past presence, despite its removal.

Carol Cook from Essex also faced problems with spray foam insulation. She and her husband installed the foam thinking it would lower heating costs, unaware of potential long-term issues. An independent survey later revealed the foam was damp and improperly applied. They had to remove 350 bags of the insulation, spending £14,000 in total.

Carol felt stressed and overwhelmed by the situation. She calls for stricter regulations on spray foam insulation and the companies that install it but does not advocate for a ban.

Both Darryl and Selina’s and Carol’s stories illustrate the growing concerns about spray foam insulation. The insulation’s initial promise of savings has turned into a source of stress and financial burden for many homeowners.