Spray Foam Insulation: Could it Scupper Your Sale or Purchase?
Thermal improvements can be made to many homes. If you want to reduce your carbon emissions and keep your energy bills low, installing insulation and draught-proofing can reduce heat loss and, therefore, your energy needs and bills.
What is spray foam loft insulation?
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), hereinafter referred to as ‘spray foam’, is a form of insulation material that can be applied to roof spaces, walls and floors.
It is installed by spray gun application, which can be advantageous when working with unusual designs and tight spaces where a custom application is necessary for safety or to minimise disruption. However, there is often limited understanding among consumers regarding spray foam modification to their property and its impact on valuation, home surveys and lender decisions. Moreover, Trading Standards and various media reports highlight issues with ‘cold-calls’ or unsolicited offers to sell or remove spray foam installations.
This consumer guide aims to provide clarity in these areas. Spray foam insulation may seem like a simple way to reduce heat loss in your home, but it should be viewed as a serious modification. This consumer guide aims to inform the homeowner on the ways in which spray foam insulation could impact a property.
RICS is the largest organisation for professionals working in property, land and construction worldwide. RICS members may be (but not exclusively) involved in all types of surveying including, defect surveys, pre-purchase building and home surveys, and the valuation process for secured lending, which is where spray foam work impacts.
Download this detailed consumer guide from the RICS which provides a clear and impartial guide to spray foam insulation:
James Laughlin, Surveyor at Watsons has highlighted:
“Whilst there are attempts to improve the reputation of spray foam insulation and to ensure that, going forward, installation will be carried out in a responsible manner which limits negative impact on properties, I continue to have grave reservations about the appropriateness of such a product, as do the majority of lenders. At this point in time, even if such insulation is properly installed, a significant number of mortgage providers will refuse to lend against any properties with spray foam insulation.
As a result, even correctly-installed spray foam insulation can have a significant impact upon the value of a property – usually calculated based upon the likely value of the property without spray foam insulation, minus the cost of removing the product and rectifying any damage caused
I would strongly advise against the use of such insulation, and would point out to homeowners that similar (if not better) levels of insulation can be achieved at a much lower cost, by the installation of traditional fibreglass or mineral wool insulation laid between ceiling joists.”
