Why are homeowners everywhere removing their spray foam?

Unable to sell property

Spray foam insulation might seem like a good upgrade, but it can pose a significant challenge when you try to sell your home. Lenders and surveyors have strong concerns about spray foam insulation, especially in older homes. Open cell or closed cell spray foam can trap moisture, leading to wood rot and structural damage, particularly in timber-framed roofs. These issues can make lenders reluctant to approve mortgages and remortgages on properties with spray foam, deeming your home completely unsellable.

Hidden Damages

Another issue is that spray foam can hide damage to the roof, leaving buyers and surveyors uncertain about the home’s true condition. Quite often surveyors are unable to even complete their valuation altogether due to the presence of spray foam, meaning it's left incomplete and unmortagable or they can also give your property a massive devaluation. This uncertainty often scares off buyers or raises concerns about expensive repairs down the line. The lack of transparency about the condition of underlying structures raises red flags, leading to higher insurance premiums and outright refusals. To avoid these challenges, many homeowners choose to have the spray foam professionally removed. Doing so helps restore trust in the property's condition, making it more appealing to buyers and allowing for a smoother sale process.

Structural Hazard

Spray foam insulation can cause serious problems for the roof structure if it’s not installed carefully. One major issue is that it blocks proper ventilation. Roofs need proper airflow to let moisture escape, but spray foam often seals off these pathways. When moisture gets trapped, it can soak into the wooden roof timbers, causing them to rot over time. This weakens the wood, which can eventually make the roof unstable and lead to expensive repairs. The worst part is that this damage often happens out of sight, so homeowners may not notice it until it’s far too late. When left untreated, these issues can lead to extremely costly repairs, and far too often having to have the roof replaced entirely.

Fire Hazard

Another concern is that spray foam can be a fire hazard. While some types of spray foam are treated to resist fire, they can still burn when exposed to high heat. If it does catch fire, it can spread quickly and release harmful fumes, putting the home and its occupants at risk. This also makes some insurance companies hesitant to cover homes with spray foam insulation because of the added risk. For many homeowners, removing spray foam insulation is the best way to protect the roof and ensure the house is safe and structurally sound.

Health issues

Spray foam insulation can pose health risks, especially if it’s not installed properly or if there are issues with the materials used. When spray foam is applied, it releases chemicals into the air that can be harmful if inhaled. These chemicals, known as isocyanates, can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and skin rashes. People who are exposed to these chemicals over time may develop more serious health problems, such as asthma or other breathing difficulties. Even after installation, if the foam hasn’t fully cured, it can continue to release harmful fumes into the home.

Mould Growth

In addition, the spray foam can trap moisture in walls or roofs, creating the perfect environment for mould growth. Mould can lead to allergies, respiratory infections, and other health issues, especially for people with weakened immune systems. The combination of chemicals in the foam and the potential for mould can create a dangerous living environment, making it important for homeowners to carefully consider the risks before choosing spray foam insulation. Removing spray foam can help reduce these health risks, creating a safer, cleaner space for everyone in the home.

Removal Process

Survey

The first step in the spray foam removal process is conducting a thorough survey of the area. This involves assessing the type, thickness, and condition of the spray foam insulation, as well as identifying any potential structural damage it may have caused. During the survey, our team will also check for other issues like trapped moisture or mold, ensuring we understand the full scope of the job. This detailed evaluation helps us create a customized removal plan that ensures the safest and most efficient approach for your specific situation.

Removal

Once the survey is complete, the removal process begins. Our team uses specialized equipment to safely break down and remove the spray foam insulation. This can be a labor-intensive task, as the foam is typically adhered strongly to surfaces. We take extra care not to damage the underlying structure while carefully removing the foam layer by layer. Throughout this process, we work efficiently to minimize disruption and complete the task as quickly as possible, ensuring that all foam is removed without causing harm to your property.

Clean Up

After the spray foam has been fully removed, the next step is a thorough clean-up of the area. This includes clearing any foam debris, dust, and particles left behind from the removal process. We also clean and inspect any surfaces that may have been exposed to the foam, ensuring everything is free from residual chemicals and contaminants. Our goal is to leave the area looking pristine and safe for the next stage of your home’s repair or insulation work.

Disposal

Proper disposal of the removed spray foam is a crucial part of the process. Since spray foam is made from chemical compounds, it must be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. We take care to remove all foam and waste from your property and transport it to the appropriate disposal facilities. Our team follows local regulations to ensure that all materials are handled and disposed of safely, keeping both your home and the environment protected.