Is Spray Foam Loft Insulation Legal?
If you've had spray foam insulation installed in your loft — or you're considering it — you might be asking yourself: is it even legal? Technically, yes. Spray foam isn't banned in the UK. But that doesn't mean it's a good idea — or that it won't cause serious problems.
In reality, spray foam insulation has become one of the most controversial materials in the UK housing market. It's led to mortgage refusals, sales falling through, and unexpected repair costs. At Countrywide Roofing and Insulation, we've seen the damage first-hand — and we're here to help homeowners get back on track.
What Is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam is a liquid chemical that expands into a solid foam when applied, often used to insulate lofts, walls, and under floors. There are two types:
Open cell spray foam – soft and breathable, but still problematic.Closed cell spray foam – rigid and dense, with even greater risks.
Originally marketed as a way to improve energy efficiency, spray foam is now viewed with suspicion by surveyors, lenders, and insurers alike. Many homeowners are discovering the hard way that it's a barrier to selling or refinancing their homes — and often, the only solution is full spray foam removal.
Legal vs Practical: What You Need to Know
While there are no UK laws banning the use of spray foam insulation, the problems it causes in practice mean it's effectively off-limits for anyone looking to sell, remortgage, or release equity from their property.
That's because:Lenders often refuse to approve mortgages on homes with spray foam.
Insurers may decline cover or increase premiums.
Surveyors struggle to assess the condition of roof timbers hidden by foam.
According to Propertymark, an estimated 250,000 homes in the UK could be impacted by spray foam issues — many of which may become unmortgageable unless the insulation is removed.
So, no — it's not illegal. But if you want your home to hold its value, or be sellable and safe, it's quickly becoming unacceptable.
Why Spray Foam Causes So Many Problems
Here's why spray foam in lofts has become a red flag for buyers, surveyors, and lenders:
1. Trapped Moisture & RotClosed cell foam doesn't allow airflow. It can trap moisture against the timbers in your roof, leading to condensation, damp, and rot. Since the foam blocks visibility, surveyors can't check what's happening underneath — which increases the risk for lenders.
2. Decreased Property Value
Spray foam was once a selling point — now, it's a liability. Buyers are walking away from properties with it, and some agents report it can shave thousands off your home's market value.
3. Mortgage and Equity Release Refusals
Many banks and building societies now won't lend on properties with spray foam, especially in the roof. Even if you already own the home outright, spray foam can stop you from accessing equity or taking out a remortgage deal.
Open Cell vs Closed Cell Spray Foam: What's the Difference?
If you're unsure what type of insulation is in your loft, here's a quick comparison:
Open Cell Spray Foam: Lighter and softer, with a spongy texture. It allows some moisture to pass through but is still a concern for mortgage lenders.
Closed Cell Spray Foam: Dense and rigid. It forms a hard shell that traps moisture and can lead to timber decay. It's also much harder to remove.
Whether you have open or closed cell foam, our team at Countrywide Roofing and Insulation are experts in both open cell spray foam removal and closed cell spray foam removal — safely and efficiently.
Why Spray Foam Is Like a Hidden Time Bomb
Think of spray foam like a fresh coat of paint over crumbling plaster. It might look neat at first glance, but beneath the surface, it's hiding a serious issue. What seems like a quick fix can turn into a ticking time bomb for your roof and your finances.
What to Do If You Have Spray Foam in Your Loft
If you're already dealing with spray foam, here's how to take control:
Book an assessment – Our experienced surveyors can identify what kind of foam you have and assess any damage.Get a removal quote – We'll give you a clear breakdown of the process and cost.
Remove the insulation safely – We'll carefully remove the foam without damaging your roof structure.
Restore breathability – Once removed, we can restore proper ventilation and insulation to make your loft mortgage-ready again.
At Countrywide Roofing and Insulation, we've helped homeowners across the UK remove unwanted spray foam and reclaim their property's value.
Quick Stats
80% of leading mortgage lenders are likely to reject applications on homes with spray foam insulation in the roof.
1 in 4 properties affected by spray foam report issues with condensation or timber decay within 3 years of installation.
FAQs: Spray Foam Removal
Is spray foam insulation illegal in the UK?
No — it's still legal to install. But due to the issues it causes, it's often treated as unacceptable by mortgage lenders and insurers.
Can you get a mortgage with spray foam insulation?
Unlikely. Most lenders will either decline the application or insist on complete removal first.
How long does removal take?
This depends on the size of the loft and the type of foam. Closed cell foam takes longer due to how hard it bonds with the surface.
Does spray foam removal damage my roof?
Not when done professionally. Our team uses specialist tools and techniques to safely extract the foam without harming your roof.
Is it expensive to remove spray foam?
Costs vary depending on your property, but we offer free surveys and no-obligation quotes. It's often more affordable than people expect — especially when compared to the cost of lost property value or a failed sale.
Final Thoughts
At Countrywide Roofing and Insulation, we're one of the UK's leading specialists in spray foam removal. Whether you're dealing with open cell or closed cell foam, we'll help you make your loft compliant, safe, and ready for sale or refinance.
Don't let spray foam stop you moving forward.
Contact Countrywide Roofing and Insulation today for expert advice and a free removal quote.
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