Nationwide Mortgage & Spray Foam Insulation: What Homeowners Need to Know

Can You Get a Nationwide Mortgage If Your Home Has Spray Foam Insulation?

Many UK homeowners are now facing an unexpected problem when applying for mortgages or remortgages — Nationwide and other major lenders are refusing loans on properties with spray foam insulation.

What was once seen as a modern energy upgrade is now one of the most common causes of mortgage delays and refusals.

If you've applied for a Nationwide mortgage and the surveyor has flagged spray foam in your roof, this guide explains everything you need to know — and how Countrywide Insulation can help by safely removing the insulation so your property meets lending criteria.

Why Nationwide Mortgages Flag Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation (especially closed-cell foam) is applied directly to the underside of roof tiles or rafters. While it seals gaps and improves energy efficiency, it also makes it impossible for surveyors to inspect the roof structure, which is essential for any lender assessing property risk.

Here's why Nationwide and other banks often refuse mortgages on homes with spray foam:

The foam covers and hardens around roof timbers, preventing surveyors from checking for rot, damp, or woodworm — issues that can seriously affect the roof's safety and value.

Closed-cell foam can trap moisture inside the roof, creating condensation and hidden decay. Over time, this weakens the structure — something lenders want to avoid financing.

Nationwide's valuers follow strict survey criteria. If the roof cannot be visually inspected, the valuation will often state that the property is "not suitable for lending due to spray foam insulation."

Many older or poorly installed spray foam systems lack valid BBA or Kiwa certificates. Without clear proof of proper installation, lenders like Nationwide treat the property as high-risk.

What Nationwide's Guidance Says

Nationwide has confirmed that it does not have an outright ban on homes with spray foam insulation, but each case is subject to surveyor assessment.

In practice, however, that means if a valuer cannot clearly see the roof timbers, the mortgage will be declined or deferred until removal or further inspection is completed.

Examples from homeowners show that Nationwide surveyors often note:

• "Spray foam insulation present – unable to assess roof condition."
• "Property not suitable for mortgage lending until insulation is removed."
• "Full removal and inspection report required."

So even though the bank's policy isn't officially a ban, the result is often the same — no mortgage approval until the foam is gone.

How Spray Foam Insulation Can Affect Your Mortgage Application

When Buying a Home

If you're buying a property with spray foam, Nationwide may reject your mortgage outright or require proof that the insulation has been removed.

When Remortgaging

Homeowners trying to remortgage often find that the foam installed years ago now blocks new borrowing, leaving them stuck with their current lender or paying higher rates.

When Selling a Property

Sellers often lose buyers when a Nationwide survey identifies spray foam during the valuation stage. Removal is usually required to restore confidence and allow the sale to proceed.

What You Can Do If Nationwide Refuses Your Mortgage

If your surveyor or lender has raised concerns about spray foam insulation, you have three main options:

1. Provide Evidence & Reports

If your insulation is professionally installed and certified, you can supply the BBA or Kiwa documentation, installation warranty, and condensation risk assessment. However, this rarely satisfies surveyors without visual inspection.

2. Request an Independent Survey

You can commission a survey following the PCA / RPSA Spray Foam Inspection Protocol (introduced in 2023). This allows a qualified professional to assess risk levels, but many lenders still prefer full removal.

3. Remove the Spray Foam Insulation

This is the most effective and permanent solution. Once removed, the property is fully inspectable, and lenders like Nationwide are far more likely to approve a mortgage or remortgage.

Why Spray Foam Removal Is the Best Solution

Professional spray foam removal eliminates the concerns that cause mortgage refusals.

Here's why it's the safest route to mortgage approval:

1. Lenders Accept It

Once spray foam is removed, surveyors can visually confirm the roof's condition, meeting Nationwide's inspection requirements.

2. Prevents Further Damage

Removing spray foam restores proper ventilation, helping protect your roof timbers and preventing condensation build-up.

3. Provides Proof for the Lender

At Countrywide Insulation, we issue a full removal certificate, photographs, and documentation — perfect for showing Nationwide that the roof is now clear and mortgageable.

4. Increases Property Value

By making your property mortgage-friendly again, removal helps preserve (and sometimes increase) your home's market value.

The Spray Foam Removal Process

Our team at Countrywide Insulation follows a careful, lender-approved removal process:

1. Free Loft Survey – We assess your insulation type, roof structure, and access points.
2. Preparation – Protective sheeting and dust control systems are set up to protect your home.
3. Manual Removal – Foam is manually scraped and lifted from rafters and tiles using specialist tools.
4. Inspection & Cleaning – All residue is cleaned off, revealing your roof's condition.
5. Ventilation & Repairs – We restore airflow and recommend any minor timber treatments if needed.
6. Certification – You receive full documentation, including before-and-after photos, to satisfy lender requirements.

Spray Foam Removal Costs in Nationwide Mortgage Cases

In most homes, removal costs range from £2,000 to £5,000, depending on the type of foam, loft size, and accessibility.

For homeowners in Halifax, Leeds, Manchester, and across the UK, Countrywide Insulation offers free quotations and surveys, ensuring you know exactly what to expect before work begins.

Remember — compared to losing a mortgage or sale, removal is a smart and worthwhile investment.

Nationwide Mortgage Refusal

"We applied for a remortgage with Nationwide and were shocked when it was rejected because of spray foam in our loft. Countrywide Insulation removed it, gave us a certificate, and our new mortgage was approved two weeks later. Absolutely brilliant service!"
— Mrs H, Leeds

Why Choose Countrywide Insulation

• Specialists in Nationwide mortgage spray foam insulation removals
• Fully trained, insured technicians
• Certified removal process with lender-accepted documentation
• Free surveys and competitive quotes
• Covering Halifax, Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, and across the UK

Regain Your Mortgage Freedom 

If your Nationwide mortgage has been refused because of spray foam insulation, don't panic — there's a clear solution.

By removing the foam professionally and providing certification, Countrywide Insulation can help you make your property mortgageable again and restore peace of mind. 

Get a Free Spray Foam Removal Quote 

Call Countrywide Insulation today to arrange a free survey and quotation.
We'll help you remove spray foam safely, meet lender requirements, and secure your Nationwide mortgage without delays.

Visit countrywideinsulation.co.uk or call our team today.