Real Stories: How UK Homeowners Recovered from Spray Foam Insulation Problems

When you're told your home is unmortgageable because of spray foam insulation, it's more than just paperwork — it's a shock, a setback, and sometimes a real financial crisis.

At Countrywide Insulation, we've worked with hundreds of homeowners across the UK who were in this exact position. The good news? It's fixable — and often faster than you'd think.

In this post, we share real-life examples (with names changed for privacy) of homeowners who:

• Faced mortgage refusals or blocked sales
• Removed spray foam professionally
• Got lender-ready certification
• Sold or remortgaged successfully

If you're in the same situation, these stories show there's a way forward — with the right help.

"We Were Weeks from Exchanging… Then the Surveyor Flagged the Foam"

Homeowners: Lisa & Mark, Lincolnshire

Lisa and Mark were about to sell their three-bedroom home when their buyer's mortgage surveyor flagged spray foam in the loft. It had been installed two years earlier under the Green Homes Grant.

"We were blindsided. No one had ever told us it could be a problem — we thought it was an energy upgrade."

The buyer's lender refused to proceed unless the foam was removed and the roof re-inspected.

What We Did:

• Carried out a free inspection within 48 hours
• Completed full mechanical removal and moisture testing
• Issued a certificate of removal and photographic report
• Provided a statement for the buyer's solicitor

Result: The buyer's mortgage was approved within one week of the documentation being submitted.

"Our Equity Release Application Was Declined — We Had No Idea Why"

Homeowner: Mr. Henderson, East Sussex

Mr. Henderson applied for equity release in early 2024, hoping to unlock funds for home improvements. After a routine valuation, the lender declined — citing "spray foam contamination."

"We'd had it installed to keep warm, not to cause problems. I had no idea it would stop us accessing our equity."

What We Did:

• Provided a free site visit and detailed roof assessment
• Identified that the foam was open-cell but improperly ventilated
• Removed all foam and issued lender-compliant certification
• Documented safe timber condition with moisture readings

Result: Mr. Henderson's equity release was approved just two weeks later.

"We Tried a Cheap Contractor First — It Ended Up Costing Us More"

Homeowners: Darren & Simone, West Midlands

After being refused a remortgage due to spray foam, Darren and Simone hired a cold caller offering low-cost removal and an "instant certificate." Weeks later, their lender still refused.

"The work was sloppy, the certificate looked made up, and we ended up wasting £2,000."

What We Did:

• Removed remaining foam properly
• Tested moisture and recorded roof condition
• Issued genuine documentation that matched the lender's criteria
• Supported their solicitor with direct communication

Result: Their remortgage was approved — and they're now sharing their experience to warn others.

Read our blog on avoiding spray foam scams and cold callers:
Spray Foam Removal Scams: What to Watch For

Why These Stories Matter

We hear new versions of these situations every day — people who were told by installers that spray foam was safe, only to learn later that it:

• Blocks surveys
• Masks roof defects
• Raises moisture levels
• Causes lenders to say no

But the right removal and documentation gets results.

What Countrywide Insulation Does Differently

• Free inspections with no pressure
• Careful, clean mechanical removal
• Moisture testing and timber assessment
• Photographic evidence and signed certification
• Direct support for surveyors, solicitors, and lenders

Whether you're days from completing or just planning ahead, we'll guide you through the process and provide everything your mortgage lender needs.

 Conclusion: You're Not Alone — and You Can Solve This

Spray foam issues feel overwhelming, especially when they affect your home, finances, and future. But you're not the first — and we've helped hundreds of families navigate it successfully.

If you need help resolving a spray foam-related mortgage issue, speak to us today.

Book your free inspection:
https://countrywideinsulation.co.uk/get-a-quote

Or learn more about our removal and certification services:

https://countrywideinsulation.co.uk/spray-foam-removal