Spray Foam Removal

UK Mortgage-Approved Open Cell Spray Foam Removal Specialists

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Open cell spray foam removal is no longer just an optional upgrade, it has become a requirement for thousands of UK homeowners trying to sell or remortgage. Over the past few years, spray foam insulation in lofts has become a major red flag for banks and building societies. Most lenders will not release funds until the spray foam has been professionally removed, due to the risks it poses to the roof structure and the difficulty of assessing the condition of the timbers beneath it.

At Countrywide Roofing & Insulation, we specialise in open-cell spray foam removal, helping homeowners make their properties mortgageable again while protecting the integrity of the roof. With over 1,000 successful spray foam removal projects, we work closely with estate agents, surveyors, and lenders across the UK. Our experience shows that around 72% of lenders decline applications on properties with spray foam insulation, and many homeowners only discover this when a sale collapses or a remortgage is refused.

A recent industry survey also showed that 9 out of 10 homeowners were unaware that spray foam insulation could prevent them from selling their home or releasing equity. This is exactly why professional removal, done correctly and safely, is now essential.

Why Removing Open Cell Spray Foam Is Necessary

pen cell spray foam may look harmless, but once applied to the underside of a roof, it begins to cause hidden complications. The foam forms a thick, sponge-like layer that clings to the roof timbers. This may seem beneficial, but it creates a barrier that prevents natural ventilation, and without ventilation, serious problems can develop.

Here’s what tends to happen:

Moisture Becomes Trapped

Open cell spray foam behaves like a sealed, damp cloth wrapped around your roof timbers. Moisture cannot escape, which leads to:

• Wood rot and deterioration
• Weakened roof structure
• Damp, mould, and mildew formation

Air Quality and Health Concerns

In poorly installed systems, the foam can continue to off-gas chemicals, contributing to poor indoor air quality.

Deteriorating Foam Performance

As the foam ages, its structure breaks down, losing insulation performance and becoming even more problematic for the roof.

For these reasons, lenders avoid it, and homeowners are increasingly opting for professional open-cell spray foam removal to safeguard their homes and finances.

Mortgage Challenges Caused by Spray Foam

Homeowners are often shocked by how quickly spray foam can derail a mortgage application. Many lenders consider it too risky because:

• They cannot assess the condition of the rafters
• They suspect hidden damp or timber decay
• Spray foam is notoriously difficult to remove
• Some roofs require full replacement if the foam is too invasive

While open-cell spray foam is softer and slightly easier to remove than closed-cell foam, it still requires specialist tools, experience, and extreme care. Attempting to remove it without professional help almost always results in damage to the roof structure.

This is why trained experts are essential; poor removal can cost far more than proper removal.

Check out our blog: "Can We Get A Mortgage With Spray Foam?"

(Drag arrows on the image to show the spray foam insulation removal before and after it has been removed.)