Spray foam insulation is extremely popular and has become the the go-to choice around the UK.
However, before installing spray foam in your home, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of insulation.

Firstly, what is spray foam insulation?
Known as the market leader in the United Kingdom, the spray foam insulation is used on the underside of breathable and non-breathable roof membranes and felts. Furthermore, the foam effectively fills every nook and crevice, thus eliminating the risk of air leakages and infiltration. The foam provides that extra layer of insulation to properties.

What Are the Pros of Using Spray Foam Insulation?

• Foam spray insulation is one hundred percent water blown, meaning that the foam does not contain any harmful blowing agents making it eco-friendly.
• Additionally, no harmful chemicals are found in open cell spray foam.
• The system’s U-value is high being rated at 0.039 and, unlike other insulations, the foam creates a strong air seal.
• The insulation maintains its shape, thus preventing heat loss reducing the cost of your energy bills.
• The foam provides breathable insulation to a property. On top of this, it can help reduce noise pollution by minimizing airborne sounds.

What Are The Cons of Using Spray Foam Insulation?

• You can buy a spray foam insulation kit but you would be well advised not to go down this route. The reason being that licensed installers are a must.
• The application process can be  messy and areas must be prepared correctly. Spray foam insulation can end up being the death of a roof.
• Additionally, the foam can be a fire hazard.
• There are many lenders as well as equity release companies that will not consider applications on properties where spray foam insulation has been installed. Moreover, there are reports where properties had their roofs replaced to meet a lender’s requirements. In short, the financial cost is considerable, and more especially because the insulation must be professionally removed.

Making an Informed Decision When it Comes to Spray Foam Insulation

While some lenders still accept the use of spray foam insulation, other mortgage lenders do not. The fact that spray foam insulation has been used on homes and other UK properties for over 30 years, does not make it the best choice.
Should more lenders refuse to consider properties with spray foam insulation it may result
in the following:

• A property is harder to sell or re-mortgage
• The value of a property may be negatively impacted
• A roof replacement may be required to secure a mortgage or financing

In a nutshell, you could end up having to cope with spray foam insulation mortgage
problems should you want to sell or re-mortgage a property.