Homeowners across the UK are facing significant hurdles when it involves selling or remortgaging their properties due to the increasingly contentious issue of spray foam insulation. This type of insulation, hailed as energy-efficient, has generated considerable worry among mortgage lenders and homeowners alike, thanks to its complicated installation and potential risks.
According to recent reports, about 250,000 homes throughout the UK are fitted with spray foam insulation, primarily due to support from the now-defunct Green Homes Grant scheme initiated by the previous Conservative government. Started in August 2020 and concluding in May 2023, the program aimed to assist homeowners and landlords with grants to improve energy efficiency. Unfortunately, what seemed like a proactive measure has turned problematic for many.
One significant concern stemming from spray foam insulation is the risk of poor installation. When incorrectly applied, it can trap moisture behind it, putting roof structures at great risk for dangerous rot. Unfortunately, once installed, there’s often no way to inspect the insulation's quality without removing it entirely, which can be both costly and labor-intensive.
Mortgage brokers along with building federations have begun to call for outright bans on spray foam insulation, stating they have been voicing concerns about its dangers for several years. A representative from BBC reported alarming statistics: over 25% of the UK’s major mortgage lenders have opted not to offer loans for homes with this type of insulation, raising alarms about its viability.
Steve Moses, founder of The Mortgage Studio, highlighted the gravity of the situation when he expressed, "If you cannot see the roof, you don’t know whether you’ve got a leak or not. Quite simply, if you’ve got a leak, you could have serious structural problems later on." His emphasis on the difficulty of inspecting roofs with spray foam insulation reflects the mounting frustration among homeowners and lenders.
He also revealed his firm's experience dealing with problematic cases where homebuyers were discouraged from purchasing properties because of the spraying foam. Many are now forced to undertake the messy and expensive task of removing this insulation before they can proceed with buying or selling their homes. One client, for example, was told it could cost them around £1,000 to replace the insulation.
Commenting on the quality of installations, Moses recalled one interaction where contractors claimed the insulation should not be problematic, pointing to the so-called open cell technology which allows moisture to escape. Yet, Moses refuted this claim, explaining lenders remain wary of properties lacking visible roof inspections. This phenomenon highlights the inconsistency between contractor claims and lenders' stringent requirements.
The situation is not unique to one homeowner. Wendy Rowe’s family, especially after dealing with the fallout from spray foam insulation after her father's passing, invokes sympathy. Despite believing the insulation would lower their energy bills, they encountered endless challenges when attempting to sell the property, compounded by the cost of removal which totaled nearly £10,000.
"We were blissfully unaware of any issues related to it until we put the house on the market," Rowe lamented, emphasizing the unexpected predicament brought on by what was meant to be a benefit. Remarks like these lend additional weight to the argument against continued use and promotion of spray foam insulation.
Experts have raised red flags over the inappropriate use of both closed and open cell spray foam. Closed cell spray foam, which has been previously deployed to stabilize roofs, often ends up causing stress on roof timbers and restricts necessary air circulation. Open cell spray foam may sound like it’s the less problematic of the two; it can even be more breathable, yet still poses risks when improperly installed.
What’s worse is the reliance on poorly trained builders who target unsuspecting homeowners with promises of quick and cost-effective insulation solutions. Moses pointed to this “cowboy builder” phenomenon, where contractors hurry through jobs without proper oversight, leaving homeowners stuck with costly repairs.
National Federation of Builders’ head of policy, Rico Wojtulewicz, shared his observations, saying the sector has been voicing concerns about the long-term ramifications of spray foam insulation for over five years. Shockingly, he claims those warnings have largely been ignored by policymakers more inclined to heed the advice of theoretical experts rather than those on the ground.
When commenting on the matter, Wojtulewicz stated, “Unfortunately, if you ignore the nuances and detail of construction work, then you encounter the disasters we’re seeing now.” He argues this neglect mirrors other systemic issues, such as untreated sewage infiltrations threatening the nation’s waterways.
Providing advice to affected homeowners, Andrew Binstock from Auction House London suggests vigilance and monitoring for those with existing spray foam insulation, especially if they aren't planning to move anytime soon. "If you already have spray foam insulation and it’s not causing any issues, you might choose to monitor its condition over time," Binstock advised.
This entire situation acts as a cautionary tale within the industry, highlighting the discrepancy between energy efficiency goals and practical outcomes. The hiding behind government grants and academic frameworks has put many unsuspecting homeowners at risk, undermining the very promises made to help them save money and improve the value of their homes.
For many, the idea of spray foam insulation was both appealing and alluring as they sought options to keep their energy bills low. Unfortunately, as reports have shown, its potential fallout has left some homeowners feeling betrayed and confused, grappling with the financial burdens imposed by decisions once considered beneficial but are now seen as burdensome complications.
With numerous lenders refusing to lend against properties with spray foam insulation, these homeowners are facing not just the physical consequences of their insulation choice, but the broader concern of being trapped within unsellable homes. They are still left hoping for governmental recognition of the situation and potential resolutions to alleviate their crumbling dreams of home ownership.
