What Does Spray Foam Insulation Look Like?

If you’ve just had a survey report mention “spray foam insulation” — or you’ve climbed into the loft and found something unusual — you might be wondering: what exactly does spray foam look like?

Here’s how to spot it, how to tell it apart from other types of insulation, and what it means for your property if you find it.

Key Visual Signs of Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation is typically:

• Pale yellow, cream, or off-white in colour
• Hard or spongy to the touch, depending on the type
• Sprayed directly onto the underside of the roof tiles or felt
• Often applied in thick layers that follow the line of the rafters
• Sealed to the timber, often covering joints or nails

It usually looks like a foamy crust that’s been sprayed between and over the roof beams — not rolled out like traditional insulation.

Closed-Cell vs. Open-Cell

There are two main types of spray foam used in UK lofts:

Closed-Cell Foam

• Dense and rigid
• Feels hard when pressed
• Usually smooth or shiny in appearance
• Blocks moisture and airflow completely
• This is the type most often rejected by mortgage lenders

Open-Cell Foam

• Softer and squishier
• Matte finish, more sponge-like
• Slightly more breathable
• Less common in older installations

In many cases, it's hard to tell which type is present without documentation — which is part of the issue.

Is It Definitely Spray Foam?

Sometimes foam boards or foil-backed insulation can look similar from a distance. But the key difference is:

• Spray foam is applied directly to the roof structure
• It has no gaps — it seals to the timbers completely
• It often covers nails, junctions, and even parts of the loft hatch

If you're still unsure, we can confirm it for you with photos — or pop out and take a look.

What If You Find It?

If you’re planning to sell, remortgage, or release equity, you may want to act early. Spray foam insulation can cause delays and refusals from lenders — especially if it’s closed-cell and covering the entire roof.

At Snug & Secure, we remove spray foam carefully and replace it with modern, breathable materials. We also provide:

• Photos and certification of removal
• Surveyor-friendly re-insulation options
• Clear advice on next steps

Final Thoughts

Spray foam is easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for — and knowing whether you have it is the first step in protecting your home’s value.

If you're not sure or want help figuring out what’s in your loft, contact us for a free assessment — or browse the rest of our blog for more practical advice.