What To Do If Your Mortgage Was Refused Because of Spray Foam Insulation

What To Do If Your Mortgage Was Refused Because of Spray Foam Insulation

A growing number of UK homeowners are finding their mortgage or remortgage applications refused due to spray foam insulation. It’s frustrating, confusing—and can feel like a deal-breaker. But there are steps you can take to resolve the issue and move forward. In this guide, we explain what to do if your lender declines due to spray foam, and how to get back on track in 2025.

1. Why Was Your Mortgage Refused?

Spray foam insulation—especially closed-cell foam—has become a red flag for many UK mortgage lenders. Why?

• It can obscure the condition of the roof structure
  
  
• Poor ventilation can lead to timber rot or condensation
  
  
• It’s harder to survey accurately
  
  

Most lenders need a clear understanding of the building’s condition, and spray foam makes that difficult. Some may refuse outright unless it's removed.

Related: Can You Get a Mortgage on a House with Spray Foam Insulation?

2. Request the Surveyor’s Report

First, ask your lender or broker for a copy of the survey that triggered the refusal. This report will often highlight exactly why the mortgage was declined:

• Timber not visible?
  
  
• Roof ventilation compromised?
  
  
• Foam poorly installed or degrading?
  
  

This will guide your next steps.

3. Consider a Specialist Spray Foam Assessment

You can hire an independent insulation specialist or RICS-accredited surveyor to perform a more detailed assessment. They’ll inspect:

• Roof timber condition
  
  
• Foam type and application quality
  
  
• Ventilation and moisture levels
  
  

This can be used to challenge the original survey or show evidence to future lenders.

Explore our UK-wide service: Spray Foam Removal Locations

4. Removal May Be the Fastest Way Forward

In most cases, full removal of the spray foam insulation is the most straightforward route to mortgage approval. Once removed:

• A new survey can be done
  
  
• Lenders are more likely to accept your application
  
  

Qualified teams can often remove spray foam in 1–2 days, depending on roof size.

Need help? See our guide: How Much Does Spray Foam Removal Cost in the UK?

5. Which Lenders May Still Accept Spray Foam?

While most mainstream lenders are cautious, some may still approve:

• With a detailed inspection and risk report
  
  
• If only a small area is insulated
  
  
• If open-cell foam was used and installed properly
  
  

Brokers may help you find niche lenders, but expect slower processing and more documentation.

6. Steps to Take Next

• ✅ Get the survey report from your lender
  
  
• ✅ Hire a qualified spray foam assessor
  
  
• ✅ Decide whether to remove or provide further evidence
  
  
• ✅ Reapply with a new lender or through a broker
  
  

Want help fast? Contact Snug & Secure for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remortgage if my house has spray foam?
Yes—but you’ll likely need to provide extra documentation or remove the insulation.

Will removal guarantee mortgage approval?
It improves your chances significantly but doesn’t guarantee it—timber condition and other factors still matter.

Can I get a second opinion on the survey?
Yes—hire an independent RICS surveyor to challenge or clarify findings.

Is removal expensive?
It varies by roof size and foam type. Read more here: Spray Foam Removal Cost UK

What if I can’t afford removal right now?
Ask about partial removal or staged removal plans—some lenders accept reduced coverage with inspection.