Why Are Homeowners Removing Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation was once sold as the future of home energy efficiency — a modern, airtight barrier to keep warmth in and costs down. But in 2024, more and more homeowners across the UK are choosing to remove it.

So what changed?

In this post, we break down the main reasons people are taking spray foam out of their homes — and what it means for your property if you’re dealing with the same issue.

1. Mortgage Problems

This is by far the biggest reason.

Many banks, building societies, and equity release providers now flag spray foam insulation as a lending risk. In particular:

• Homes with spray foam in the loft often fail mortgage valuations
• Lenders may refuse remortgages or equity release
• Surveyors can't inspect roof timbers, triggering red flags in reports

For homeowners trying to move, downsize, or access equity — spray foam becomes an unexpected obstacle.

You can learn more about how it affects valuations on our Spray Foam Removal page.

2. Condensation, Damp & Timber Issues

Spray foam — especially closed-cell foam — blocks airflow in the loft. While that may sound energy-efficient, it can trap condensation behind the insulation, which leads to:

• Damp roof timbers
• Hidden mould
• Accelerated wood rot

These issues are rarely visible until the foam is removed — and by then, the damage may be done. That’s why many people choose to remove it proactively and return the loft to a breathable state.

3. Poor Installation in the First Place

Thousands of spray foam jobs were rushed or mis-sold in the last two decades — particularly through door-to-door sales or cold calls.

We regularly speak to homeowners who:

• Don’t know what type of foam was used
• Weren’t given certificates or documentation
• Had it installed over existing damp, dust, or debris

Spray foam done wrong isn’t just ineffective — it can devalue the home and require costly repair work later on.

4. Future-Proofing and Selling Up

Even if you’re not selling now, many people are thinking ahead. They want:

• A loft that’s breathable and clean
• A higher EPC rating
• Fewer obstacles during future surveys

Removing spray foam and replacing it with breathable insulation (like what we install at Snug & Secure) is one of the most future-proof upgrades you can make — especially if your roof structure is solid and worth protecting.

5. Peace of Mind

Some homeowners just want to feel confident about what’s above their heads.

If you've inherited spray foam from a previous owner or don’t have paperwork for it, removal offers peace of mind. You’ll know your roof is dry, visible, and not hiding any surprises.

Final Thoughts

Spray foam insulation was marketed as an upgrade — but for many, it's turned into a liability. Whether you’re trying to sell, remortgage, or just want a healthier loft space, removing it is often the cleanest way forward.

Need honest advice on whether your insulation needs to go? Contact us for a no-pressure assessment, or browse the rest of our blog for more guidance.