Spray Foam Insulation

With energy prices increasing, ways of how to save money on heating costs is something that is on most peoples’ minds. One way to reduce the cost of heating your home is by insulating it, but homeowners need to proceed with caution in respect of one particular type of insulation. Spray foam loft insulation.

There are 2 types of spray foam insulation, open cell and closed cell. Closed cell spray foam insulation sets rigid and contains lots of pockets of gas which reduce the flow of heat through it. Open cell is less dense and once set can be compressed with one’s hand. Whilst closed cell can be more effective as a barrier to stop heat escaping, it also does not allow moisture to penetrate, thus leaving nowhere for moisture to escape the loft. This can cause condensation and can then cause roof supports to weaken or rot. With open cell, although this is more malleable, water vapour can become trapped under the insulation, causing wood to rot. Both closed cell and open cell can also conceal defects in a roof which can then also lead to rot due to water penetration.

Spray Foam insulation is considered one of the more expensive types of insulation to have added and yet even more expensive to have the insulation removed. Due to the potential issues of spray foam insulation not being installed correctly, many mortgage lenders and surveyors are down valuing houses, or even deeming properties un-mortgageable if they have this type of insulation.

Spray foam insulation is becoming increasing more popular and there is currently no regulation of installers. Whilst the Residential Property Surveyors Association and the Property Care Association are calling for urgent regulations, it would be prudent, when purchasing a property, to ask your surveyor to check for the presence of spray foam insulation. As a homeowner with spray foam insulation, ensure you have all of the detailed paperwork to pass to a surveyor for a purchaser/mortgage lender in order that they can properly evaluate the spray foam insulation during their survey.

If you would like further advice on this topic and need a Conveyancer please contact our Team today.