Why Be Wary of Spray Foam Insulation?

When looking for ways to insulate the home and save money, spray foam insulation has been a common choice.  However, since its initial use during the 1970s, there have been an array of problems experienced with spray foam insulation.

The following is an overview of the drawbacks of spray foam insulation, and reasons why it should be removed as soon as possible. 

Spray Foam Can Cause Unpleasant Odors 

Although not a common occurrence, the unpleasant odor that can arise after spray foam insulation is worth noting. The reason why unpleasant odors can occur is often due to the way the foam has been applied. Applying spray foam too quickly or thickly can make the foam react incorrectly, often leading to an unpleasant fishy odor that can linger for months. 

Spray Foam Insulation Can Cause Health Issues 

When spray foam insulation, there can be a lot of excess gas left behind. Although this normally subsides after 24 hours, there can be times when gasses remain and can potentially cause a series of health issues, including but not limited to the following. 

• Lung Damage

• Asthma 

• Sensitization 

• Respiratory and Breathing Problems 

• Skin and Eye Irritation 

The health issues associated with spray foam insulation are due to the aerosol, vapors, and dust that can materialize during and after the installation. Research carried out regarding spray polyurethane foam shows that even if signs aren’t immediate, there is still the potential for permanent lung damage and respiratory problems. 

Spray Foam Can Cause Roof Timbers to Rot 

Although there are instances when roof insulation doesn’t cause a problem, it has become a focal point for homeowners and lenders because of the potential risks. 

In addition to creating mold when ventilation is blocked,  there can also be instances when spraying foam insulation on the roof creates strain on the beams, meaning they become less robust over time, devaluing the property in the process. 

Spray Foam Insulation Could Make it Difficult to Sell the Property

Although many homeowners have been advised spray foam insulation is completely safe, many have found it to be problematic when selling their homes. Some lenders may not offer a mortgage on a property until the relevant paperwork has been produced, whereas others will just deem a parcel unmortgage able until the spray foam is removed. 

Removing spray foam insulation doesn’t mean that the home can be insulated via other means, including mineral wool insulation, but the original spray foam insulation will still need to be removed beforehand. 

Using the Right Professional for Spray Foam Insulation Removal

Many of the problems associated with spray foam insulation are often due to it being installed incorrectly. As such, if you want to remove spray foam insulation you will want to ensure you’re using a seasoned professional. 

Spray Foam Removal has several years of experience in the removal of harmful spray foam but has also been a site adviser for television production companies including ITV and the BBC. As such, you can be confident you’re only receiving professional advice from the start. 

If you are worried about spray foam insulation or having problems selling a property because of its presence, then why not get in touch with us to discuss your requirements in more detail? 

Available for Emergency Gutter Clearing and Cleaning

Dirty, choked, or blocked gutters are a common problem, particularly in busy UK cities such as London and others. As seasons change, leaves and other materials along with dust, dirt, and debris get blown onto roofs and eventually drain down the gutters and downpipes when the autumn season arrives. As more dirt and debris collect up, it can cause your gutter to get clogged, and this is the start of many problems down the line!

Roof Doctor has specialized equipment and tools as well as tradespeople that are expert rooftop and gutter cleaners. They can clean away all kinds of dirt and debris from your gutters, which includes fixing/replacing any guttering and downpipes which have broken down due to months of blockages.

Regular cleaning and checkups are the best way to keep your gutters and downpipes running smoothly. As the weather changes from season to season, the last thing you want to deal with is a ‘gutter-related situation’. Roof Doctor takes all the worry off your hands with its expert rooftop gutter cleaning services.

What happens when you don’t clean your gutters on time

If you allow enough moss, leaf litter, and other debris to accumulate in your gutters and downpipes, you will eventually have a blockage. Under ideal circumstances, you’d want to avoid this at all costs, because it could also mean repairing or replacing gutters and downpipes in a worst-case scenario.

Unfortunately, many people do not get their gutters and downpipes cleaned on time or inspected regularly. Here’s what happens if you don’t clean your gutters on time:

Moisture, water, dirt, and other kinds of debris that get soaked over time will build up causing a blockage. This puts far too much pressure on the gutter and downpipe joints. This extra weight can cause sections of your gutter to sag, joints to become loose or even open, and support fixings to either weaken, crack or become completely loose. The longer the problem ‘cooks in the pot’, the more repair and cleaning costs you are looking at.

That’s not the end of your problems, however. The rainwater is no longer getting drained away which means it will overflow on top of the guttering and cascade down that lovely brickwork. If you see any signs of moss and algae on your brickwork, that’s a sure sign that your gutter is overflowing.

This causes dampness eventually if you don’t get the gutters cleared. We’ve even seen the structural integrity of some properties reduced dramatically because of this. As a homeowner, you need to act fast if you feel that your gutters and downpipes are not working as intended. Even if everything appears to be running smoothly, there’s no harm in getting regular check-ups and scheduled cleaning to ensure that you don’t have to deal with any unnecessary repair costs in the future.

Roof Doctor is entirely trade accredited and guarantees tradesmen workmanship for up to __ months. We are also available for emergency gutter clearing and cleaning. Call us now – our team would be happy to conduct a free initial survey and quote you a price.

Extend the Life of Your Roof with Roof Doctor

A thorough and professional roof cleaning job using high-quality solutions, materials, and equipment can extend the life of your roof by at least a few years. In some cases, we’ve even seen roofs lasting well over a decade or more, all thanks to timely cleaning and maintenance. 

Whenever the weather transitions from cold to warm and generally damper, roofs end up taking most of the brunt of these climatic changes. Unsurprisingly, roofs can get clogged with moss and lichens find a comfortable abode on your roof tiles. Most homeowners do not know this as they certainly don’t have the time or want to risk their own safety climbing up to inspect the roof themselves. 

A professional roof cleaning job fully sanitizes the roof tiles, ensuring they are free of organic matter and weather-related elements. This can not only make your roof last a lot longer but also eliminate the need to get unnecessary (and often costly) repair and maintenance work done. Soft washing roofs, for example, is something that can keep them clean a good 4-6 times longer than traditional pressure washing. 

Depending on the level of roof cleaning you need and the kind of roof you have installed, our qualified and licensed roof cleaners will use their extensive experience and tried-and-tested techniques to clean your roof in the safest, most efficient, and most cost-effective manner. 

We’re only a phone call away in case you need us. Our team will happily conduct a free initial survey and provide you with a no-obligation quote. 

Don’t attempt to clean that roof yourself!

Many homeowners think: “Cleaning the roof should be simple enough. Might as well save some money and do it myself”.

This can prove to be a costly and often fatal mistake! First off, roof cleaning requires specialized cleaning solutions and equipment as well as tools. Using the wrong cleaning solutions or tools, for example, can ruin a perfectly good roof, requiring some very costly repairs down the line, or even a complete roof replacement (huge cost!). 

Second, attempting to clean the roof yourself can lead to serious injury – one slip or wrong move is all it takes, and you could be looking at major hospital bills. Don’t be that ‘fella’. As tempting as it may seem to save money and clean the roof yourself, it’s not worth the risk or future ramifications. 

Roof Doctor prides itself in offering a very cost-effective roof cleaning service, conducting thorough surveys, and advising on the level of roof cleaning you require. We take into account what kind of roof you have, and the level of cleaning it requires, and then send a specialized team with the right tools, equipment, and cleaning agents/solutions to conduct a professional roof cleaning job. 

What to expect during your roof cleaning

• Only experienced, licensed, insured, and fully vetted roof cleaners 
• 24-hour availability for roof cleaning including 24/7/365 availability for emergency roof cleaning
• Complete peace of mind from trade accreditation
• Dedicated backend team in case you have questions or concerns, or require a follow-up
• Only quality cleaning solutions and commercial-grade equipment used
• No waste, dust, trash, or debris left behind after job completion
• We do not charge for travel time, parking, or congestion.

A professional roof or loft insulation Company

 

A professional roof or loft insulation can save up to 25% on your heating bills. When you do the math, this could mean savings ranging into hundreds of pounds. The team at Roof Doctor has many years of experience in loft insulation across the UK. Our fully trained, certified and accredited loft insulation installation team can help you potentially save lots of money on your energy bills and heating costs. Our roof insulation services are competitively priced, and may even unlock access to the latest energy funding and grants to help you save additional costs.

Roof insulation solutions for all budgets

Roof Doctor offers a complete range of insulation solutions, fit for all budgets and needs. We use premium mineral wool insulation for lofts or roofs, which is both robust and versatile as well as affordable. All options come with thermal, comfort and acoustic benefits, and boast fire-resistant properties. Our team can also advise on whether ECO grant funding is available to you.

Our loft insulation installation process is very straightforward, requiring minimal input from you, if at all.

Once our team has surveyed your premises, they will match the right roof insulation product with your needs and budget, which will be installed by an approved and accredited installer only.

We will agree upon a day and time that best suits you and install your new roof or loft insulation in a minimally invasive way, being careful not to upset your property’s structure or fixings in any way. Once your roof insulation has been installed, you’re going to feel the effects immediately as your home will be warmer and more comfortable – all that wonderful heat is now being retained!

In a month or two, you will also see a noticeable drop in your heating bill, particularly as you approach the colder months. All in all, loft insulation is an easy way to enjoy not only big savings on your energy bills but also reduce acoustic noise from the outside and prevent any unwanted sounds (such as music or movies) from being heard in neighboring homes. Moreover, loft insulation offers structural support benefits to some degree, so all in all, it is an excellent investment in the short and long term.

What happens if you don't insulate your roof?

Did you know that, on average, you may be losing up to 25% or more of your home’s heat through the roof if it is not properly insulated? As you might imagine, this heat loss leads to inflated energy bills and also harms the environment in the form of increased greenhouse gas emissions.

If you’re dealing with any of these problems:

• Cold drafts
• Heater working too hard
• Water leaks
• Rooms, walls and floors feel unusually cold
• Moisture and mold in your attic
• Unusually high energy bills

Then you can bet the insulation in your roof or loft has either worn out or was not properly installed by a professional.

Our licensed and accredited roof insulation installers are only a phone call away.

Spray Foam Insulation Pros and Cons

Spray foam insulation is widely used throughout the UK. But is it the best choice for home insulation? To help you make an informed decision we examine the pros and cons of using this type of insulation.

Spray foam insulation is one of the most popular choices in the UK. However, before going down this route to home insulation, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of using it.

Firstly, what is spray foam insulation?

Known as the market leader in the United Kingdom, the spray foam insulation is used on the underside of breathable and non-breathable roof membranes and felts. Furthermore, the foam effectively fills every nook and crevice, thus eliminating the risk of air leakages and infiltration. The foam provides that extra layer of insulation to properties.

What Are the Pros of Using Spray Foam Insulation?

Foam spray insulation is one hundred percent water blown but what does this mean? It means that the foam does not contain any harmful blowing agents which makes it eco-friendly. Moreover, no harmful chemicals are found in open cell spray foam.

The system’s U-value is high being rated at 0.039 and, unlike other insulations, the foam creates a strong air seal. The insulation maintains its shape, thus preventing heat loss reducing the cost of your energy bills.

The foam provides breathable insulation to a property. On top of this, it can help reduce noise pollution by minimizing airborne sounds.

What Are The Cons of Using Spray Foam Insulation?

You can buy a spray foam insulation kit but you would be well advised not to go down this route. The reason being that licensed installers are a must. Application can be extremely messy and areas must be correctly prepared. Spray foam insulation can end up being the death of a roof. Additionally, the foam can be a fire hazard.

Many UK mortgage lenders as well as equity release companies will not consider applications on properties where spray foam insulation is used. Moreover, there are reports where properties had their roofs replaced to meet a lender’s requirements. In short, the financial cost is considerable, more especially because the insulation must be professionally removed.

Making an Informed Decision When it Comes to Spray Foam Insulation

While some lenders still accept the use of spray foam insulation as being an acceptable improvement to properties, other mortgage lenders do not. The fact that spray foam insulation has been used on homes and other UK properties for over 30 years, does not make it the best choice.

Should more lenders refuse to consider properties with spray foam insulation it may result in the following:

• A property is harder to sell or re-mortgage

• The value of a property may be negatively impacted

• A roof replacement may be required to secure a mortgage or financing

In a nutshell, you could end up having to cope with spray foam insulation mortgage problems should you want to sell or re-mortgage a property.

Spray Foam Insulation the Downsides

Spray foam insulation is widely used throughout the UK. But is it the best choice for home

insulation? Not if you are looking to get a mortgage, sell, or refinance a property.

Spray foam insulation is a popular choice in the UK. However, you should consider the

downsides. Spray foam insulation removal may be necessary should you want to buy, sell,

or re-mortgage a property with this type of insulation. The work must be done by a reputable

company too.

Firstly, what is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is used on the underside of breathable and non-breathable roof

membranes and felts. Although the insulation has been used for several decades, your

property’s value may be negatively impacted today. Many mortgage companies as well as

other lenders will not consider applications for properties with spray foam insulation.

Consult with Professional Spray Foam Removal in Surrey

The Many Downsides to Using Spray Foam Insulation?

As previously mentioned, UK mortgage lenders as well as equity release companies will not

consider applications on properties where spray foam insulation is used. Moreover, there are

reports where properties had their roofs replaced to meet a lender’s requirements. In short,

spray foam insulation removal must be carried out by professionals namely a respected

company like Spray Foam Removal Ltd.

Spray Foam Insulation Can Devalue Your Property

While some lenders may still consider the use of spray foam insulation as an acceptable improvement to properties, too many other mortgage lenders do not. The fact that spray foam has been used on homes and other UK properties for over 30 years, does not mean it is or has been the best choice.

Should more lenders refuse to consider properties with spray foam for insulation, it may

result in the following:

• Your property is harder to sell or re-mortgage
• The value of your property may be negatively impacted
• A roof replacement may be required to secure a mortgage or financing

In a nutshell, you could end up having to cope with spray foam insulation mortgage problems should you want to sell or re-mortgage a property. There are many reasons for this including the fact the foam can be a fire hazard. The insulation can be the death of your roof. As such, you may need to consider contacting a spray foam insulation removal company before applying for any sort of finance.

Hire Specialist at Spray Foam Removal in Norfolk

Spray Foam Insulation Can Make a Property Harder to Sell

When it comes to selling your property, spray foam insulation may see a buyer pulling out. Buyers may pull out because the mortgage lender insists the property undergoes a total roof replacement. This costly expense would be down to you to finance whether directly or by agreeing to a price reduction on the property. Either way, the type of insulation could lose you the sale.

Having spray foam insulation removed may be necessary but well worth the effort and cost. It takes away any headaches you may have regarding the value of your property. In short, when you want to sell or re-mortgage, you can do so without worrying a lender may turn you down because your property has spray foam for insulation. Lastly, spray foam insulation removal will help ensure the value of your property does not go down.

Spray Foam Insulation Removal: The Process

A lender may not accept your loan application because of spray foam insulation. However, the solution is to contact a spray foam removal company.

The reason lenders and mortgage companies do not like lending on properties with spray foam insulation is because of the unseen damage caused to roof timbers. The best solution to the problem is to contact a reputable spray foam insulation removal company and have the offending insulation removed. It can then be replaced with a more efficient type of insulation and one that meets British standards.

Spray Foam Insulation Removal: The Process

The process of removing spray foam insulation from a property’s roof is never easy and when professionally carried out, the process is labor intensive. However, if it means a lender will look favorably on your loan application, the mess, the cost, and the effort is extremely worthwhile.

A competent company will remove the spray foam from all your roof timbers which allows them to breathe because of improved airflow. When the work is carried out by a reputable company, it may involve removing existing roof tiles too. As such, the process may take a little longer. But the good news is that this should not affect the total cost. A reputable spray foam insulation removal firm will always carry out a detailed internal survey prior to pricing a job. As such, the cost of spray foam insulation removal is known from the outset.

Another positive of employing the services of a competent foam spray insulation removal company is that when the foam is removed from all roof timbers, everything is thoroughly cleaned. Once this is achieved, as previously mentioned, new insulation that meets British standards is installed which means your loan application will not be turned down due to spray foam insulation issues.

Getting Help with Spray Foam Insulation Removal is the Best Option

You can find many spray foam removal products on the market. However, having an expert carry out the process means the removal will be done thoroughly and correctly. In short, the spray foam is removed without causing any further damage to roof timbers and walls. When an expert does the work it ensures the results meet a potential lenders’ requirements. This is due to the lender’s surveyor report being closely followed.

Why Choosing a Reputable Spray Foam Insulation Removing Company Works

You will find many spray foam insulation removal companies by simply Googling your needs. However, choosing a competent company means the process will be:

·       Professionally assessed before a quote is provided

·       Although the work is labor intensive, a competent company ensures the work is carried out in a timely manner without leaving any stone unturned

·       The work is messy. However, a reputable company of spray foam removal in Scotland ensures any mess made is cleaned up when the work is completed

Should you choose to have the work carried out by a company that rushes to get the foam removed, you may face further costs. You may have to pay for any damage they do on top of having the spray foam insulation removed. In short, getting the work done by a competent spray foam insulation removal company in the first place can make lighter work of the process.