Spray Foam Insulation: Moisture, Condensation, and Other Issues

Spray foam insulation reduces your home’s ability to breathe causing mould and further damage with spray foam removal being the only viable option.

Over the years many companies in the UK have set up as spray foam insulation experts.

However, there is a lot of misrepresentation when it comes to this type of insulation. Several mortgage lenders now consider properties with spray foam insulation pose a liability, whether closed on open cell foam is used. In short, a lender may well refuse a mortgage application on a house or other property with this type of roof insulation installed.

Owners now find their properties are worth less, or they find that potential buyers walk away from a sale. There are solutions which include a mortgage lender requiring a total roof refit. Alternatively, you can opt to contact a Spray foam removal company to deal with the problem. There are many problems linked to spray foam insulation which includes:

• Moisture builds up creating mould and mildew issues due to a lack of adhesion where the foam is sprayed. 

• When the spray foam is poorly applied the results include bad odours, lack of adhesion and off-ratio spraying of the foam.

• Gaps in the coverage reduces efficiency.

• Incorrect thickness is applied.

• Permanent odour due to the chemicals used in the spray foam being badly mixed. 

Spray Foam Insulation: Off-gassing Issues

Spray foam insulation can cause people to develop breathing issues as well as having other adverse effects on their overall health and well-being. This is due to off-gassing which is the release of chemicals into the air. That said, some fumes are a lot more toxic than many spray foam insulation installers let on.

It could lead to the following health issues if exposure is prolonged:

• Headaches

• Respiratory disorders

• Hormone disruption

• Certain forms of cancers

In short, spray foam applications generate harmful isocyanate vapours which can lead to

sensitisation. You may suffer an allergic reaction such as:

• Watery eyes

• Itching

• Skin rashes

If your home already has spray foam insulation, you may want to consider finding a solution to the problem. You may be wise to get in touch with experts in spray foam insulation removal.

Remortgaging, selling a Property, Buying a property: Spray Foam Insulation Issues.

If you are thinking about buying a property with spray foam insulation, you would be wise to check with your lender first. You should check they are willing to lend you money before going forward with a loan application.

When it comes to re-mortgaging a property, you could find lenders are not willing to consider your application unless you deal with the problem of having spray foam insulation. Lenders may insist on you having a new roof installed which could prove extremely costly.

Should you own a property with spray foam insulation, it could be worth contacting a

reputable spray foam removal company. This should be done before putting the property on the market to avoid any issues with the sale.

Spray Foam Removal – Closed Cell Spray Foam and Open Cell Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation removal is labour intensive and both types are extremely difficult to remove.

Closed Cell Spray Foam

Closed cell spray foam differs from open cell because it can help support a roof structure. The reason being that when it sets closed cell spray foam is rigid, and as a result if a property’s roof is not in the best condition, the insulation can add extra support.

The reason closed cell spray foam is solid when it sets is because it contains many pockets of gas. These pockets in turn slows down the movement of heat through the foam. However, a room or loft must be well-ventilated when using closed spray foam because it forms a barrier to moisture. If not well-ventilated, condensation builds up causing all sorts of problems.

Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation 

Open cell spray foam on the other hand, is less dense and be compressed using nothing more than your hands. As such, open cell spray foam is not good when used to support a roof structure. Nor is the foam any good as an insulator which means you have to install a much thicker layer to achieve required results. Thicker layers are the only way you will obtain the same level of insulation provided by closed cell spray foam. But in the long-term neither are a good choice should you wish to sell or re-mortgage a property. You may find spray foam insulation removal is the most viable option.

Spray Foam Insulation and Dampness Problems

Should condensation be an issue, or dampness gets in, the result could damage roof trusses, battens, and purlins. All of which could start to rot. There have been reports of properties having very wet roof timbers due to spray foam insulation having been installed. The result is a degradation in your roof’s condition.

This occurred when either closed or open cell spray foam insulation was installed. In short, it proves that spray foam insulation is not as breathable as reported. Another consideration that could negatively impact your roof is when installers do not carry out the job thoroughly. This happens when installers fail to fill cavities which creates a much higher risk of water damage. All too often, owners do not realize the amount of damage done until it becomes a serious problem.

The Downsides to Using Either Closed or Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Should anything go wrong with either closed or open cell spray foam, removing either insulation is labour intensive. In short, spray foam insulation removal is extremely difficult and must be done by reputable professionals.

The majority of mortgage lenders do not like properties with spray foam insulation. As such, it is well worth discussing its use with a lender prior to having either closed or open cell spray foam insulation installed in your property. You should also consider the resell value of your property, and whether a buyer’s lender would be okay with spray foam insulation. You may find the buyer walks away from the sale because a lender does not consider applications for properties with this type of insulation. You may need to contact a spray foam insulation removal company or have a completely new roof installed.

Choosing the Best Spray Foam Removal Company

 Tips for Choosing a Reputable Spray Foam Insulation Removing Company

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 labour 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 spray foam insulation removal company 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.

The majority of mortgage lenders do not like properties with spray foam insulation. As such, it is well worth discussing its use with a lender prior to having either closed or open cell spray foam insulation installed in your property. You should also consider the resell value of your property, and whether a buyer’s lender would be okay with spray foam insulation. You may find the buyer walks away from the sale because a lender does not consider applications for properties with this type of insulation. You may need to contact a spray foam insulation removal company or have a completely new roof installed.

Content Source: https://sprayfoaminsulations.co.uk/choosing-the-best-spray-foam-removal-company/