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.
