Spray foam insulation, promoted by the UK government’s eco-scheme to improve energy efficiency, has unintentionally caused problems for homeowners and landlords.
A significant number of the UK’s largest mortgage providers now refuse to lend on properties with spray foam insulation, despite more than 250,000 homes having installed it through the Green Homes Grant.
The issue arises from potential harmful side effects of spray foam insulation. It can obscure roof damage, making it harder to detect issues like leaks and timber decay, while closed-cell foam can stress timber and restrict air circulation. Poorly installed foam may also cause dampness and condensation.
In addition to mortgage lenders, some estate agents are refusing to list homes with spray foam, as it complicates property evaluations. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) notes that surveyors find it difficult to assess the condition of roofs covered in foam, leading to further complications for lenders and buyers.
This has left landlords and tenants in difficult positions. Landlords, particularly those who used spray foam to meet energy efficiency standards, have expressed frustration with the government’s eco-scheme and subsequent lending restrictions.
Despite consultations with lenders, the government has not taken responsibility for the consequences, leaving the issue unresolved for those affected.
