Spray foam insulation

TFP_SA

I wondered if anyone has any good tips on this.

My mother [aged 70s] is a homeowner, probably looking to sell up/downsize within the next, say, decade or so.

She recently got a cold call about the removal of spray foam insulation, someone suggesting that she pay them a load of money to get rid of insulation which she'd previously had put in because of the problems it can cause etc. She revealed to me that she in fact had got this done a few years ago, something which I didn't know [I'd barely heard of the stuff, to be honest, though I have now].

I would guess that the company who rang up did so purely on spec, her number may well have found its way onto a list of 'possibly gullible older people's numbers who are worth cold calling', but I am now wondering about this insulation... specifically how she could find out whether it is problematic or not, either from her perspective as an occupant or a future seller.

I don't suppose anyone on here has any great tips on how she should proceed? I shouldn't think that a basic survey would pick something like this up, would it? But...

Thanks in advance

theartfullodger

Spray foam "insulation" is terrible - property value, marketability.  Suggest research this a lot before deciding what to do.  Use this new bunch of cowboys (who claim to be able to remove) to educate you both 4 free 

eddddy

I last looked at this about a year ago. At that time, no mortgage lender would lend on a property with spray foam insulation. I doubt the situation has changed.

That means that she would either need to have the spray foam removed before selling...
... or sell (probably at a knock down price) to a cash buyer, who would then remove the spray foam.


But the spray foam could already be causing hidden rot in the roof timbers, so it might be best to remove it asap - to stop any hidden rot getting worse.

Albermarle

Suggest you search the forum for 'spray foam'. There are quite a few threads about it.

jimbog

I would suppose the database of those homeowners who paid to have it installed has now been sold to others offering to remove it 

youth_leader

Your poor Mum, I bet she is kicking herself.  Best of luck finding a reputable company to remove it, do you have a local community page on Facebook?

MeteredOut

jimbog said:

I would suppose the database of those homeowners who paid to have it installed has now been sold to others offering to remove it 

Wouldn't surprise me if it was the same (or closely related) company. Circular business.

OP, not sure if this helps, but it might be worthwhile determine if it is open or closed cell insulation

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/spray-foam-insulation-and-mortgages/

FreeBear

MeteredOut said: OP, not sure if this helps, but it might be worthwhile determine if it is open or closed cell insulation

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/spray-foam-insulation-and-mortgages/

Despite what the Property Care Association claim, open cell is just as bad as closed cell for trapping moisture.

Whilst the PCA states that they have developed training & inspection protocols for surveyors and installers, you need to be aware that this body supports all sorts of products & companies doing untold damage to properties across the country. Chemical injected DPCs and other micky mouse damp "treatments" are another one of their activities.

As for removing spray foam, I'd suggest contacting a few local roofing companies. They would be far more likely to give an honest opinion and costing of the work than any cold calling bunch of clowns.

BungalowBel

My neighbour has spray foam insulation and has since been told he can never replace his roof, never have anyone walk on it to replace  tiles, in fact never even get the tiles off in one piece.

We , however, had our roof replaced earlier this year using our existing tiles, thereby reducing the cost considerably..

I would get your mum's removed asap (but not necessarily with the people who have knocked on the door).

ComicGeek

There are whole parts of the industry that should be prosecuted and imprisoned. They deliberately target vulnerable elderly people, and it's just 100% criminal. They know that it's 100% wrong to use, and even have phony 'associations' set up to try and con people. The Government needs to close them down and prosecute every company that uses spray foam insulation - it should be illegal to buy or use it, that's how harmful it is. 

For me at the moment this is the biggest disgrace in the industry, followed closely by electric boilers and Bear Grylls' water filter nonsense. 

fluffymuffy

ComicGeek said:

For me at the moment this is the biggest disgrace in the industry, followed closely by electric boilers and Bear Grylls' water filter nonsense. 

Also Damp Surveyors