Spray foam insulation

D_W123

Hello
can anyone help?

I have posted this in the DIY forum too.

my mum had this installed in 2022/3 and we think incorrectly as they have completely covered the end walls (inc. air bricks ) and the eaves.  

If she has it removed, are there ‘trade bodies’ or a regulatory body that she can find a contractor through to ensure she isn’t ripped off again?
also, if we just cut out the air bricks sections and made some air holes over the eaves, would this make it good? Of at least good enough to provide some ventilation?
she has had a couple of companies quote and say different things, one told her it lets off a cyanide gas, although I can’t find much on this for removal just during installation
many thanks 

D_W123

Hello
can anyone help?
my mum had this installed in 2022/3 and we think incorrectly as they have completely covered the end walls (inc. air bricks ) and the eaves.  

If she has it removed, are there ‘trade bodies’ or a regulatory body that she can find a contractor through to ensure she isn’t ripped off again?
also, if we just cut out the air bricks sections and made some air holes over the eaves, would this make it good? Of at least good enough to provide some ventilation?
she has had a couple of companies quote and say different things, one told her it lets off a cyanide gas, although I can’t find much on this for removal just during installation
many thanks 

grumpy_codger

What's "end walls"? Gable walls? Usually they (cowboys) spray insulation between (and over) the rafters, under the tiles. And the main problem created by this is the rafters trapping moisture, not drying and rotting as a result. 

I think, problems with loft ventilation, if any, can be solved by cutting the foam out where it blocks it.

Albermarle

As above, is the foam also under the rafters/tiles, because that is usually where it is?

FreeBear

D_W123 said: my mum had this installed in 2022/3 and we think incorrectly as they have completely covered the end walls (inc. air bricks ) and the eaves.  

If she has it removed, are there ‘trade bodies’ or a regulatory body that she can find a contractor through to ensure she isn’t ripped off again?
also, if we just cut out the air bricks sections and made some air holes over the eaves, would this make it good? Of at least good enough to provide some ventilation?
she has had a couple of companies quote and say different things, one told her it lets off a cyanide gas, although I can’t find much on this for removal just during installation
many thanks

Spray foam insulation can outgas cyanide as it cures. In a well ventilated space, this shouldn't be a major concern. When it burns, cyanide is just one of many toxic chemicals released...

There is a Spray Foam Removal Federation - Sounds just as suspect as the Property Care Association that promotes spray foam in the first place. Personally, I'd find a National Federation of Roofing Contractors member that is experienced in this type of work. Remediation is likely to require the roof being stripped, so an NFRC should be able to provide the necessary certificates on completion.

As the work was only done in 2022/3, I'd suggest exploring the legal option of getting the original contractors to remove the stuff (and foot the bill).

D_W123

grumpy_codger said:

What's "end walls"? Gable walls? Usually they (cowboys) spray insulation between (and over) the rafters, under the tiles. And the main problem created by this is the rafters trapping moisture, not drying and rotting as a result. 

I think, problems with loft ventilation, if any, can be solved by cutting the foam out where it blocks it.

Hi, yes gable ends (both) otherwise between the trusses and on top of the felt.

grumpy_codger

I'm no expert, but I don't see any problem with the foam on brick walls in the loft.

And, with felt under the tiles, I don't see a problem with foam between rafters, not covering them completely.

Of course, if loft ventilation was affected, this has to be rectified.