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Ask a qualified surveyor with no link to a removal company whether your foam needs removing or other work would do.
Spray Foam Removal
Spray Foam Removal
Spray foam in your roof can make selling or remortgaging harder. Get it independently assessed first, then find a specialist if removal is the right answer.
Understand your options
What is spray foam removal?
Spray foam insulation is sprayed onto the underside of a roof, where it expands and sets. Some homeowners have found it hard to sell or remortgage a home with spray foam in the roof: in November 2024 the BBC reported that a quarter of the UK's biggest mortgage providers, and all of the equity release lenders it surveyed, would not lend against such homes. Most lenders ask a surveyor to inspect the roof and decide from that survey, and some consider applications case by case.
If it is installed incorrectly or in the wrong roof, spray foam can reduce ventilation, trap moisture and put roof timbers at risk of decay. Because it covers the timbers, surveyors may also find the roof hard to inspect.
Removal is not always needed
The government has said that spray foam installed in line with the relevant standards should not need removing or stop you getting a mortgage. A consumer guide published by the Property Care Association with surveying and insulation industry bodies says foam may not need removing where the risk is low or other remedial work is more appropriate. It advises asking a qualified surveyor. RICS recommends independent advice that is commercially separate from the installer and manufacturer, and keeping all the paperwork from the installation.
Be wary of cold callers offering spray foam surveys or removal. The House of Commons Library notes warnings from the Home Owners Alliance and the Property Care Association about this. The government has said there is no public funding for removal. If the foam was installed incorrectly, you may be entitled to have it put right by the installer or through an insurance-backed guarantee, and TrustMark can help where the work was done under a government scheme.
Last reviewed September 2026. Sources: House of Commons Library, Spray foam insulation and mortgages (updated July 2026); Property Care Association consumer guide; RICS spray foam consumer guide.
If you decide to have it removed, tell us about your home and we will pass your enquiry to Better Home Hub, which looks for a removal specialist who covers your area. The specialist assesses your roof and provides the quote.
From enquiry to installation
Your next steps, made clear.
Check what your lender needs
Ask your lender or mortgage broker what evidence they will want to see after the work, before you commit to anything.
Review your quote
Ask for a written quote covering removal, any timber repairs, waste disposal, re-insulation and the records you will receive.
Removal and records
The foam is removed and the timbers inspected. Keep the photos and paperwork for your lender and any future buyer.
Why are some mortgage lenders wary of spray foam?
Foam covering the roof timbers makes it hard for a surveyor to check their condition, and incorrectly installed foam can lead to condensation and timber decay. Lenders' policies differ: some decline, some decide case by case, and most rely on a surveyor's inspection.
Do I have to remove my spray foam?
Not always. The government says foam installed in line with the relevant standards should not need removing, and industry guidance says removal may not be needed where the risk is low. Ask a qualified, independent surveyor before paying for removal.
Can spray foam damage my roof?
It can if it is installed incorrectly or used in an unsuitable roof. It may reduce ventilation and trap moisture, which can put timbers at risk of decay. Open-cell foam is generally less prone to condensation than closed-cell foam.
Can I remove spray foam myself?
It is not recommended. Removal can damage tiles, membranes and wiring, and needs the right equipment and protection. Use a specialist and ask how they will protect your home and dispose of the waste.
Is there a grant to remove spray foam?
The government has said there is no public funding for removing spray foam. If it was installed incorrectly, contact your installer or guarantee provider first; if it was fitted under a government scheme, TrustMark has a complaints process.
What paperwork should I keep?
Keep everything from the original installation, such as product certificates and guarantees, and from any survey and removal: photos, a description of the work done and any timber treatment records. Ask your lender in advance what they will need.
Your next step
A warmer home.
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Tell us what you need. We'll help you find the right specialist.