Concerns Raised to Government Over Spray Foam Insulation Defects

A leading trade body has called on the government to take urgent action after a survey revealed that more than a third of homes fitted with spray foam insulation show signs of defects. These concerns have been formally raised with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, as well as the housing department.

What the Data Shows

Recent industry research indicates that 35% of homes with spray foam have experienced at least one significant issue. Problems include trapped moisture, timber decay, and mould growth. These issues are especially common where spray foam has been applied directly to roof tiles or underlays. That 35% figure becomes even more shocking when considering the vast majority of spray foam insulation in UK homes has been installed within the past 10 years.

In colder parts of the UK, experts warn that up to a quarter of timber roofing structures could begin to rot within five years of installation.

Mortgage and Financial Impact

Many mortgage lenders are now refusing to approve loans for properties with spray foam insulation unless a specialist survey confirms it was installed correctly. This has left many homeowners unable to remortgage, release equity, or even sell their homes.

What Trade Groups Are Demanding

The Property Care Association and HomeOwners Alliance are calling for a government-led response. Their recommendations include:

• Creating a formal roundtable involving lenders, retrofit specialists, and surveyors.

• Providing financial assistance for homeowners who need to remove spray foam or carry out repairs.

• Cracking down on rogue removal firms that exploit homeowners.

• Setting clearer regulations for both installers and inspectors, including a requirement for independent surveys.

• The PCA has already published an inspection protocol and maintains a register of trained, certified surveyors.

A Wider Problem

Spray foam insulation was once promoted as a green solution, with many installations supported by government grants and tax breaks under schemes like ECO4 and the Green Homes Grant. An estimated 250,000 homes in the UK currently have spray foam installed.

Without swift intervention, campaigners fear that trust in government-backed energy-efficiency schemes will decline. Many homeowners feel they were encouraged to install spray foam without being properly warned of the long-term consequences.