MisinFOAMation

Spray Foam Magazine – Winter 2024 – A recent article in a British newspaper highlighted an immediate issue for the spray foam industry across the pond. In this article, it spotlights British homeowners who are enraged to discover they cannot sell or remortgage their homes after installing spray foam insulation. Is this a simple case of misinformation? Could this have a knock-on effect in other areas of the world?

In recent years, energy prices have skyrocketed leaving homeowners to look for ways to make their homes more energy efficient. The UK government endorsed spray foam insulation, exempting the insulation from VAT resulting in many homeowners rushing to have SPF installed in their walls and roofs. Fast forward a couple of years and numerous press outlets have reported thousands of homeowners who had SPF installed, are now in a predicament.

It is claimed that in taking the steps to have their home’s energy efficient, homeowners have made their homes unsalable. They are also finding it problematic to get home equity loans. It is reported that surveyors make it difficult for any house with spray foam installed in the roof to gain a mortgage. 

These blanket statements are due to misinformation that all SPF installations ruin roof timbers due to the lack of ventilation. There are also claims surveyors are unable to inspect the roof timbers behind the foam, resulting in mortgage lenders dispensing unmitigated refusals on these properties.

According to the British press, thousands of homeowners are spending thousands to have the spray foam removed. Many of these homeowners are in fact victims of uncertified installers and say that the industry is not regulated. Regrettably, there are uncertified spray foam installers and removers that are profiting from offering substandard services.

Steve Jewell, the CEO of SWIS-SYNTHESIA based in Newquay, UK said, “It's important to clarify that the situation regarding spray foam insulation (SPF) in the UK isn’t quite as dire as recent articles suggest. In fact, there has been significant progress in addressing concerns and misconceptions surrounding SPF, thanks to the collaborative efforts of key industry players. All manufacturers selling accredited spray foam within the UK have united under a working group formed by the Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA). This collective effort has led to positive changes, particularly in how high street lenders view properties with SPF installed. While additional survey work may be required to ensure no moisture or fitment-related issues, most lenders are now willing to provide mortgages on such properties.”

Unfortunately, the British Urethane Foam Contractors Association (BUFCA) which was the equivalent of the SPFA here in the U.S., is no longer in existence and was dissolved a couple of years ago. As it stands, the IMA has largely taken its place and is now the voice helping the UK SPF industry move forward.

The Property Care Association (PCA), IMA, and representatives from the UK spray foam working group, along with other stakeholders, have continued to modify the original surveyor protocol that was introduced in 2022. The revised protocol is now available on the PCA’s website.

Unfortunately, while this protocol aimed to standardize the assessment of SPF, it unintentionally gave rise to a new issue: the increasing number of “rip-out” companies.

These spray foam rip-out companies have gained a bad reputation for belligerent and often deceptive practices. They repeatedly embellish risks, like moisture buildup or structural damage, which is troubling because many of these claims are baseless, especially in cases where the SPF has been correctly installed. This has led to circumstances where homeowners, who might not face real issues, are pressured into unnecessary and expensive SPF removal.

The IMA is taking steps to counter these damaging developments by finalizing a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) presentation for surveyors, building professionals, and other interested parties. This will provide them with the knowledge and tools to correctly inspect SPF installations and help reduce misinformation. The IMA will also publish extensive information on spray foam as a product on their website, providing current information on the benefits and proper applications of UK-approved SPF systems. The IMA’s media campaign will counteract the recent negative press and correct the factually inaccurate statements in various articles.

Another British newspaper recently published a list reflecting this shift, which offers a good indication of current thinking within the industry. The list shows major mortgage lenders stipulating that they look at each mortgage application on a case-by-case basis. The majority stated they consider the evidence provided shows that the spray foam has been installed properly. However, some request an engineer’s structural support report, with others debating that spray foam is not suitable for listed buildings.

Due to the press scaremongering and the unfortunate stories involving rogue SPF installers and removers, this misinformation is spreading fast. Countries like New Zealand are now concerned about spray foam insulation having a negative effect on mortgage requests. Education and certification in the industry are more crucial than ever. Homeowners need the option of spray foam as a superior insulation to help meet home energy efficiency measures, which are a key component of the UK’s policies to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

Frank Mortl, Executive Director of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) commented on the situation in the U.K. by saying, “Questions about SPF in the UK often revolve around building science issues like ventilation, moisture control, and indoor air quality, which can affect property values. Over the past thirty years, SPF has gained significant acceptance in the United States due to the industry's efforts to educate design professionals, builders, and regulators on proper SPF selection and installation. SPFA is ready to provide similar support to decision-makers in the UK, offering expertise through its technical network and professional certification programs.”