Spray Foam Removal
The idea behind removing spray foam insulation from between the rafters of the loft space is that the natural ventilation you get coming up from your eaves and the overlaps of your roof felt, allow ventilation to your loft space to in turn, keeping your timbers well aired, preventing the timbers accruing dry rot/woodworm and keeping condensation levels down.
WE HAVE NEVER NOR WILL WE EVER INSTALL SPRAY FOAM INSULATION BETWEEN RAFTERS OR JOISTS INSIDE A ROOF/LOFT SPACE
Moisture Trapping and Roof Damage
Spray foam virtually acts as an impenetrable barrier, while still acting as a good insulator, it can prevent moisture from escaping, resulting in timbers getting wet and rotting, along with the roof felt behind degrading over time, becoming very brittle, voiding the integrity of the roof being resistant to the outside elements.
Not only have we seen a problem with everything stated above, when it comes to selling your house, acquiring loans, releasing equity or anything to do with mortgages, customers have come unstuck, as spray foam insulation has made them all the banks, lenders and mortgages companies hesitant to do so, due to the uncertainty surrounding the long-term effects of spray foam and the challenges/cost involved in its removal can significantly impact property value and saleability.
TYPES OF SPRAY FOAM
Not only is the application to remove the spray foam proven difficult, but the complexity of removal is also further compounded when dealing with different types of foam, such as open-cell and closed-cell, each requiring a unique approach.
OPEN CELL
If you have open-cell foam insulation installed, then using a range of tools and specialised skills, this foam can be removed swiftly and easily and correctly disposed of. Open-cell foam, being softer and less dense, is somewhat easier to remove.
Our surveyors are experts in deeming which type of spray foam is present in your loft space. We can easily tell this if we are able to rip a section off by hand.
CLOSED CELL
However, if it is not able to rip off easily, then it is ‘closed cell’ which is much denser, and near impossible to rip by hand, this ‘closed cell’ foam cannot be taken off from inside the loft with tools or specialised skills. This is removed by removing the felt off itself, essentially re-doing the whole roof.
If you require any advice regarding the implications of having spray foam present in your loft or would like advice in removing it or the potential costs it involves, please contact us below.
