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CAUSES OF SPRAY FOAM INSULATION DAMAGE YOUR PROPERTY
If spray foam insulation is incorrectly applied to your property’s roof, it could well cause a problem with moisture retention within your timber, leading to further complications that may well need professional repair.
Porous spray foam insulation (Open Cell) is designed to allow for the passage of air, however, the foam itself can act a bit like a sponge, absorbing moisture and then holding it against the timber it was designed to protect.
Non-porous foam (Closed Cell) however does not allow for airflow, and any moisture that comes into contact with the foam will sit on top and be held against the timber by the foam, again causing a potential moisture problem in the timber.
Both of these examples are problems, the only difference is the method through which the spray foam insulation causes moisture to enter your property’s timber.
So, if improperly applied or bonded, spray foam insulation can cause timber to absorb and retain moisture, leading to issues such as dry and wet rot, which can spread easily and ruin your timber.
Reducing the ventilation capacity of a roof can also heighten the risk of condensation building up within the roof void, causing an attic to develop potential damp and mould issues in the future.
HOW DO YOU KNOW SPRAY FOAM INSULATION IS HARMING FOR YOUR PROPERTY?
Because spray foam insulation is typically applied in areas like lofts or roof voids, spaces we rarely inspect, it’s easy for problems to go unnoticed. In fact, one of the biggest spray foam insulation risks in UK homes is that issues can develop behind the insulation, out of sight and out of mind.
Even if you were to inspect your loft in detail, it’s often impossible to see what’s happening beneath the foam. This makes it very difficult to identify early signs of deterioration or moisture damage without a professional inspection.
For example, timber decay under spray foam, concealed leaks, or degraded roof materials may be hidden entirely. Moisture can become trapped, potentially leading to serious issues like dry rot, woodworm, or mould, problems that can compromise your roof's integrity and reduce your property’s value.
Many UK homeowners are unaware that roof spray foam mortgage issues are now common, with numerous lenders refusing loans due to the presence of foam. That’s why a Chartered Surveyor spray foam report, prepared by RICS-qualified experts, is essential for buyers, sellers, or anyone considering installation or removal.
If you’ve noticed increased condensation, signs of decay, or just want peace of mind, it’s best to get an independent property defect report. At AMS SURVEYS, our RICS spray foam insulation surveys UK offer accurate, impartial advice, including guidance on removal and lender compliance.
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What is a Level 3 Survey?A level 3 survey is more thorough and detailed than than a Level 2 and will address matters such as the materials used for each part of the building, defects and remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property.
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How much does a Level 3 survey cost UK?A Level 3 Home Survey, sometimes called a Building Survey, costs £800 on average, though it can be as cheap as £600 and as expensive as £1,200. A Building Survey is the most comprehensive of all the survey types.
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Is a RICS Level 3 worth it?Level 3 (Building or Structural Survey) This type of survey is more in-depth than a Level 2. It's also the best option for unusual or older properties, those that have undergone significant alterations. This type of RICS survey will cover: The property's overall condition in detail, including both major and minor defects.
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Does a level 3 survey check for damp?The surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter, binoculars and torch, and uses a ladder for flat roofs and for hatches no more than 3m above level ground (outside) or floor surfaces (inside) if it is safe to do so. So yes, the property is checked for signs or evidence of damp, however this may recommend a Damp and Timber Survey whereby chemical testing and analysis may be required.
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How long does a Level 3 survey take to complete?The RICS Home Survey Level 3, also known as a full structural survey and previously as a RICS Building Survey, is the most thorough survey RICS offers. It can take around 2-4 at the property, maybe more depending on the size, type and condition for the surveyor to complete a Building Survey. It then takes several hours more to produce and write the report.
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Is a Level 3 survey structural?The RICS Home Survey Level 3 has often been previously referred to as a “full structural survey” or “building survey”. The report can be on an RICS Home Survey Level 3 template or can be to the surveyor's bespoke design. Level 3 reports are conducted by Building Surveyors. Whilst the structure is reported upon, it does not necessarily provide a detailed investigation of structural issues such as subsidence or cracking which usually requires intrusive investigation. In which case you may need a Structural Inspection.
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What areas does AMS SURVEYS cover?We cover: Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool and Manchester and everywhere in between.
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What are the red flags on a house survey?Property surveyors can identify issues that may impact a buyer's decision to continue with the purchase. These red flags could include structural damage, unapproved extensions, damp or subsidence. Ultimately it depends on the cost of those repairs and whether you are able to negotiate the purchase price or willing to accept risk and the cost of those repairs.
