In this post we will discuss the several challenges that the spray foam industry has faced and what the future has in store for this service and your mortgage.
The RPSA has released an updated guide on spray foam insulation.
- To view and download the Inspection Protocol from PCA, click here
- To view and download the IMA Inspection Protocol, click here.
This guide will help surveyors assess spray foam risks, distinguish between good and bad installations and provide clarity to homeowners about their own.
Inspection Protocol - All You Need to Know
The Inspection Protocol offers a five-stage framework to assess pitched roof elements and determine the suitability of spray foam insulation, with a methodology for surveyors to ensure proper installation. A homeowner pack is also provided, documenting the condition of the roof and a hygrothermal evaluation, alongside details of the material installed and of the installer.
The protocol and homeowner pack aim to ensure that spray foam is installed correctly, reducing the risk of issues such as condensation, dampness, or ventilation problems. Moreover, the protocol's endorsement by lenders will likely increase the number of properties that can benefit from spray foam insulation, potentially leading to reduced energy bills, improved comfort, and increased property value. Properties with spray foam installed and inspected in line with best practice will be considered "low risk" by lenders, facilitating mortgage solutions.
Developed collaboratively by a working group led by the Property Care Association, the guidance includes spray foam manufacturers, surveying institutions, lenders, surveyors, legislators, and product certification bodies.
Steve Hodgson, CEO of PCA, said: "In the coming years we have a huge task to retrofit energy efficiency measures into more than 25 million homes. We need to be sure that any installations are carried out properly and professionally, and only after careful consideration of their impact on a 'whole-house' basis."
"The improper use of spray foam insulation can have devastating consequences or end up costing thousands of pounds for little benefit. So, it's vital that the spray foam industry is properly regulated and managed."
You can expect a simple and easy 4 step process when our sprayed polyurethane foam is applied to a roof that incorporates an underlay/roofing felt, as the protocol states.
Where in contrast, it can be a much more tedious process with untrustworthy companies. Here is a small section of the protocol by PCA where they describe the process behing the application and the following up wether it being correctly done or not.
- To view and download the full version of the Inspection Protocol from PCA, click here
- To view and download the IMA Inspection Protocol, click here.
Since its release to the public, the protocol is expected to be a turning point for many individuals who have concerns regarding the spray foam insulation industry and its installers. In response to this protocol, lenders like Nationwide have already updated their policies while others like Barclays are in the process of reviewing their literature.
It is only a matter of time before other major lenders are compelled to do the same.
Previous statements on Spray Foam Insulation
In December 2021, the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) and Property Care Association (PCA) estimated that there were around 250,000 homes with spray foam insulation. Their guidance advised surveyors to recommend its removal which was said without any extensive technical information.
An article on Which? reported that the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has stated that a surveyor may "decrease the value of the property" if they encounter spray foam insulation during an inspection. The RICS said this may "even render a property unmortgageable in the eyes of a lender."
Alan Milstein, chairman of the RPSA said it had recently become a significant problem as many of the installations were "poorly executed" without proper consideration of moisture management.
As a company we have always been fully compliant and followed all regulations with the installation of our Spray Foam and ensure we put our customers first, Warmer Solutions will always conduct an in depth survey of the space where the Spray Foam is to be installed to ensure it is not only safe to do the installation but also that it is necessary and correct to do so, this makes sure that each Spray Foam installation is correctly installed to the highest standards and makes sure it does not impact the integrity of the roof, whilst ensuring that the roof is as energy efficient as it can be.
Logic foam Ltd will become the official UK distributor of logic foam products. Click below for a video on how Logic foam can help contractors and customers with our sevices.
Will Spray Foam Insulation Affect My Mortgage?
No, spray foam insulation won't affect your properties ability to get a mortgage if properly installed.
The spray foam industry has encountered numerous challenges, particularly regarding mortgage problems, causing significant difficulties for both installers and customers. This issue has arisen due to the spread of misleading information, which has resulted in consumer fears about devalued homes and delayed mortgages.
As a spray foam insulation installer, we understand that one of the concerns our clients may have is whether or not using our product will affect their mortgages. We want to assure you that when you choose us for your insulation needs, you can be confident that there will be no issues with your mortgage approval. Our team is trained and certified to install spray foam insulation properly and safely. We use only high-quality materials that are known to be effective and safe for your home.
In addition, we conduct thorough inspections to ensure that the insulation is installed correctly, and we provide our clients with detailed documentation to demonstrate the quality of our work. We also offer warranties and guarantees to provide peace of mind to our clients. So when you choose us for your insulation needs, you can be confident that you're making a sound investment in your home, without any concerns about your mortgage.
At Warmer Solutions we have always been fully compliant and followed all regulations with the installations of our Spray Foam and ensured we put our customers first and will for the foreseable future.
You are fully protected with Warmer Solutions. Click here to see our TrustMark certificate, here for the BBA certificate of installation, here for our IsoThane certificate and here for our KIWA certificate.
Why you should use our Spray Foam Insulation
Superior Insulation Performance
Spray foam insulation provides superior thermal insulation compared to traditional insulation methods. It contains a higher R-value, which means it has a higher resistance to heat flow, preventing heat loss. This translates to lower energy costs and a more comfortable indoor environment.
Air and Moisture Barrier
Spray foam insulation provides an air and moisture barrier, making it an effective solution for preventing air and moisture infiltration through the building envelope. This helps to reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and other moisture-related issues, as well as improve indoor air quality.
Structural Integrity
Spray foam insulation can help to improve the structural integrity of a building. When applied to walls and roofs, the foam adheres to the surface, creating a strong bond that can help to reinforce the structure. This can be particularly important in areas that are prone to high winds, storms, or seismic activity.
Environmental and Finacially Friendly
Spray Foam Insulation will help reducing energy consumption, which in turn can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Spray foam insulation is also long-lasting, reducing the need for replacement or disposal, which can contribute to waste reduction efforts and is better for your wallet.
Looking to Sell or Rent
The improved insulation can help to increase your building's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which can be important if you're looking to sell or rent the property. A higher EPC rating indicates that your building is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, which can be a selling point for potential buyers or renters.
Overall, by using spray foam insulation, you can improve your building's insulation performance, save on energy costs, and boost your EPC rating.
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
What is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation made from polyurethane foam. It is applied as a liquid, which then expands and hardens into a solid foam, forming a barrier that provides thermal insulation, air sealing, and moisture control.
What are the benefits of spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation provides superior insulation performance, air sealing, and moisture control, leading to increased energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and a more comfortable indoor environment. It also has a long lifespan, requires little maintenance, and can increase the resale value of a property.
Is spray foam insulation safe?
When installed properly, spray foam insulation is safe. During installation the chemicals used to create the foam can be hazardous to human health, however our staff is trained to use appropriate ventilation and equipped with protective clothing.
Can spray foam insulation be installed in existing homes?
Yes, spray foam insulation can be installed in existing homes. However, installation can be more difficult and may require removing drywall or other building materials to access the cavities or areas where insulation is needed. It may also be necessary to remove the already existing insulation for access or simply damage.
How long does spray foam insulation last?
Spray foam insulation is a long-lasting insulation solution that can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Its lifespan depends on various factors, such as installation quality, exposure to moisture or sunlight.
How much does spray foam insulation cost?
The cost of spray foam insulation varies depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the project, the type of foam used, and the location. Generally, spray foam insulation costs more than traditional insulation methods, but the long-term energy savings and increased property value can offset the initial cost over time.
To learn more about the benefits Spray Foam can have on making your home more energy efficientor or to discuss using our expert services get in touch today, simply fill in your details below and one of our team will be in touch.
