The Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) has said there may be as many as 250,000 homes with spray foam insulation in the loft, and IHBC Technical Panel lead John Edwards highlights how the problem, at last, ‘is now in the spotlight’!
… IHBC Technical Panel like to hear from anyone who has practical examples that illustrate problems…
Professor John Edwards writes:
The problems of spray foam used to insulate roof spaces is now in the spotlight thanks to the good work of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA).
As chair of the IHBC Technical Panel, I would like to highlight that, no matter how important a building is every reasonable effort should be made to improve energy performance with a whole building approach being taken with a full understanding of the risks involved’.
‘It is evident, that when this type of retrofit measure is installed the full risks are not understood resulting in the rotting of roof timbers which is so predictable’.
The IHBC’s online and fee-free Toolbox carries a huge range of topic-specific practice guidance. That on ‘Retrofitting of Traditional Buildings’ details the overall approach to take in making energy efficiency improvements to older buildings.
Following our processes should make sure that inappropriate measures such as spray foam are not used.
The IHBC Technical Panel like to hear from anyone who has practical examples that illustrate problems caused by spray foam insulation. Please email the IHBC technical panel chair at technical@ihbc.org.uk
Retrofitting of Traditional Buildings (GN2021/2; February 2021) is summarised on the Toolbox as follows:
Buildings are and will continue to be under pressure to be made more energy efficient and whilst this is sensible, experience to date suggests that risks of unintended consequences are common.
This guidance intends to provide an outline on the most appropriate approach, which is a holistic one. It also provides comment on competencies and new publications by the British Standards Institution (BSI) on retrofit.
… problem insulation was included in the Government’s Green Homes Grant…
The i writes:
Hundreds of thousands of homeowners who had spray foam installed in their lofts could find their properties are worthless unless they spend thousands of pounds having it removed.
Spray foam insulation has been used for around 30 years, but has become more popular in the last decade.
Now the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) said there may be as many as 250,000 homes with spray foam insulation in the loft… the guidance being offered to its members was to adopt a ‘highly cautious approach, recommending removal of the spray foam in almost every case’.
The problem insulation was included in the Government’s Green Homes Grant which was given to homeowners in England to help pay for certain energy-efficient home improvements.
Although it closed to new applications on 31 March 2021, the grant allowed homeowners to claim the cost back of at least two thirds of the cost of some energy-saving renovations. The maximum amount available was £10,000.
Andy Wilson, an equity release specialist, said he started noticing the issue two years ago…. Mr Wilson said the foam insulation used in lofts was not to be confused with cavity wall insulation.
The type of foam insulation used in lofts is made from polyurethane foam (SPF)…
The foam is applied in a liquid form using powered sprayers, which then expands and turns to a solid coating.
There are two types of spray foam insulation, open cell spray foam insulation and closed cell spray foam.
The issue is with the closed cell spray foam, said Mr Wilson…
This means that lenders are reluctant to lend on a property with the insulation.
Mr Wilson said: ‘The foam comes with a guarantee but the guarantee does not extend to any damage it might cause…
