Why thousands of homeowners are now removing what they once installed to save energy.

❗ The Mortgage Meltdown

A recent Guardian investigation revealed nearly 40 firms have been banned from installing insulation due to poor workmanship, misleading claims, and rogue tactics. Meanwhile, The Times told the story of a homeowner who accepted a government-backed grant for spray foam—only to discover later she was “locked out” of selling her home entirely.

And she’s far from alone.

Mortgage lenders across the UK are now refusing to touch properties with spray foam insulation, especially where it's been applied to the roof rafters. Even equity release schemes are rejecting these homes outright.



🕵️ The Rogue Removals Racket

To make matters worse, we’re now seeing a new wave of opportunists targeting vulnerable homeowners.
Cold callers and aggressive sales reps are claiming that spray foam must be removed immediately—even in cases where it may not be necessary—charging eye-watering fees for poor-quality work, or worse, doing nothing at all.

One council in Devon issued a public warning after elderly residents were targeted by such scammers, paying for removals that were either botched or entirely fabricated.



🔨 When Removal Is the Right Move

The truth is, removing spray foam insulation is sometimes essential—but only when it’s damaging the property, impacting your mortgage, or was installed improperly.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Never rely on a cold caller or social media ad alone
• Always get an independent survey first – ideally by a RICS or PCA-accredited professional
• Be wary of “too good to be true” quotes – cheap jobs often result in damage or incomplete removal

At SFACUK, we offer free, impartial advice to help you figure out if removal is the right next step—and if it is, we’ll recommend reputable companies who’ve done this safely and effectively.

🧾 Real Homeowners, Real Consequences

We’ve spoken to families who’ve had to delay their move by six months. Others who’ve paid upwards of £5,000 to remove insulation they were once told was “essential.” And more still who now live in properties valued tens of thousands less than they should be.

This isn’t a fringe issue. Industry estimates suggest over 250,000 homes in the UK may be affected.



✅ What to Do If You’re Affected

• Check your mortgage terms: Some lenders are clearer than others—look for specific wording on spray foam.
• Book a proper survey: Don’t rely on the installer’s “certificate.”
• Call our advice line: We’ll talk you through it with no pressure and no jargon.



🗣️ We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re just curious or already in a property chain panic, we’re here to listen. The Spray Foam Advice Centre is not a sales company. We exist solely to support UK homeowners like you with expert guidance and trusted removal options.

📲 Visit www.sfacuk.org or

📞 Call 0345 850 0445 to speak with our friendly team.