Don’t use spray foam insulation in your home

If you’re looking to insulate your property, we would strongly urge you not to use spray foam.

While we would encourage any homeowner or developer to invest in any suitable insulation product, there are serious drawbacks to using spray foam for both practical and financial reasons.

What is spray foam?

Spray foam insulation, also known as spray polyurethane foam (SPF), is an increasingly popular alternative to the more traditional insulation types. It is used to insulate roofs, walls and floors to retain warmth and supposedly reduce costs. 

It is a liquid foam which is sprayed into position, setting into an insulating layer, and it comes in two different types – open cell and closed cell. 

Many people choose to use spray foam for convenience purposes – as it can be easily used even in difficult-to-reach areas and can sometimes provide extra sound proofing. This type of insulation can be effective in retaining heat and, over a significant number of years, people may start to save money on energy bills. 

HOWEVER, there are some very significant drawbacks that you need to be aware of.

I hope you’re ready for a hefty list…

Why should I not use spray foam?

Firstly, it tends to be much more expensive than other types of insulation – and as you’ll find out soon enough, it can turn out to be very costly in the long run. 

The main problem comes when you wish to sell your home or want to take out equity release. This is because having spray foam insulation installed will mean that banks effectively will value your home at zero – meaning no buyer could ever get a mortgage on the property or receive a realistic valuation for equity release. 

This is due to the fact that the foam can lead to huge issues with damp timbers, which could eventually lead to complete roof failure. The foam reduces the ventilation within the roof space, potentially causing humidity and condensation to form – placing the roof timbers at great risk of decay. 

While the insulation can be removed, it is very difficult to do so – which means it’ll be extremely costly and time consuming. At SuperFOIL, we have witnessed quotations of up to £30,000 to complete the works in removing the spray foam insulation – which is the same, if not more than replacing the entire roof! 

If that isn’t enough to put you off, it also releases potentially harmful fumes when being installed because the product is formed on site. Due to this danger, you definitely shouldn’t install it yourself – meaning you’d also have to pay an expert to do it for you. 

Spray foam insulation tends to be ugly, messy and can’t be decorated over once installed – meaning that it can also be unsightly to look at too. 

So, what’s a better alternative?

There are many safer, less costly insulation options on the market – with our multifoil insulation being one of them. It is safe, sustainable, high-performing and long-lasting. It’s also flexible, narrow and easily fixed in place,making it a great alternative to spray foam. 

It’s also significantly cheaper to buy and can be installed at home without the need of a professional, with no special tools required. It contains a much-needed vapour control layer and radiant barrier, meaning that your project will be protected from condensation and damp with no risk of decay. 

You can find out more about our products here. You can also see products from other multifoil manufacturers here. 

There is also the option of using either glass wool and foam board too, if that’s what you’d prefer. We’re all-for good insulation, but whatever you do – please don’t choose spray foam! 

Please note: This information is factual and correct at the time of writing (January 2023).