Can You Remortgage a Home with Spray Foam Insulation? What Lenders Really Say
If you’re trying to remortgage your home but it has spray foam insulation, you’re likely facing rejection from every lender you approach.
The message is clear: mortgage providers will not consider a remortgage until spray foam removal has been carried out by professional spray foam removal companies.
Homeowners across the UK are discovering that spray foam insulation, once marketed as energy efficient, is now one of the biggest financial barriers they face. From blocked remortgages to higher insurance premiums, the only way forward is the removal of spray foam insulation.
Why Spray Foam Blocks Remortgage Applications
Why Lenders Refuse Properties with Spray Foam
Lenders see spray foam as a serious risk.
Once it is applied to roof timbers, it becomes almost impossible to inspect the structural integrity of the wood. This raises red flags for mortgage providers, who rely on surveyors to confirm the condition of the property before approving a loan.
Spray foam can also trap moisture, leading to hidden decay and expensive roof repairs — another reason why remortgage applications are almost always declined until loft spray foam insulation removal is complete.
Surveyors Always Flag Spray Foam
During a remortgage survey, spray foam is treated as a major issue.
Reports often read: “Unable to inspect timbers due to spray foam insulation” or “Lender may not proceed due to spray foam.”
As soon as the presence of spray foam is flagged, lenders freeze the application.
The only path forward is documented removal of spray foam insulation UK homeowners can prove with a certificate.
Real Homeowner Experiences: Remortgage Refused
Thousands of homeowners are finding themselves stuck.
Common scenarios include:
Families looking to switch to a cheaper fixed-rate deal being declined when the surveyor reports spray foam in the roof.
Homeowners seeking to raise funds for improvements being told their property is unmortgageable until spray foam insulation removal is carried out.
Buy-to-let landlords attempting to remortgage only to find lenders unwilling to accept any property with spray foam insulation.
One homeowner recently reported being rejected by three different lenders.
Their income and credit rating were excellent — but the presence of spray foam stopped every application.
Only after arranging professional spray foam loft insulation removal and obtaining a spray foam removal certificate were they able to secure their remortgage.
What UK Lenders Say About Spray Foam
Across-the-Board Refusals
From major high-street banks to specialist lenders, the stance is consistent.
Applications are declined where spray foam is present.
Some homeowners believe that a spray foam warranty will reassure lenders, but in reality, certificates from installers do not override lender policies.
Why Certificates of Installation Don’t Work
The issue isn’t whether the spray foam was installed “properly.”
The problem is that the roof timbers are hidden and cannot be assessed. That uncertainty makes the property unmortgageable.
Lenders require spray foam insulation removal certificates issued after professional removal — not installation.
The Only Way Forward: Spray Foam Insulation Removal
Professional Removal Restores Mortgage Eligibility
The good news is that remortgaging becomes possible once spray foam insulation removal is completed.
Professional removal companies use specialist spray foam removal machines and tools to strip back the foam, expose the timbers, and provide documented proof for lenders.
Why You Need a Spray Foam Removal Certificate
After the removal of spray foam insulation, a certificate is issued.
This certificate demonstrates to lenders and surveyors that the property is free from spray foam, the timbers have been inspected, and the roof is structurally sound.
Without this proof, remortgaging is impossible.
Can I remortgage if spray foam is still in my loft?
No. All lenders require spray foam insulation removal before approving a remortgage.
Do I need professional removal, or can I try DIY?
DIY is not recommended. Only accredited spray foam removal companies UK homeowners trust can provide the removal certificate lenders require.
Are there different types of spray foam that lenders accept?
No. Both closed-cell and open-cell spray foam cause mortgage refusals. Closed cell spray foam removal and open cell spray foam removal are equally necessary.