Spray Foam and Your Mortgage

When a Lender Raises Spray Foam

For many Exeter homeowners, the first they hear about spray foam being a problem is from a lender. A remortgage valuation comes back with a note about the loft; a buyer’s lender declines; an equity release provider pauses an application. Suddenly something that seemed like a home improvement is holding everything up.

Lenders vary. Some won’t lend at all while spray foam is in place. Some want a report on the foam and the roof. Some will accept it if certain conditions are met. And your current lender may take a different view from a new one.

First Step: Get It in Writing

Before you book any work, ask your lender or broker exactly what they need. Typical answers include:

• A specialist report on the foam and the roof
• An inspection opening so the timbers can be seen
• Full removal, with evidence it’s been done
• Evidence of the original installation (certificates, guarantees)

The answer decides what we quote for. There’s no point paying for full removal if the lender only wanted a report — or paying for a report if they’ll only accept removal.

Evidence for Your Lender

Where removal is required, we provide dated before-and-after photos of every sprayed area and a written summary of what was removed and what we saw underneath. If the lender has a specific format in mind, tell us before we start.

Equity Release

Equity release providers are often cautious about spray foam. If your application has been paused, ask the adviser or provider what they require and share it with us. We understand these applications usually run to a timetable and will tell you how soon we could start.

Removal Isn’t a Guarantee

Taking the foam out can answer a lender’s concerns, but the decision is theirs. A removal job won’t guarantee approval, and other issues found once the foam is gone may need dealing with too. Always speak to your lender, broker or adviser before you commit.