Property Care Association Property Care Association

Spraying Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation within domestic roof voids is something that continues to happen with currently no regulation. There are (of course) initial benefits for the homeowner such as providing extra insulation. However, for many surveyors and property professionals, sprayed foam does pose an issue when trying to evaluate and report on the condition of a roof.  Sadly, many installations are poorly executed and without proper consideration of moisture management within the property, leaving structural roof timbers at risk of damage or failure. With the additional tightening of lending criteria, for many homeowners, these inappropriate spray foam installations can even risk the mortgageability of the property.

In response to the uncertainty that surrounds the issue, the PCA is part of a cross-industry group that works with partners from the sprayed foam industry, lending institutions, residential surveyors, and heritage organisations to help offer guidance to professionals if they come across sprayed foam in domestic roofs. To learn more about our position on the subject, and to learn more about what you should be observing and considering when you come across sprayed foam in domestic roofs, keep scrolling down to view some supported position statements and information documents.

1st Cross-Industry Joint Position Statement

There has been significant conjecture over the use of sprayed polyurethane (PU) foams in domestic property leading to confusion amongst surveyors and valuers about how to report on the condition of a roof with sprayed foam applied to the underside of the roof covering, and with some lenders refusing to offer loans on affected properties. The result is that consumers may, unwittingly, put themselves in a position of detriment, sometimes restricting the saleability of, or ability to release equity from, their home.

In response to the uncertainty that surrounds the issue the Property Care Association (PCA) and the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) jointly convened a forum of industry stakeholders to consider the use and implications of sprayed foam products within existing pitched roofs of domestic property.

Sprayed foam insulation information Paper

Our Information document follows the publication of the two preliminary position statements produced and distributed by the 'technical working group' that will be of use to building and surveying professionals when inspecting or evaluating the condition of timber framed pitched roofs that have been stabilised or insulated using sprayed PU foams.

View the Information Paper >>

2 position statements on spray foam from the Technical Working Group

The Technical Working Group has published two position statements:-

  • First Position Statement:- Buildings that are Listed or protected by statute or planning legislation
  • Second Position Statement:- Roof coverings of significant economic, architectural, historic or cultural importance

2nd Position Statement >>

The Leaders’ Forum

The forum has published guidance which will help members of the Association to recognise the different properties of Polyurethane Foams that are typically applied to pitched timber roofs, and provide the means by which surveyors can identify good practice, understand risk, undertake evaluations and advise clients. You can access this guidance via the buttons above.

Thanks go to the following organisations:

  • Active Services
  • RICS
  • Listed Building Surveys
  • Connells
  • Heritage Scotland
  • Nationwide
  • Legal and General
  • Harewood Surveyor
  • Bangor University
  • eSurv
  • RPSA

Have a question? Get in touch!

If you have any questions or would like more information about the cross-industry group, then simply complete the enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.  Alternatively, you can also call us on 01480 400000.

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More about PCA Membership 

Interested in taking part in the CPD scheme but you are not a PCA member?  Find out more about membership and why it will benefit you!

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Professional Guidance

For those professionals looking for information, technical help and guidance towards and variety of property related problems, why not check out our 'professional guidance' pages.

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