Closed-cell spray foam removal in Swindon
Closed-cell foam is the hard, rigid type. It's slower to remove, and lenders generally treat it as the bigger risk.
How to tell if you have closed-cell foam
Press it. Closed-cell foam feels hard, almost like rigid plastic, and doesn't dent easily. It's often a yellowish or cream colour and may have a slightly shiny surface. Open-cell foam, by contrast, feels soft and spongy. Touch is only a rough guide, though, and we confirm the type at the survey.
Why lenders worry about it more
Closed-cell foam is dense and forms a barrier that stops the roof breathing. Moisture that gets in, from a slipped tile or condensation, can be trapped against the timbers with nowhere to go. Buyers' guides describe it as carrying a higher risk of timber decay, and it's generally treated as the more significant problem by lenders.
Why it takes longer to remove
Because it's rigid and bonds firmly to everything it touches, closed-cell foam can't simply be pulled away. It has to be cut back in sections and scraped from the rafters, battens and membrane. That's slower work than open-cell removal, so the price is higher for the same roof size.
- We cut the foam back from the rafters first, then work it away from the membrane between them.
- We keep an eye on the membrane throughout, because this is where damage is most likely.
- Where the foam has gone through to the back of tiles or slates, we'll tell you what we find.
When removal isn't the right answer
Occasionally closed-cell foam is so well bonded that removing it would damage the roof covering. In that case the honest answer may be a re-roof rather than removal. We'll tell you at the survey if we think that's likely, before you commit to anything.
Closed-cell removal: questions
Is closed-cell foam more expensive to remove?
Yes, because it takes longer. Your fixed price after the survey reflects the type of foam and how much of it there is.
Can I live with closed-cell foam if I'm not selling?
Many people do. The risk is hidden damage you can't see, and problems when you eventually sell or remortgage. If you're unsure, an independent survey is a sensible first step.