Across the South of England — from Hampshire and Sussex to Kent, Surrey, Dorset and Devon — thousands of homeowners are discovering the hidden consequences of spray foam insulation. Sold as a miracle fix for energy bills, spray foam has become a major obstacle to surveys, lending and sales since RICS tightened guidance in 2024.
Today, most properties with spray foam in the loft will not pass a mortgage survey until the foam is professionally removed and the roof made inspectable and breathable again.
How Homeowners Were Targeted
Between 2014 and 2022, aggressive cold-calling and door-to-door campaigns targeted southern homeowners — particularly the elderly. Installations were often rushed, with little assessment of roof condition, ventilation or underlay type, setting the stage for loft condensation, hidden damp and failed surveys.
Common Foam Brands Seen Across the South
- Icynene — open-cell, frequently sprayed onto non-breathable felt.
- Lapolla — closed-cell; hard bonding that can trap moisture around rafters.
- Isothane — often applied beneath tiles, blocking natural airflow.
- Logic Foam — marketed as modern/safe but often installed without preparation.
The result is the same: sealed roof spaces that can’t breathe, moisture risk, and a red flag for surveyors. For wider context, see our feature on the UK insulation scandal.
The Second Wave — Fake “Foam Removal Experts”
As the crisis unfolded, some installers rebranded as “removal specialists”. In many cases it’s the same people, new company name. Homeowners are now being approached a second time, this round with promises of quick fixes at suspicious prices.
Warning Signs to Avoid
- Unsolicited cold calls or messages
- No VAT registration or physical business address
- No waste carrier licence
- No written quotation or method statement
- Pressure to replace the whole roof, or “too good to be true” pricing
- No before-and-after evidence of real removals
Why Proper Spray Foam Removal Matters
Partial or poor removal can leave residue on rafters and underlay, restrict ventilation and lead to ongoing damp — all of which risk another failed survey. Correct spray foam removal restores airflow, exposes timbers for inspection, and allows you to re-insulate properly with loft insulation or Actis Hybris where appropriate. Ventilation can be reinstated with Felt Lap Vents if required.
Carbon Zero Solutions Ltd — Setting the Standard
Carbon Zero Solutions Ltd is a trusted specialist in safe, compliant spray foam removal across Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Dorset and Devon. Our approach is thorough, documented and RICS-aware from start to finish.
- Free, no-obligation survey and detailed written quotation
- Controlled extraction and careful residue cleaning
- Licensed waste handling with full documentation
- Completion report with photographic evidence for surveyors/lenders
How to Protect Yourself
- Ignore cold callers — you contact the specialist, not the other way round
- Verify VAT details and waste carrier licensing
- Ask for written quotes, method statements and real case evidence
- Be wary of anyone pushing roof replacement as the “only” option
- Get multiple quotes from reputable removal specialists
Conclusion
Spray foam insulation was sold as progress, but its legacy is failed surveys, trapped moisture and unnecessary expense. Don’t risk poor workmanship or pressure tactics — choose a verified specialist to put your roof right, once.
Book your free spray foam survey
Related reading:
Spray Foam Removal •
Loft Condensation •
Felt Lap Vents •
Loft Insulation •
The UK Insulation Scandal
