Spray Foam Removal Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Spray Foam Insulation?

The average cost of spray foam removal is £40 per square metre, but the exact cost depends on the type of foam used, the application area size and the method of removal.

Spray foam insulation is a type of foam roof insulation and wall insulation applied to improve energy efficiency. This expanding foam insulation works by sealing gaps and reducing heat loss.

It’s often used for its impressive insulating properties and airtight seal, but, despite its benefits, spray foam insulation can sometimes cause problems. This includes mortgages being harder to obtain, moisture build-up and mould growth, and roof timber decay, which can obstruct necessary roofing repairs or replacements.

It’s easy to see why a growing number of homeowners are looking into how to remove spray foam insulation, especially those looking to sell, remortgage or address structural issues linked to its installation.

Even so, foam insulation removal is a labour-intensive job requiring specialist tools and sometimes chemical solvents, which means it isn’t cheap. For a three-bed detached property, spray foam insulation removal costs around £3,200.

Spray Foam Removal Prices

Spray foam insulation removal prices will vary, depending on the type of foam that needs removing, and how difficult it is to access. The table below gives you an idea of removal costs based on foam type:

You will also need to budget around £100 for specialist disposal, as spray foam insulation can involve hazardous dust or chemicals during removal and need to be removed using specialist methods.

Labour Cost to Remove Spray Foam Insulation & Timescales

Labour is one of the biggest factors in spray foam insulation removal costs. Rates vary by region - with removal costing more in areas like London and the South East - and depend on how complex the job is.

Jobs with restricted access, foam insulation bonded to roof timbers, damaged timbers, or thick foam layers take longer and cost more. On average, removing spray foam from a small loft takes one to two days to complete, while larger or more damaged areas can take up to five days or more.

Most jobs require at least two tradespeople to speed up spray foam removal and ensure safe removal and waste disposal. With tradespeople charging an average of £175 per day, labour makes up most of the cost of foam insulation removal.

Factors That Impact Spray Foam Removal Costs

There are a number of factors that will affect spray foam insulation removal costs:

• Size of the Area — Larger lofts or roofs will cost more to treat, as they require more time, labour and materials.
• Foam Type and Thickness — Closed-cell foam and thicker layers are harder to remove, increasing labour time and cost.
• Access Issues — Access issues - such as steep roof slopes, limited loft access or structural obstructions - can make the entire process difficult and time-consuming, and therefore more expensive.
• Foam Condition — Older or degraded foam tends to crumble easily, whereas newer foam can take more effort to remove. This impacts the amount of time and work required.
• Timber Treatment or Repairs — If the roof timbers are damaged or damp, repair work might be required to protect the roof structure, which adds to the cost.
• Wiring or Pipework — If there’s electrical cables or plumbing under the foam, the job becomes more complex and requires more care, increasing the price.

Additional Spray Foam Removal Costs

• Roof Timber Repairs — If spray foam has trapped moisture and has caused timber rot or decay, roof repairs or replacements may be needed.
• Loft Re-Insulation — Once you've had the spray foam removed, you’ll likely need to install new insulation to replace the old foam insulation, which can cost between £10 and £37 per square metre.
• Skip Hire — Some contractors include this in their quote, but if not, skip hire prices start at around £75.
• Scaffolding — For hard-to-access roofs or taller properties, scaffolding may be required. You should expect to pay an average of £22.50 per square metre for scaffolding hire.

Types of Spray Foam Insulation

There are two main types of spray foam, and the one you have will impact how easy and costly the removal process is.

Open-Cell Spray Foam

One type of spray foam insulation is open-cell foam, which is lightweight and has a soft, spongy texture. It expands more than closed-cell foam and is commonly used for lofts and wall insulation.

As it’s less dense and more breathable, open-cell spray foam is generally easier and quicker to remove, which reduces both the labour time and overall removal cost.

Closed-Cell Spray Foam

The other type of spray foam insulation is closed-cell, which is more dense and difficult to remove. It tends to adhere more strongly to surfaces and can trap moisture behind it, sometimes causing damage to timber or brickwork.

This means that closed-cell spray foam can be more expensive to remove due to the added complexity, the risk of surface damage and the need for specialist tools or techniques.

Foam Insulation Removal from Different Surfaces

The approach to spray foam removal varies depending on where it’s applied, with some surfaces being harder to treat than others.

• Roof Structure & Timbers — This is the most common area for spray foam, and foam roof insulation removal needs to be done carefully to protect timber surfaces. It can be time-consuming, especially if the foam is thick or the timbers are in any way damaged.
• Wall Cavities — Foam insulation removal from wall cavities can be challenging due to limited access. It often requires cutting into walls, which makes the process more disruptive, costly and timely.
• Underfloor Spaces — Spray foam insulation under floors can be difficult to remove due to tight spaces and the presence of pipes or wiring. It’s less complex than removing spray foam from wall cavities, but still more difficult than roof areas.

Building Regulations Related to Spray Foam Removal

Removing spray foam insulation itself usually doesn’t require planning permission or building regulation approval, but once the spray foam is removed, any work afterwards - such as installing new foam insulation (or alternative replacement insulation), repairing roof timbers or re-roofing - must comply with UK Building Regulations.

This includes meeting standards for thermal efficiency, air circulation, and structural integrity.

Alternative Types of Loft Insulation

Once you’ve had the spray foam removed, you’ll need to choose a replacement. There are a handful of good foam insulation alternatives available, all of which have their own pros and cons.

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool insulation, often referred to as wool insulation, is one of the most common types of loft insulation. It’s affordable, effective in keeping heat in and also helps to reduce noise. As mineral wool comes in rolls, it’s easy to place between joists. It’s breathable, doesn't trap moisture and is widely accepted by mortgage lenders.

PIR Boards

Compared to wool insulation, PIR boards are more rigid, and they provide excellent thermal performance. They’re often used between roof rafters or under flooring.

PIR boards tend to be more expensive than mineral wool, and they’re more time-consuming to install, as they need to be cut to size to ensure a tight fit. They are usually accepted by mortgage lenders, as long as they have been installed correctly.

Blown Cellulose

Blown cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper, which is then blown into loft spaces using specialist equipment. It’s good for getting into awkward spaces.

Blown cellulose needs to be installed by a professional, which can add to the cost, but it does boast breathability and eco-friendliness. This means it’s usually approved by mortgage lenders as long as the loft is ventilated well.

Checklist: Hiring a Spray Foam Removal Specialist

Professional spray foam removal is a specialist job, and not something you can risk with DIY removal. It’s important to hire an expert who knows exactly what they’re doing.

With MyJobQuote, you can request multiple quotes from local professional spray foam removal specialists. It's fast, free, and there's no obligation to go ahead.

• Are they experienced? It’s important to check whether they’re familiar with both open-cell and closed-cell foam.
• What removal method will they use? Different types of foam and surfaces may require different techniques, and a reputable spray foam removal specialist should be able to explain the methods they use.
• Do they have the proper waste disposal licenses? It’s important that spray foam waste is handled and disposed of correctly. Make sure the spray foam removal expert you choose has a valid licence to ensure safe removal and disposal.
• Can they provide evidence of their work? It’s a good idea to ask for examples of previous jobs, including before and after photos, to see the quality of their work.
• Do you have an itemised quote? A professional spray foam removal quote should cover the full scope of the job, including the initial inspection, removal, waste disposal and cleaning up after. Check for hidden costs or unclear terms, as you don’t want any surprises.
• Do they have insurance? Make sure they have public liability insurance. This protects you if any damage occurs.
• Do they offer any guarantees? Check what their guarantee includes and if they fix any problems that arise after the job is done.
• Do they have positive reviews? Look at their MyJobQuote profile to see the feedback they have received from other homeowners.

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