Spray Foam Removal Cost

Spray foam insulation is a type of expanding foam applied to lofts, roofs and walls to improve energy efficiency, and it 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 can sometimes cause problems. This includes mortgages being refused, moisture building up, 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.

How Much is Spray Foam Removal?

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.

It’s a labour-intensive job requiring specialist tools and chemical solvents, which means it isn’t cheap. For a three-bed detached property, the cost of spray foam insulation removal is around £3,200.

Spray Foam Removal Prices

*You will also need to budget around £100 for specialist disposal, as some types of foam are toxic and need to be removed using specialist methods.

Spray Foam Removal Supply Costs

There’s a lot that goes into spray foam insulation removal costs, including safety gear, scraping tools, specialist solvents, vacuum systems and dust sheets.

Most of these are provided by the contractor, but they can influence the overall job quote, so it’s important to know how much everything costs. Manual removal is usually more labour-intensive, but cheaper in terms of materials.

Chemical removal tends to be faster for dense or hard-to-reach foam, but it adds to the overall cost due to specialist products and safety measures.

Additional Costs

• Roof Timber Repairs - If spray foam has trapped moisture and has caused timber rot or decay, repairs or replacements may be needed.
• Loft Re-Insulation - After removal, you’ll likely need to install new insulation to replace the old spray foam, 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.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Labour is one of the biggest factors in spray foam 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, 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, handle safety and waste disposal. Tradespeople charge an average of £175 per day for labour.

Cost Factors for Spray Foam Removal

• 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 job more 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, 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.

Building Regulations Related to Spray Foam Removal

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

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

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 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 foam is generally easier and quicker to remove, which reduces both the labour time and overall removal cost.

Closed-Cell 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 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.

Alternative Types of Loft Insulation

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

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool 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

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.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Spray Foam Removal

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

• Confirm Their Experience with Spray Foam Removal- Not all insulation contractors have experience removing spray foam, so it’s important to ask about similar insulation removal jobs and whether they’re familiar with both open-cell and closed-cell foam.
• Ask About the Removal Methods Used - Different types of foam and surfaces may require different techniques, and a reputable tradesperson should be able to explain the methods they use and how they’ll protect your property during the process.
• Check for Waste Disposal Licences - 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.
• Request References or Case Studies - It’s a good idea to ask for examples of previous jobs, including before and after photos or customer testimonials. This helps you to judge the quality of their work and find out how they’ve handled similar projects.
• Ensure the Quote Includes Everything - 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.
• Confirm Insurance and Workmanship Warranty - Make sure the tradesperson has public liability insurance and provides a warranty for their work. This protects you if any damage occurs or if problems arise after the job is done.

Removing Spray Foam 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 Timbers - This is the most common area for spray foam, and removal needs to be carefully done 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 - 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 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.

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