For sure, spray foam loft insulation is widely advertised and commonly used, however there may be serious drawbacks to having spray foam applied to your home.
Here at HappyLoft, we do not provide spray foam loft insulation but we do provide suitable alternative methods of loft insulation which don’t feature those nasty drawbacks.
Without further ado, here’s the HappyLoft guide to spray foam loft insulation, its drawbacks, and some more suitable alternatives.
Health problems associated with spray foam loft insulation
Health problems are one of the main issues you may face after having spray foam loft insulation applied in your home.
Studies show that depending on the spray foam loft insulation used, household members may suffer from the following;
- Asthma
- Lung Damage / Problems
- Irritation of the nose
- Runny nose
- Sore Throat (relates to asthma or lung damage)
- Eye and skin irritation
- Breathing problems (relates to asthma)
The safety of you and your family must always be the priority, making certain types of spray foam loft insulation unsuitable for many households.
Mold and Mildew is a problem most commonly faced by households that have applied spray foam loft insulation.
What can cause mold and mildew? Mold and mildew is commonly formed around places with a lot of moisture such as leaks in your roof, pipes, windows, or where there have been floods around your home.
Can a spray foam loft insulation be one of the reasons why mold and mildew spreads? Yes, it can be and this is because when the spray foam loft insulation is completed, your insulation seal is now far more tighter than before which tends to inhibit ventilation, preventing natural timbers from “breathing” and creating a moist, warm environment where molds and mildew can thrive.
Spray foam loft insulation is commonly known to give off unpleasant smells after it has been applied, and can usually remain around for months after the insulation has been installed.
It brings a stench to your home which is never ideal for you or for anyone who decides to come and visit your home.
Studies show that some types of spray foam loft insulation are flammable, causing an increased fire risk in your home. Because it has chemical properties when smoke is produced, it can affect those in your household and can lead to many problems including temporary blindness.
It’s not just your home that could be impacted negatively by spray foam loft insulation, but your ability to sell it or re-mortgage, too.
There can be a huge challenge when trying to mortgage one of these properties as when a mortgage lender has discovered that a spray foam loft insulation is present in that property then this can become a big red flag for them.
Why is spray foam loft insulation a problem for mortgage lenders? Because the air circulation can be restricted in the house which leads to condensation, which can then lead to the rotting of wooden rafters and joists. The issue has become widespread and has even reached national news.
There are many better, more suitable alternatives to spray foam loft insulation that could be applied to your home without the issues and risks we’ve already described.
Mineral wool loft insulation
Mineral wool loft insulation is another commonly used alternative over spray foam loft insulation because it is made of natural materials (not toxic chemicals or gasses) instead of using glass or harsher chemical compounds. Mineral wool remains one of the most widely used insulations around the world.
Pros of mineral wool insulation
- Moisture-resistant
- Insulation performs as a fire barrier which will slow down a house fire if one ever occurs
- Sound is blocked which stops the building suffering acoustic invasion
Superquilt insulation
Superquilt insulation is the UK’s leading agrement certified reflective insulation. It will save you money when you have a loft insulation installed into your home, and also saving you money on your energy bills.
Pros of using Superquilt insulation
- Flexible
- Lightweight
- Quick to install
- NHBC accepted
- Fully agrement certified
Room In Roof insulation
Room In Roof insulation works by trapping heat inside your home to create a blanket effect which will allow you to save money on energy bills whilst maintaining a warm home, all without using as much energy. Like spray foam, it means the insulation begins around your rafters, not the joists, creating a warm space in the loft and not just the home.
Pros of using Room in Roof insulation
- Saves money on energy bills
- Prevents you from using as much energy as possible
- Prevents heat escaping your house
- The value of your home may increase
According to studies, the average cost of having spray foam loft insulation fitted comes to around £20-£50 per square metre. Spray foam loft insulation is known to be one of the most expensive insulation materials around the world.
The cost of spray foam loft insulation can depend on what type of property which you have such as a house, bungalow or a flat.
Summary
Overall while spray foam loft insulation can be effective at insulating your home, it does come with some large and potentially expensive risks and drawbacks which we’ve discussed above.
There are many better alternatives available to you which can save you money on your energy bills, this coming winter that is essential
If it is suitable for your home then the best alternative for you to choose from is the Room in Roof insulation as it is the best way to save money along with reducing your energy bills and creating warm, usable spaces in your home – key for those cold Winter months.
What services we at HappyLoft can provide you with
Here at HappyLoft, we can provide you with a free quote if you are interested in loft insulation being done to your home and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
We provide insulations such as a normal loft insulation which is cost-effective and expertly fitted by our team, Superquilt is another form of loft insulation which we provide and this will insulate your rafters with the wonder-material of age, our team can also provide this for you whenever you may require our services.