This project in Wargrave was all about future-proofing a property and ensuring it met the necessary regulations for mortgages, resale, and long-term durability.
A key part of this work involved the removal of spray foam insulation - an increasingly common issue for homeowners - followed by a complete re-roof using a combination of re-claimed original tiles and new HF weathered clay plain tiles.
The finished roof was fully signed off by Building Control and inspected by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), providing the client with peace of mind and official certification.
Spray foam insulation, once marketed as a quick fix for improving energy efficiency, is now widely recognised as a problem for roofing and property value. It can trap moisture, cause hidden timber decay, and, most significantly, cause mortgage lenders to refuse financing.
In this case, the roof had spray foam applied directly under the tiles, creating several issues:
Structural Concerns
Foam masked the condition of the roof timbers, making it difficult to assess or maintain.
Moisture Risks
Trapped moisture could lead to rot and long-term damage.
Mortgage Barriers
The presence of spray foam was likely to prevent approval for mortgages or remortgages.
1. Spray Foam Removal
The first step was to carefully remove all the spray foam insulation. This is a skilled and time-consuming process - it has to be done without damaging the underlying tiles or timbers, and while ensuring every last trace of foam is gone to meet lender requirements.
2. Full Re-Roof
Once the foam was removed, we stripped the roof entirely, assessing the structure underneath. The existing clay tiles were sorted, cleaned, and re-used where possible to preserve the character of the property.
3. Tile Replacement
On certain elevations, we replaced damaged or missing tiles with HF weathered clay plain tiles, chosen to blend seamlessly with the originals for a uniform and authentic look.
4. Compliance & Inspections
The roof was rebuilt to modern standards, with all work signed off by Building Control. Additionally, as part of our commitment to quality and transparency, the project was inspected by the NFRC, providing an extra layer of reassurance to the client.
Mortgage Ready ✔
The removal of spray foam insulation and full re-roof meant the property now meets lender requirements.
Long-Term Protection ✔
The roof is now structurally sound, watertight, and built for decades of performance.
Aesthetic Match ✔
The combination of original and HF weathered clay tiles retained the home’s traditional charm.
Certified Work ✔
Building Control and NFRC inspections guarantee compliance and quality workmanship.
In recent years, we’ve seen more homeowners facing mortgage refusals or costly repairs due to spray foam insulation. While it may seem like a good short-term solution, it can create serious long-term issues. Removing it is a specialist job, and not something to attempt without experience.
This Wargrave project is a perfect example of how removing spray foam insulation can restore not just the health of your roof, but the financial value and future marketability of your home. If your property has spray foam insulation or you’ve been refused a mortgage because of it, our expert team can help.
📞 Contact L&E today for a professional spray foam removal and re-roofing consultation.