Is Spray Foam Loft Insulation Worth It?

Spray foam loft insulation is normally applied as polyurethane (PU) foam. This synthetic expanding foam creates an airtight barrier and exhibits remarkably high thermal efficiency, surpassing most other insulation materials on the market in terms of performance.

But is spray loft insulation all it’s wrapped up to be? Alongside valid perks to spray foam, there are plenty of concerns related to sustainability, installation and removal practicality, and human health that are very important to address before making a decision.

This ultimate guide by GreenMatch UK will walk you through all you need to know about spray foam attic insulation, including perks, problems, costs, and more. 

Ready to insulate your loft? GreenMatch UK can help! Instead of spending countless hours stuck on websites and phone calls, spend just 30 seconds filling out our online survey to receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our network of professional installers. No costs or obligations apply. Click the button below to begin!

A staggering 26% of heat loss in a home occurs just through the loft or roof space, leading to soaring energy bills and an uncomfortable living environment. 

While there is no single best insulation for loft purposes, spray foam loft insulation has strong benefits to tackle the issue, most notably relating to thermal efficiency. Here are some perks worth considering in your decision-making process:

Due to the effective airtight sealing of attic spray foam insulation, homeowners can expect to save up to 40% or more on their energy bills. Some households with spray on loft insulation report their energy bills being slashed in half, a dramatic improvement in financial savings.

Despite high thermal efficiency, spray foam loft insulation comes with a host of environmental, health, and practical concerns that are very important to be aware of when making a decision. 

Here are some of the most important foam loft insulation issues to be wary of:

The best way to avoid experiencing one or more of these issues is to consult a professional installer when deciding on spray foam loft insulation. That way, you can be assured of receiving a quality job that will not end up as a financial burden.

On average, open-cell spray foam costs around £21.5 per m2 while closed-cell spray foam can cost up to £47.50 per m2. This makes it one of the most expensive insulation materials on the market today. In addition, you could expect to pay an additional £250 a day for labour costs.

Spray foam loft insulation cost hinges on several factors, including the size of your loft, roof type, job complexity, and whether any outstanding repairs or insulation removals still need to be carried out. 

Here’s a breakdown of how much you could roughly expect your loft insulation foam to cost depending on the type of property you have:

If these costs are steep, luckily some grant schemes in the UK aim to help low-income and fuel-poor households with free loft insulation. Through either the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) or the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), you may be entitled to partial or full cost coverage for spray foam loft insulation if you meet the qualifying criteria.

Spray foam roof insulation removal costs are often far higher than the initial installation costs. It can be expected to cost £3,200 or more for a standard removal. This staggering cost is because spray foam is an incredibly durable material that bonds to the beams and surfaces of your loft with exceptional strength.

The process of removing spray roof insulation is also highly laborious. It requires professional installers to first cut away large chunks of foam with industry equipment, then meticulously remove the remainder of the spray foam by hand. The entire process can take a week or more.

Loft foam insulation has its fair share of pros and cons to consider. While it may demonstrate exceptional thermal efficiency, foam roof insulation is not sustainable, healthy, or practical for your property's value. 

However, there are other alternatives to loft spray insulation that are just as effective, but far more affordable, sustainable, and easier to install and remove. Some examples are rigid cork boards, sheep wool, and cellulose.

To make the best choice, it's recommended to work with a professional loft insulation installer who could advise you on the best fit for your home. However, finding the right installer at the right price can be a daunting task, requiring endless hours on websites and phone calls just to land a bargain. Luckily, GreenMatch UK can help out.

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By filling out our simple 30-second online form, you can receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes directly from our network of trusted installers, free of charges and obligations. Click the button below to begin!