Home mortgages and spray polyurethane foam as of January 7, 2025

By Richard S. Duncan, PhD, PE SPFA technical consultant.

The SPFA will engage in efforts to educate mortgage companies and provide resources for proper SPF application that will be crucial to maintaining the credibility and reliability of SPF insulation.

The issue regarding the denial of home mortgages in the UK due to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation is a serious concern that has been gaining attention in recent weeks. A recent BBC article on the topic, published in November 2024, has been widely distributed here in the U.S.

The problem stems from various factors such as improper installation practices, inadequate installer training and a lack of understanding of basic building science, including moisture management and ventilation principles. These issues have resulted in odors and moisture problems in homes, leading to the reluctance of certain UK financial institutions to approve mortgages for properties with SPF insulation.

While this situation has been impacting the UK market, it does not appear to be affecting the US mortgage industry at this time, with no reports of lenders in the US denying home loans based on SPF insulation. The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) has been actively monitoring the situation for the past 18 months and has highlighted the importance of proper installation practices.

A positive step toward addressing these issues is the SPFA's Professional Certification Program (PCP), which is ISO-compliant and ensures that SPF contractors have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to properly install the insulation. This voluntary certification can help prevent issues like those being seen in the UK, offering assurance to homeowners, builders and even lenders that the installation has been done correctly. The SPFA will engage in efforts to educate mortgage companies and provide resources for proper SPF application that will be crucial to maintaining the credibility and reliability of SPF insulation.

In the meantime, contractors, builders and architects in the U.S. who may be concerned about this issue can look to the resources provided by SPFA, including the certification program, to ensure they are following best practices in installation and building science to prevent future complications.

If you need more information, you can contact Richard at rickduncan@sprayfoam.org.