A spray foam survey is an inspection of your loft and the foam in it, followed by a written report with photos. It records the foam type, where it is and how much of the roof it covers, its condition, what we can see of the timbers and roof covering, moisture readings where possible, and our recommendation. You can give the report to your surveyor, solicitor or lender, but the lender decides what it will accept.
What does a spray foam inspection involve?
We go into the loft, look at every area of foam we can safely reach, and record what we find. We are not just looking at the foam itself; we are trying to answer the questions a valuer or buyer will ask: what type of foam is it, how was it applied, is it stuck to the roof covering, is there any sign of damp or decay, and is the roof still ventilated?
The inspection is non-destructive by default. If it would help to cut a small area of foam back to see a rafter or the felt, we ask you first and explain what that involves. If the property is not yours, for example because you are buying it, the owner needs to agree to any visit.
This is a different job from loft spray foam removal. A survey tells you where you stand; removal deals with the foam. Many people start with an inspection, then decide.
What the written report covers
- Foam typeWhether it appears to be open-cell or closed-cell, and how we reached that view.
- CoverageWhich roof slopes, gables, dormers or eaves are foamed, and roughly how much of the roof underside is covered.
- Condition of the foamCracking, shrinkage, gaps, sagging, crumbling or areas falling away.
- What it is bonded toRafters, felt, breathable membrane, or directly to tiles or slates.
- Visible timber and roof conditionWhat we can see of rafters, purlins, battens and roof covering where accessible, including staining or decay.
- Moisture readingsReadings on accessible timbers where it is possible to take them, with locations noted.
- VentilationWhether eaves and other ventilation routes look open or blocked by foam.
- PhotosDated photos of each area, labelled so a surveyor or lender can follow them.
- RecommendationOur honest view: removal, further investigation, roofer attention, or no immediate action.
Our report is not an RICS survey and we are not chartered surveyors. It is a specialist record of the loft and the foam. Your lender or its valuer decides whether it is enough, so check with your lender or broker before booking.
When do you need a spray foam survey?
A valuer has asked for one
The most common reason. A mortgage valuation notes spray foam and the lender asks for a specialist report before deciding. Get the exact wording of what they want, then send it to us so we can check our report covers it. If the lender is likely to want removal anyway, our spray foam mortgage help page explains the options.
Before buying a house with spray foam
If the listing or the seller’s forms mention spray foam, an inspection helps you understand what you are taking on and whether to negotiate. Your own lender may still have its own requirements.
Before a remortgage or equity release
Some homeowners only learn their foam is a problem when a remortgage valuation comes back. Equity release lenders are often particularly strict. Knowing the facts before applying gives you time to plan.
Before selling
Buyers’ surveyors are likely to spot foam. Having a report ready can make conversations quicker, though some buyers’ lenders will still ask for removal.
You have noticed something
Damp smells, staining, crumbling foam or a roof leak are all reasons to look properly, whether or not a sale is involved. Our spray foam problems guide explains what these signs can mean.
How the inspection works
- Initial call. We ask about the property, what you know about the foam, and who needs the report and why. If a lender has given written requirements, send them over.
- Booking. We arrange a time to visit and let you know what access we need, such as clearing the area under the hatch.
- Loft inspection. We inspect the foam and accessible timbers, roof covering and eaves, take moisture readings where possible and photograph everything.
- Talk before we leave. We tell you what we have seen in plain terms.
- Written report. You receive the report with photos and our recommendation, ready to pass on.
- Next steps. If removal is recommended, we can quote for it, including closed-cell foam removal if that is what you have.
Inspections across Liverpool and Merseyside
We inspect lofts in every kind of Merseyside house, from slate-roofed terraces with tight hatches to inter-war semis with hipped tiled roofs and larger detached homes with dormers. Busy property markets in places such as Mossley Hill, West Derby and Birkenhead mean we are often asked for reports when a sale is already under way. Our spray foam specialists in Liverpool cover the whole region, including Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, the Wirral and Widnes.
What affects the cost of a survey?
- The size of the loft and the number of separate roof areas, such as extensions or dormers.
- Access and how much needs moving to inspect properly.
- Whether small inspection cuts are agreed.
- Any specific points a lender has asked to be covered.
Our spray foam removal cost guide explains how pricing works for inspections and removal.
When to call a professional
Call us as soon as a valuer or lender mentions spray foam, before buying a house with foam in the loft, or whenever you notice damp or damage around it. The earlier you have the facts, the more time you have to choose between a report and full removal. For the full picture of the service, visit our spray foam removal home page.
Book a spray foam inspection
Tell us who needs the report and by when. Call 07777 659786 or use the form, and we will call you back to arrange a visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is your spray foam report an RICS survey?
No. We are spray foam removal specialists, not chartered surveyors, and our report is not an RICS survey. It is a factual record of what we found in the loft, with photos, that you can give to your surveyor, solicitor or lender. Whether it meets their requirements is for them to decide.
Will a lender accept your inspection report instead of removal?
We cannot promise that. Some lenders will consider a specialist inspection report; others insist on removal whatever the report says. Ask your lender or broker what they need, ideally in writing, before you book anything. If they want a report, we can tell you whether ours covers the points they list.
Can you inspect timbers that are covered by foam?
Only partly. Where foam covers rafters completely, nobody can see the timber without cutting some back. We inspect what is accessible, such as exposed ends, eaves, purlins and joists, and record any staining or damp. Where agreed, we can cut small inspection areas, but we will explain that first.
How long does a spray foam inspection take?
The visit itself is usually a matter of a few hours for an ordinary house loft, depending on access and how much is stored up there. The written report with photos follows afterwards. If a sale deadline is close, tell us when you call so we can plan around it.
Should I get a survey before buying a house with spray foam?
It is sensible to know what you are buying. Ask your own mortgage lender how it treats spray foam first. If you need more detail, the seller’s permission is needed for us to inspect their loft, and our report can help you and your lender decide what happens next.
What happens if the inspection finds problems?
The report sets out what we saw and our recommendation, which might be removal, monitoring, or getting a roofer to look at something. You are under no obligation to use us for any follow-on work. If removal is recommended, we can give you a written quote.