What Is Spray Foam Attic Insulation?
- Open-cell foam: lighter and less dense, allowing some breathability but offering lower insulation values.
- Closed-cell foam: denser and more rigid, providing higher insulation but creating an airtight barrier.
Although it can improve energy efficiency, it also brings risks that have become increasingly well known, particularly in Ireland and the UK.
Problems Caused by Spray Foam Insulation
- Ventilation Restrictions: This foam can trap moisture within the roof, preventing the natural airflow needed to keep the structure dry. This can lead to condensation problems and timber decay. In fact, ventilation concerns are widely reported in Irish homes where spray foam was installed.
- Structural Risks: If moisture becomes trapped, it can accelerate the rot of wooden roof timbers. In some cases, this has led to significant structural damage that is expensive to repair.
- Mortgage and Resale Challenges: Many lenders in Ireland are now reluctant to offer mortgages or re-mortgages on homes that have spray foam attic insulation. In worst cases, sellers have had to remove the spray foam at great personal cost to secure a sale.
- Health Risks: Some foam spray products contain chemicals like isocyanates, which can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin. Improper application can release harmful vapours into the living space, leading to respiratory issues.
Impact on Property Value
Using this type of product can directly affect the resale value of your home. Buyers are increasingly cautious about properties with spray foam in the attic, fearing future issues and potential legal complications. If banks refuse to lend on a property, it shrinks the pool of potential buyers, reducing both the speed and price of a sale.
In cases where removal is required, the cost can be significant — often involving stripping the roof entirely, replacing timbers, felt, and tiles. This extra work is stressful, costly, and avoidable if spray foam is not used in the first place.
A Safer Approach to Attic Insulation
At Attic Masters, we prioritise materials that are durable, breathable, and fully compliant with building regulations. We exclusively use solid, proven products such as Xtratherm and Kingspan insulation boards in our attic conversions and upgrades.
These materials provide excellent thermal performance without compromising your roof’s ventilation or future sale prospects. Our methods ensure that your attic stays warm, dry, and safe for many years to come — without risking the structural integrity of your home.
While spray foam attic insulation may offer a short-term energy benefit, the long-term financial and structural risks simply aren’t worth it.
How Attic Masters Can Help
Whether you’re looking for an attic insulation upgrade or a full attic conversion, Attic Masters can offer safe, expert solutions that protect both your home and your investment.
We do not use spray foam attic insulation. Instead, we use high-performance alternatives that meet all Irish building standards, ensure proper ventilation, and preserve the value of your home.
Every project we complete comes with a full Structural Engineer’s Certificate of Compliance, giving you peace of mind whether you’re planning to stay long-term or sell in the future.
Contact Attic Masters today to book your free consultation and discuss the safest way to insulate your attic space.
