PROBLEMS WITH SPRAY FOAM? 

Structural Timber Testing After Spray Foam Insulation Removal

We specialise in post-polyurethane foam insulation removal testing of roof structures, to provide reassurance that what has been left is fit for purpose. As an unregulated industry, it is important to get a specialist to make this assessment. We at Spotlight Surveys are a Chartered Surveying firm which provides just that. 

Our surveys use the latest technology to go as far as possible to inspect the roof timbers and provide the most accurate advice. 

We specialise in minimally destructive timber surveying and testing using advanced resistograph drilling technology. This method allows us to detect hidden timber decay within the timber without causing extensive damage.

Why Choose Resistograph Timber Testing?

Resistograph drilling is the process of drilling small holes in the timber with a special tool which records the force of the drill as it is applied. This is plotted on a graph. Soft rotten timber has little force, whereas strong, good quality timber requires greater force, therefore allowing us to detect damage internally. The benefits of this system are:

  • Minimally invasive: Minimal disturbance to the timber structure.
  • Accurate results: Identify decay not visible on the timber surface.
  • Peace of mind: When purchasing a property, it is important that you have the most accurate advice possible to determine if a roof requires complete replacement, which could be missed.
  • Expert assessment: David Willis BSc(Hons) MRICS MFPWS is the only specialist undertaking and reviewing the results to provide clear, professional reports on the condition of your roof timbers.

 

Contact Us For a Post Foam Removal Fee Proposal

Frequently Asked questions

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation takes several different forms (closed cell and open cell), and has been applied retrospectively to roofs to provide better insulation. As an unregulated industry, the spray foam has been, in most instances, applied without much thought to the way in which a pitched roof structure works.

A pitched roof structure relies on ventilation to remove moisture from the property, which is created during normal use (cooking, showers, cleaning etc). Spray foam insulation is typically applied to the underside of the felt and roof joists, which prevents this ventilation and makes moisture defects more likely. In addition to the presence of the moisture, the timbers cannot be checked as they are covered by the foam.

Should I remove Polyurethane foam Insulation?

As well as restricting the visibility of the timbers, if any defects to the felt occur, instead of being visible internally and causing a leak, this will be held around the timbers, causing them to decay from the top, unseen section. 

Open cell is more breathable, which reduces the likelihood of defects by comparison; however, in the first instance, an assessment should be made by a suitably qualified surveyor. There is a minimal amount of detailed guidance, the best we found has been produced by the Property Care Association (PCA) however, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) also provides some limited guidance. 

The Problem

When spray foam insulation is applied to a roof, it can trap moisture and hide timber decay that isn't visible on the surface. After removal,  a surface assessment will highlight any immediate concerns, however, the timbers can rot from the inside out, making damage impossible to completely assess from the surface. This is due to the only surface allowing moisture to enter and escape is from the top, uncovered section, and not the visible surfaces.

Being unregulated, various contractors allow for the installation and removal to standards which may not be acceptable. 

If you’ve recently had spray foam removed, normally highlighted during a property sale, it’s crucial to assess the quality of this removal as well as the structural integrity of the roof timbers as accurately as possible to ensure the roof structure will not need replacement.

Who Needs This Service?

  • Homeowners who’ve had spray foam insulation removed
  • Buyers or sellers needing a roof timber condition report
  • Surveyors or property professionals requiring structural timber analysis
  • Anyone concerned about roof timber decay or hidden wood rot

Our Service

Our post foam removal assessment service includes:

  • An external assessment of the roof covering (inclusive of flashings). 
  • An assessment of the removal of the foam (if this has indeed been removed to an acceptable standard).
  • A visual assessment of the roofing felt
  • A visual assessment of the newly exposed timbers and any gable end walls.
  • Use of the electrical resistance meter to highlight (for a report) visually damp timbers
  • Use of a resistograph drill to assess every 5th roof joist.

This will take the form of a report which:

  • Describes the property 
  • Highlights observations
  • Makes an analysis
  • Provides recommendations
  • Appendix, which includes raw data from the site survey (pertinent photographs, resistograph data, site notes and drawings) 

Spray Foam insulation survey cost

The cost of the survey, from our Chartered Surveyor, starts at £1,200 + VAT. 

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