Summarised by Centrist
Kiwis with spray foam insulation in their homes might be concerned about potential mortgage issues, following alarming reports from the UK. Homeowners Jim and Liz Bunce found they couldn’t remortgage their property due to fears that spray foam insulation could damage roof timbers, sparking concerns among New Zealand homeowners.
In New Zealand, spray foam insulation is widely used, but its effectiveness is highly variable. Steve McNeil from BRANZ highlights that “the performance of spray foam insulation is entirely dependent on its mixture and installation,” making it difficult to guarantee its success in every home. He advises, “Our advice for all home insulation is to work with qualified tradespeople, use quality, appraised products, and get professional advice to check you’re installing the right product for your home.”
Damien McGill, director of Healthy Home Corporation, warns that this could become an issue in New Zealand, too. “This is going to be a problem in New Zealand sooner or later, guaranteed,” says McGill. He stresses the importance of proper ventilation when adding insulation, echoing the sentiment that “a house is a whole system.”
While there’s no evidence yet that New Zealand banks are concerned, homeowners are encouraged to be vigilant and ensure they use certified products and qualified professionals to avoid future issues. As spray foam insulation becomes more common, it’s a situation that may demand closer scrutiny.
