Spray Foam Insulation at Evergreen Power UK
At Evergreen Power UK, we use Huntsman H2Foam Lite (previously known as Icynene H2 FoamLite) Open Cell Spray Insulation as our preferred product, a product developed over the last 30 years and now regarded as the future of insulation. Boasting various applications, H2foam Lite provides insulation solutions for both domestic and commercial properties. Importantly, Hunstman H2Foam Lite is backed with BBA Agrément certificates, KIWA, ETC providing a quality seal and peace of mind.
Today, Evergreen Power UK is one of the most accredited installers of Spray Foam Insulation across the UK. Our accreditations include BBA, TRUSTMARK, KIWA, Worcester Bosch, MCS, NAPIT, HIES, IWA, Constructionline, Gas Safe, NIA, and Federation of Master Builders. *Please be aware that we make no guarantee or representation regarding the recognition or acceptance accorded by 3rd parties (For example, Mortgage companies, Equity release, and Valuers) to such accreditations.
What are the Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation has emerged as the latest innovation in the insulation market. It is favoured for its simple application process and exceptional insulation and airtightness and breathability qualities. Huntsman H2Foam Lite, an open-cell and vapour permeable insulation solution, aids in diminishing condensation and moisture resulting from thermal bridging. Its expansive nature makes it suitable for previously challenging insulation areas.
Recent Update on Spray Foam Insulation
In light of the Government’s release on 28th March 2024 concerning the risks associated with moisture, we have found there to be too many conflicting viers from bodies who are meant to be guiding the construction industry into best practice , consequently we have temporarily suspended all domestic insulation projects until there is a framework and clarity to work to. This decision will stand until greater clarity regarding the variance in quality and performance across different brands and products of open-celled spray foam. Our clients at EPUK have received installations of the highest calibre, utilising the most accredited product available globally, strictly adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions standards at installation. We have dutifully abided by all relevant insulation guidelines upon installation only to be made aware of changing parameters or opinions from different industry bodies such as RICS, RPSA,PCA, GOV.UK, BBA,KIWA etc, which we believe to be confusing. Consequently, we feel there needs to be a clear single message that all these accredited bodies agree to, allowing us to move forward as an insulation industry with clarity of good practice.
We will resume our domestic retrofit projects once there are more distinct guidelines delineating which products are considered satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
The Government does not advocate removing spray foam insulation from properties. Nevertheless, the recent heightened emphasis on ventilation contradicts the BBA installation guidelines for our products, which state that no additional ventilation is required for Icynene or Huntsman H2FoamLite applications.
Not all spray foam insulation products are created equal, function identically or have the same installation guidelines. Therefore, we categorically challenge the report’s assertion that closed-cell foam is less detrimental to timber than open-cell foam, as it fundamentally neglects the essential principle regarding moisture entrapment. Please be assured that all warranties remain in effect and are upheld by Huntsman Building Solutions, the manufacturers of H2FoamLite, who are currently advocating for more nuanced clarity distinguishing between different products.
We have reason to believe that certain manufacturers customer databases have been compromised, resulting in clients being subjected to unsolicited calls suggesting the imperative removal of spray foam insulation at significant expense, under the pretence that their property would otherwise be rendered valueless or unsaleable. This is not true, and we urge extreme caution to such claims. A straightforward and cost-effective solution to alleviate mortgage-related concerns is to affix an Air and Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) over the existing spray foam, as recommended in the recent publication dated 28th March 2024. Please remain vigilant and do not fall prey to fear-inducing sales strategies.
There are more options that highlight the confusion in the mortgage survey process. For example, a home with a loft conversion, another home has plastic covering the rafters, another has no access to the loft space and lastly another has easy access with a loft ladder. All four homes have spray foam insulation installed and only the one with easy access is deemed to have potential problems. Closing off access to the loft would appear to be the most economical solution to the argument, definitely cheaper than the astronomical removal fees which are bordering criminal prices.
We will update this page as and when new updates are received, in the meantime we feel at Evergreen Power we must wait for more clarity. Links to the RICS, RPSA original and retraction releases, GOV.UK, documents are below:
1) RICS March 2023 Update on Spray Foam Insulation – Here
2) RPSA Statement on Spray Foam Insulation – Here
3) Gov.uk Link to recent Spray Foam Insulation Guidance – Here
4) Manufacturer’s Website for Homeowners Guidance – Here
After reading the above information and releases if you feel Huntsman H2FoamLite open cell or FoamLok close cell is the right solution for your insulation project then please feel free to fill out our contact page and one of the team will be in touch to discuss your requirements.
