Ventilation has become a ‘big issue’ for Irish homes using spray foam insulation, an industry expert has warned.

A new report has suggested that up to 300,000 homes in the UK could be unsellable until the foam is removed after banks put restrictions on mortgages for properties where it’s used.

Spray foam is typically applied in roof spaces and walls.

Shay Lally of Houses to Restore believes there were many oversights when it came to the rollout of spray foam insulation, which began around 30 years ago.

He told The Anton Savage Show today why people are concerned about its use.

“The big issue with spray foam is ventilation,” said Mr Lally.

“When you look at insulation, you also have to look at ventilation and unfortunately with spray foam, it wasn’t considered.

"It's essentially like if your extractor fan isn't working in your en-suite and you have no window, the paint will begin to flake off the ceiling.

“In your roof, all the timbers will begin to rot over time and decay – it will take many years, but that is the worry.”

Mr Lally said spray foam leaves moisture with nowhere to go and “essentially means the building is sweating.”

Attic insulation

He advised people looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes this winter to start with the attic.

“If you look at even just standard fiberglass-type insulation, it would just get rolled out in your attic,” he said.

“That's always a great place to start because your roof essentially loses the most amount of heat, and it's something you could do yourself.

“If you've recently bought a fixer-upper and just can't afford to get someone in, you can buy the insulation and do it yourself.

“You mightn't do a perfect job, but it might hold you over, so that'd be a big thing that I'd suggest someone does.”

BER rating's

Mr Lally said the rise in people rushing to increase their BER rating is mostly due to energy efficiency, not solely about increasing the value of a home.

“It’s to create a home that’s more comfortable to live in,” he said.

“It makes the home a more pleasant place to live in and then, if you have solar panels, that might charge your car.

“If you have an electric car, you’re essentially driving for free.”

He added that people are becoming increasingly “savvy” when it comes to “future-proofing” themselves.

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Main image: Spray foam being applied to a home. Image: JG Photography / Alamy Stock Photo