Why prices vary, and why we visit first
Search online and you'll find all sorts of numbers for spray foam removal. The trouble is that they're averages of jobs that may look nothing like yours. Foam can be a thin layer between a few rafters or a thick coat over the entire roof. It can be soft and easy to cut or hard and fused to every surface.
That's why we don't quote over the phone. Jason comes out, looks at the loft and the roof from outside, and then sends a free written quote. It takes a little longer, but the figure you get is one you can plan around.
Loft size and how much foam there is
The obvious factor is area. A small terrace loft has far less roof to clear than a large detached house with hips and dormers. But depth matters as much as area: a thick layer of foam simply takes longer to cut away than a thin one. And where it's been sprayed makes a difference too. Foam confined to the slopes is one thing; foam that has spread into eaves, around chimney breasts or over party walls takes more care.
Foam type and how firmly it's bonded
Open-cell foam is softer and generally easier to remove. Closed-cell foam is harder and denser and tends to cling tightly to timber, membrane and battens.
The biggest difference comes when foam has been sprayed straight onto the back of tiles or slates, with no membrane between. Removing it without disturbing the roof covering is slow, careful work, and that is reflected in the price.
Access and working space
How easy it is to get into the loft and move about once there has a real effect on the job. A wide hatch, a decent ladder and enough headroom to stand make for quicker work. A tight opening, low pitch or lots of stored belongings slow things down. Clearing the loft before we start helps, and we'll let you know if that's needed.
What turns up underneath
This is the part nobody can know in advance. Once the foam is off, the battens, membrane and rafters are visible for the first time in years. Often they're fine. Sometimes battens need replacing, the membrane is damaged or there are signs of past damp in the timbers.
Any repairs are separate from the removal itself. We'll show you what we've found, explain it, and put the cost of putting it right in writing so you can decide. For more on what foam can conceal, read our guide to spray foam insulation problems.
Waste and clean-up
Removing foam creates a surprising amount of debris, which has to be bagged, carried out of the loft and taken away, and the space left clean. The volume of waste depends on how much foam there was, and that feeds into the overall cost. We'll include clearing up in the quote so you know what's covered.
Getting a free written quote
The simplest way to find out what your job will cost is to have it looked at. Our spray foam removal page explains the service, and if the foam has led to other problems, our roof repair work covers what comes after. Call 07399 680142 on weekdays from 8am to 5:30pm or Saturdays 8am to 3pm, or send a message through the contact form. We cover Somerset and Devon, up to about 50 miles from Taunton.