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Evaluating Sprayed Polyurethane Foam in Domestic Roofs

Sprayed polyurethane (PU) foam insulation applied to the sloping pitches of domestic roof voids is something which has been applied to many homes within the UK for several decades. But with lenders, insurers and building surveyors becoming increasingly concerned about the potential long-term impact of poorly applied foams, how do we assess and provide the correct recommendations?

This one day workshop is structured to give insight and provide guidance to help you identify, evaluate and recommend appropriate actions when you come across the issue.

To find out more, keep scrolling down or alternatively, give us a call on 01480 400 000 or contact us using our online contact form.

Who is this spray foam workshop for?

This one day workshop is aimed at PCA members, building surveyors and property experts who wish to provide guidance and recommendations where PU foam has been applied to domestic roofs.

Structure of the workshop

This one day workshop will be split into six separate, but related sessions. They include the following:

Session 1 – Background and history

The history and process of PU foam in existing pitched roofs in the UK including bonding & stabilisation as well as thermal performance
Properties of commonly encountered sprayed PU foams, i.e open cell soft foams and closed cell hard foams
Sales, promotion, supply and install

Session 2 – Review of documentation and guidance

Product approvals and manufacturers instruction and MSDS sheets including: BBA/KIWA, MSDS sheets plus manufacturer and contractor guidance
Guidance / instruction from lenders and equity release institutions
Published guidance and information from others that includes the PCA/RPSA position paper, PCA/RPSA information paper, Joint Working Group Guidance and the RICS guidance for consumers

Session 3 – Importance of roof construction, underlays sarking and ventilation

Consider pitched roof construction
The characteristics of felts, underlays and sarking
Atmospheric moisture loading
Warm roof, cold roofs and ventilation
The significance vapour control layers and insulation at ceiling level

Session 4 – A compliant installation

Using information from the previous sessions the workshop will consider how to examine an installation for compliance with manufacturer best practice and the requirements of the third party product approvals.
Consider the risk associated with variation and deviation from best practice and the requirements of the third party product approvals
Consider the hazards risk and possible consequences that are associated with defect and divergence from the above.

Session 5 – Modes of failure

Surface and interstitial condensation
Rainwater ingress
Timber decay and the implication of the foam on treatment, inspection repair and maintenance
Thermal performance gap/continuity and thickness

Session 6 – Reporting and recommendations

Observations, limitations and further investigation
Remedial actions and there implications from removal, waste disposal, damage to recycling/reuse
Liabilities and responsibilities

Benefits of the workshop

At the end of this workshop, attendees should leave being able to:

Identify the type of foam present and report its primary function
Evaluate PU installations and understand moisture risk
Provide a reccommendation of the most appropriate course of action

Contact us about our sprayed foam workshop

To find out more about our workshop for evaluating sprayed polyurethane foam in domestic roofs, simply give us a call on 01480 400 000 or complete our online enquiry form below.

Alternatively, if you want to come on the course, simply press the ‘Book’ button' at the top of the page.