Full loft and rafter survey
We inspect the foam with a boroscope, moisture meter and thermal imaging camera, and give you a written assessment of how far it has spread and whether the timber is damp. This is included in every quote.
Licensed
Licensed & Bonded
Fully Insured
Insured & Bonded
24/7 Emergency
Same-Day Response
Warranty Backed
5+ Years Trusted in Cheltenham
What our open cell spray foam removal includes
Our standard removal covers survey, extraction, timber cleaning and ventilation checks. Anything beyond that, such as timber repairs or replacement insulation, is quoted separately once we have seen the loft, so you always know what you are paying for.
Foam extraction and bagging
Foam is cut back with thermal removal tools or, where needed, dry ice blasting or sand blasting equipment. Everything is bagged and removed through licensed waste routes, with an industrial vacuum running throughout.
Timber clean and moisture check
We clean residual foam from rafters, battens and joists, then re-check moisture levels. Any timber rot or hidden leaks found are photographed and reported in writing so you can decide on repairs.
Ventilation and eaves clearance
Blocked eaves are cleared so air can move through the roof void again. We check the vapour barrier and any insulation boards, and replace damaged sections where needed to keep the roof breathing.
Documentation for lenders
You get dated before-and-after photographs, moisture readings and a written summary of the work. This is the paperwork surveyors and valuers ask for when foam has held up a mortgage or a sale.
Site clean and handover
We vacuum the loft, wipe down surfaces and remove all waste. You get a walkthrough of what was done, a 5-year workmanship warranty on the removal, and our phone number if anything needs a second look.
What open cell spray foam removal in Cheltenham involves
Open cell spray foam is the soft, sponge-like polyurethane foam often sprayed between rafters and across loft ceilings. It lets vapour pass through, which is fine when the roof can breathe, but it soaks up moisture when ventilation is blocked. Removal means cutting the foam out under controlled conditions, bagging it, and cleaning the timber back to a surface a surveyor or lender will accept. We use thermal removal tools, a boroscope and a moisture meter to map where the foam has failed before we cut anything.
Most Cheltenham jobs we see start with a surveyor's report or a mortgage refusal. Foam sprayed across rafters in a 1930s semi in Prestbury or a Victorian terrace near Bath Road traps condensation against the felt, and within a few winters you get timber rot and a failed roof. If you have been searching for open cell foam extraction near me Cheltenham Gloucestershire, we cover the whole town and the surrounding villages, and we can tell you within a site visit whether the foam needs to come out or can stay.
How our removal process works
Every job follows the same five stages, from the first survey to the final clean. You get a fixed price before we start and a written summary of what we found when we finish.
01
Schedule
Call or book online — a real human picks up and confirms a 2-hour arrival window.
02
Diagnose
Licensed tech inspects on-site, then walks you through the cause and your options.
03
Fix
The job is completed to code and done right the first time — no shortcuts, no surprises.
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Guarantee
Every job backed by a written workmanship warranty — and we stand behind it.
Tools and methods we use
Tools & Equipment
Thermal removal tools
Cut through open cell foam quickly with minimal dust. Our first choice for most loft and rafter jobs in Cheltenham.
Dry ice blasting machine
Removes thin foam from timber without abrasives or water. Used where sand would damage the surface or where mess must be kept to a minimum.
Sand blasting equipment
Strips closed cell foam bonded hard to rafters. Dust is controlled with an industrial vacuum and air scrubber running alongside.
Industrial vacuum and air scrubber
Capture foam debris and airborne dust during removal. Together they keep dust out of the rest of the house.
Boroscope and moisture meter
Inspect behind foam and check timber moisture levels before, during and after removal. Used at survey stage and again at handover.
Thermal imaging camera
Maps hidden damp and cold spots behind foam so we know exactly where to cut and what to report.
Scaffolding and respirator
Safe access for roof-level work and respiratory protection for our technicians. All operatives are PASMA and IPAF trained.
Methods & Standards
Survey-first assessment
Every job starts with a boroscope, moisture meter and thermal imaging survey. We tell you whether the foam genuinely needs removing, and we put the findings in writing before any work is booked.
Dust-controlled extraction
We seal the loft hatch, sheet up the landing and run an industrial vacuum and air scrubber throughout. Foam is bagged as it comes out and removed through licensed waste routes.
Timber-safe removal
Thermal tools and blasting are matched to the foam type so the timber underneath is not damaged. We check moisture levels again after cleaning and report anything that needs treatment.
Ventilation reinstatement
Once the foam is out, we clear the eaves gap and check the vapour barrier and insulation boards. Air is confirmed to be moving through the roof void before we hand the loft back.
Documented handover
You receive dated before-and-after photographs, moisture readings and a written summary. This is the pack surveyors, valuers and lenders ask for when foam has affected a property transaction.
When to book open cell foam extraction
01
A Cheltenham homeowner is selling and the buyer's surveyor has flagged spray foam across the rafters.
What we do: We survey within days, quote a fixed price and strip the foam, then supply dated photographs and moisture readings for the lender. Most sales we work on complete within a month of the first visit.
→ The mortgage is approved, the sale goes through, and the new owner inherits a loft with clear ventilation and documented history.
02
A landlord in Charlton Kings has damp patches on an upstairs ceiling and suspects the loft foam is to blame.
What we do: We check the foam with a boroscope and moisture meter, confirm whether it is trapping moisture, and remove it with thermal tools and an industrial vacuum. The eaves are cleared and the timbers checked.
→ The damp stops spreading, the ceiling can be redecorated, and the loft is left in a condition that will pass a future inspection.
03
A homeowner in Leckhampton wants to board the loft for storage but the floor is covered in open cell foam.
What we do: We strip the foam from the joists and loft floor, vacuum the space clean, and check the timbers for moisture. The loft is left ready for boarding or a modern breathable insulation system.
→ The loft becomes usable storage within days of us finishing, with no foam dust left behind.
04
A buyer in Bishops Cleeve has exchanged contracts but the lender's valuer wants the foam removed before completion.
What we do: We prioritise the job, survey immediately and schedule removal as quickly as access allows. Documentation is issued the day we finish so the valuer can sign off without delay.
→ Completion goes ahead on the original date, with no renegotiation over the foam.
How open cell spray foam removal runs in Cheltenham
Cheltenham's housing stock is a mix of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, 1930s semis and post-war estates, and each behaves differently once foam goes in. Older roofs near Bath Road and The Suffolks often have original felt and narrow eaves gaps, so foam blocks ventilation quickly and condensation shows up within a couple of winters. Newer homes in Hatherley and Up Hatherley tend to have deeper rafters and better airflow, which buys time but does not stop trapped moisture eventually causing timber rot. We work to BPCA guidance on contaminated insulation and follow safe-system practice for loft and roof access on every site. If you have been looking for open cell foam extraction near me Cheltenham Gloucestershire, we cover the whole town and the surrounding villages, and we can usually survey within a few days. Most removals are scheduled within two weeks of the quote being accepted, and we phase larger jobs so the house stays liveable throughout.
Neighborhoods We Serve
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Prestbury
Large detached and period homes with deep roof voids. Foam is often sprayed across rafters, and ventilation clearance is a priority after removal.
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Charlton Kings
A mix of 1930s semis and newer builds. We see foam on loft floors here more often than on rafters, which makes extraction quicker.
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Leckhampton
Family homes where lofts are often wanted for storage. We strip foam from joists and leave the space clean and ready to board.
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Bishops Cleeve
Modern estates with shallower roof pitches. Access is straightforward, and most jobs are completed in two to three days.
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Montpellier
Period townhouses with restricted loft access. We plan scaffolding and access at survey stage to avoid delays on the day.
Local Conditions We Plan For
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Damp winters and driving rain from the west
Cheltenham roofs take a lot of weather. Foam that blocks ventilation traps that moisture against the felt, so removal and eaves clearance matter more here than in drier parts of the country.
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Older roofs with original felt and narrow eaves
Victorian and Edwardian properties have little spare airflow. We check the eaves gap carefully and clear it fully before handover so the roof can breathe again.
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Loft conversions and boarded floors
Boarded lofts hide foam and make access harder. We survey with a boroscope first and plan the removal sequence so boards can be lifted and replaced with minimal disruption.
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Mortgage-driven timescales
Many Cheltenham jobs are tied to a sale or remortgage. We prioritise these, issue documentation the day we finish, and keep the surveyor informed throughout.
Prestbury semi cleared for mortgage
Problems our Cheltenham foam removal solves
Foam that was sprayed to save energy often causes the opposite problem: trapped moisture, rotting timber and a property that will not sell. These are the issues we deal with most often in Cheltenham lofts.
Problem
Mortgage refused because of spray foam
Lenders treat foam against the roof structure as a risk, and a valuer's report can stall or kill a sale. Buyers pull out, and the property sits on the market while the issue is unresolved.
Our Fix
We remove the foam, clear the ventilation and provide dated photographs, moisture readings and a written summary. Your surveyor or lender gets the evidence they need to sign the property off.
Problem
Condensation and damp in the loft
Foam blocks the eaves gap and stops air moving through the roof void. Moisture then condenses on the felt and battens, and over a few winters you get mould, damp patches and a failing roof.
Our Fix
We strip the foam, clear the roof ventilation blockage and check the felt and battens with a boroscope. Airflow is restored, and we report any damp timber before it spreads.
Problem
Timber rot in rafters and joists
Trapped moisture rots structural timber from the inside. Left alone, rafters and purlins lose strength and the repair bill climbs into thousands of pounds.
Our Fix
Our technicians use a moisture meter and thermal imaging camera to find damp timber early. We remove the foam, clean the timbers and report any rot so it can be treated before it becomes structural.
Problem
Foam sprayed over old leaks
Foam hides the evidence of a leaking roof or failed flashing. The leak keeps running underneath, and the first sign is often a stained ceiling months later.
Our Fix
Once the foam is out, we inspect the roof structure and report any hidden leaks we find. You get a clear picture of the roof's condition and can arrange repairs with confidence.
Why Cheltenham homeowners remove open cell foam
Foam removal is not cosmetic. It restores ventilation, protects the roof structure and clears the paperwork that blocks a sale. Here is what changes once the foam is out.
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Mortgage and survey clearance
Lenders routinely refuse mortgages on properties with spray foam against the roof structure. We remove the foam, photograph the cleaned rafters, and provide the documentation your surveyor needs. Most Cheltenham cases we handle are resolved within two to three weeks of the first visit, which keeps a sale on track.
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Roof ventilation restored
Open cell foam blocks the eaves gap and stops air moving through the loft. Once it is out, we clear the roof ventilation blockage and check the felt and battens with a boroscope. That airflow is what stops condensation forming on the underside of the roof covering through winter.
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Timber rot stopped early
Trapped moisture rots rafters, purlins and ceiling joists from the inside. Our technicians use a moisture meter and thermal imaging camera to find damp timber before it spreads. Catching it at the first signs of insulation failure saves the cost of replacing structural timber later.
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Loft space usable again
Foam sprayed across the loft floor or between rafters rules out storage and conversion. We strip it back, vacuum the dust, and leave the space clean enough to board or insulate properly. Many customers in Charlton Kings and Leckhampton use the reclaimed loft for storage within days of us finishing.
Accredited and reviewed locally
Licensed & Certified
- CHAS Accreditation — issued by CHAS
- Constructionline Registration — issued by Constructionline
- SafeContractor Approval — issued by SafeContractor
- PASMA and IPAF Training — issued by PASMA and IPAF
- BPCA Guidance Compliance — issued by British Pest Control Association
Verified Reviews
Google ★★★★★4.9
Surveyed our loft in Prestbury within a week of calling. The report was clear about what needed removing and what could stay. Foam was stripped in three days and the lender signed off without further questions.
Google ★★★★★5.0
Dust control was excellent. They sealed the hatch and ran an air scrubber the whole time, so nothing came down into the house. The loft was left cleaner than we expected and the price matched the quote exactly.
Checkatrade ★★★★★4.8
We had foam across the rafters in Charlton Kings and were worried about the cost. The team explained the options honestly and did not push extra work. Removal took two days and the damp readings came back normal.
Google ★★★★★4.9
Used them for a rental property in Leckhampton. They cleared the eaves, checked the timbers and sent photographs for our records. The tenant noticed the musty smell was gone within a fortnight.
Five years stripping foam across Gloucestershire
Spray Foam Heritage Homes has been removing spray foam since 2021, working on lofts, rafters, cavity walls and commercial roofs across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. Our technicians are trained in thermal removal, dry ice blasting and safe working at height, and we hold CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor accreditation. We have worked alongside surveyors, mortgage lenders and timber treatment specialists on foam-related property transactions, so we understand what a lender's valuer needs to see before they will sign off a mortgage.
- Five years of spray foam removal work across Cheltenham, Gloucester and the surrounding villages.
- CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor accredited, with PASMA and IPAF trained operatives.
- Experienced with Icynene, Lapolla and Demilec open cell foams found in local lofts.
- We work to BPCA guidance on contaminated insulation and timber treatment.
- Every job documented with photographs and moisture readings for lenders and surveyors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real answers to the questions we hear most often from local homeowners and property managers.
How much does open cell spray foam removal cost in Cheltenham?
Most lofts in Cheltenham cost between £2,400 and £6,500 to strip in 2026, depending on the area covered and how hard the foam is bonded. A standard three-bed semi with foam across the rafters usually falls in the £3,000 to £4,200 range. Access, roof height and any timber repairs push the figure up; smaller lofts and straightforward extraction bring it down.
Can you remove open cell foam from my loft in Cheltenham Gloucestershire?
Yes. We remove open cell foam from lofts, rafters, ceiling joists and cavity walls across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. The foam is cut back with thermal removal tools, vacuumed out and the timber cleaned. We check for trapped moisture and timber rot as we go, and we clear the eaves ventilation before we finish.
What is the best open cell spray foam removal near me in Cheltenham?
The best option is a local firm that surveys first, quotes a fixed price and documents the work for your lender. We have removed spray foam across Cheltenham since 2021, hold CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor accreditation, and provide before-and-after photographs with every job. Call 01242375143 to book a survey.
Is open cell spray foam removal easier than closed cell in Cheltenham?
Yes, open cell foam is usually easier and cheaper to remove than closed cell. It is softer, less dense and often pulls away from timber with thermal tools rather than needing heavy sand blasting. A typical open cell loft takes two to three days, while closed cell foam on the same area can take four to five days and cost 30 to 50 percent more.
Related Services
Spray Foam Removal near me
If you are searching for spray foam removal near me in Cheltenham, we cover the whole town and surrounding villages. We handle open cell and closed cell foam, loft and rafter applications, and provide the documentation lenders ask for.
View Spray Foam Removal near mesame day Spray Foam Removal
For urgent cases, such as a surveyor visiting next week or a sale about to fall through, we can sometimes attend the same day for a survey. Full removal is then scheduled as quickly as access allows, usually within two weeks.
View same day Spray Foam Removal24/7 Spray Foam Removal
Our phone line is open 24/7 for foam-related emergencies, including water ingress through a foam-blocked roof. Call 01242375143 at any hour and we will arrange the earliest possible attendance, with emergency roof protection if needed.
View 24/7 Spray Foam RemovalResidential Spray Foam Removal
Most of our Cheltenham work is residential: lofts, rafters and ceiling joists in houses and bungalows. We work cleanly around family homes, seal the loft hatch, and keep dust out of living areas with an air scrubber running throughout.
View Residential Spray Foam RemovalCommercial Spray Foam Removal
We also strip foam from commercial roofs, warehouses and agricultural buildings across Gloucestershire. Larger jobs are phased to keep the building in use, with out-of-hours working available where access or noise is an issue.
View Commercial Spray Foam Removalloft spray foam removal
Loft spray foam removal is our most common job in Cheltenham. We strip foam from rafters, joists and loft floors, clear the eaves ventilation, and leave the space clean enough to board, insulate or use for storage again.
View loft spray foam removalContact our Cheltenham team
Call us on 01242375143 or email [email protected] and we will arrange a free survey at your Cheltenham property. Our phone line is answered 24/7, and we aim to book surveys within 48 hours across Gloucestershire. If you have photos of the foam, send them over and we can often give you an initial view before we visit.
Spray Foam Heritage Homes
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Phone
01242375143 -
Address
15-21 Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3JL, UK, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
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Hours
Mon–Fri: 7AM – 7PM
Sat: 8AM – 4PM
Sun: Emergency Only
24/7 Emergency Available