Shirley Spray Foam Insulation: Is It Worth the Cost, or Just a Fad?
What is Spray Foam Insulation and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
If you’ve heard neighbours or builders in Shirley and the wider Southampton area buzzing about spray foam insulation, you’re not alone. Spray polyurethane foam, or “SPF insulation,” is having a real moment. The hype isn’t just in Shirley – folk from Bristol to Brighton and Hove, and even big cities like London and Manchester, are wondering: is spray foam insulation worth it, or is it just the latest home improvement trend?
Spray foam is different from the fluffy rolls (fibreglass) or stiff boards (celotex or PIR) that many of us know. It’s a liquid mixture sprayed directly onto surfaces where it expands – filling gaps, cracks, and odd corners. Once set, it forms an airtight seal, which is one of its biggest selling points. But it comes with a price, and that’s what most people want to weigh up for their home or business.
The Cost of Spray Foam Insulation: More Upfront, But What About Later?
Let’s get straight to it – spray foam insulation cost per square metre is almost always higher compared to traditional options. In Shirley and Southampton, a basic professional install often starts around £25-£35 per square metre for open-cell foam, and £40-£60 per square metre for closed-cell foam. This includes materials and labour. For a typical semi-detached house, you might be looking at £2,000-£4,000 all in, depending on the size and where you need the foam (loft, walls, floors, etc).
It’s a big outlay, so let’s see why people think it’s worth it:
- Saves on energy bills as it keeps heat in better than standard insulation
- Lasts for decades without sagging or needing to be topped up
- Stops drafts, damp, and even helps with noise from outside
But, there’s a possible downside. Not every mortgage lender likes houses with spray foam in the roof, so check with yours, especially if you’re planning to sell or remortgage soon. Also, spray foam is hard to remove if you change your mind, unlike rolls and boards.
Closed-Cell vs Open-Cell Spray Foam: Which One’s Best?
When considering spray foam, you’ll come across two types:
| Type | Cost | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Cell | Lower | Lofts, interior walls | Great for soundproofing, lets moisture escape |
| Closed-Cell | Higher | Roofs, external walls, floors | Superb air and moisture barrier, very tough |
Open-cell spray foam is cheaper and more flexible. It’s good for places where you’re worried about condensation, like lofts. Closed-cell spray foam is denser and doesn’t let any air or water through, which makes it perfect for keeping out chilly drafts in windier bits of Shirley or the suburbs around Southampton and Portsmouth. Just remember, closed-cell foam also adds a bit of strength to the building, which some folks love.
Top Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation in the UK
Is spray foam insulation worth it in Shirley, Southampton, or even up in Sheffield or Liverpool? Here are the top perks people around the UK enjoy:
- Major reduction in heating costs, sometimes up to 30%
- Helps prevent mould and damp, which is ideal for older homes
- Improves comfort all year round – fewer cold spots and a more even temperature
- Good for noisy roads or flight paths (like near Southampton airport!)
- Requires no maintenance once installed
It’s especially appealing in places where homes lose heat easily, like older terraces or houses with quirky shapes that are tricky for standard insulation products. If you’re in a modern flat in Reading or Milton Keynes, or a historic house in Luton or Norwich, the value might come down to your specific needs.
Final Thoughts: Is Spray Foam Just a Fad?
Spray foam isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix, and it does cost more at the start. But it’s got some serious long-lasting benefits: lower bills, no drafts, less hassle with future repairs. For many in Shirley and the surrounding cities, the investment pays off, especially if you plan to stay put and want a cosy, energy-efficient home. Just remember to look out for lender restrictions and get a reputable installer who knows the local building regulations.
If you’re curious how spray foam stacks up for your house compared to standard options, or want to see how it’s being used in places like Leeds, Coventry, or Newcastle upon Tyne, there are guides for each location. Give us a ring if you want advice for your patch of the UK!