Problems Selling / Mortgaging Home with Spray Foam Insulation in Basement?
I’m situated in Toronto, Canada which appears to be Climate Zone 5A.
Just wondering if anyone has had issues selling their property or getting a loan for homes with closed cell spray foam insulation applied to the basement walls only. Not roofing.
I’ve been strongly considering closed cell spray foam for my exterior walls over top the existing dimple membrane (interior wet basement issue) instead of the less capable rockwool + vapor barrier but why take the chance of devaluing my property, ironically, if selling becomes a problem. For the record, the basement exterior walls are concrete blocks, have 2×4 framing and run 180 linear feet in length. The basement height is quite short at 6.5 feet. The home is about 100 years old.
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I have to say: this is a really odd post.
You've raised a hypothetical concern without giving any reason behind it.
You might as well have said: "Should I worry about selling my house after having installed locks on all the windows?"
I dont find it odd at all.
My grand parents house was difficult to sell because it had the old 70's or 80's spray foam (polyeurathane???). It took a long time to sell that home back in 1999-2001 era.
people were scared of "that sprayfoam"
It was probably urea formaldehyde insulation. Billions were spent removing it from homes a few decades ago. In many places, homes insulated with UFFI were unsalable. I don't think that has been a problem with closed cell foam, except in rare instances where lingering smells have created long lasting issues.
I've heard of this in the UK, but not in North America. I'm not aware of any mortage companies that even ask what TYPE of insulation was used in a structure. Mortgage companies mostly care what insurance companies think, and insurance companies mostly just care that everything meet current code. Since spray foam is an accepted way to insulate a basement wall, you should be OK as long as you follow code. That might mean you need to put some sort of fire barrier or coating over the spray foam, but that's probably the most that would be required here. Call your insurance company and ask them. If the insurance company will write a policy for your home, the mortgage company should be fine with that.
Bill
Thank you. Very helpful.
Ok, thanks. I will keep it in my mind. I appreciate your help.