Loft question: what is this?

[frenziedmonkey]

Hi all

I wonder if any of you have encountered this stuff before? I'm about to start work in the loft and this brittle foam is all over the place. I'm thinking of removing it (wearing a mask) but thought I'd just check firstly whether it may be hazardous and secondly what it's intended purpose was, i.e. whether there may have been any problems previously that I'm not aware of - damp, woodworm etc.

Any advice greatly received!

View media item 60144

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Looks like the remains of spray foam roof insulation.

It looks like when you or the previous owner had the roof done there was originally spray foam insulation applied to the roof, which would have needed to be removed when the roof was replaced and what you are seeing is the remnants of the foam.

So before the roof was replaced it would have looked like this:

Horrible stuff!

 

[frenziedmonkey]

Thanks FMT.

I did wonder that but this stuff is only on the beams, not between them - I wondered if the wood had needed treating at some point.

 

[pinenot]

Its expanded foam, I recognise the colour/finish, why would it be on the rafter edges???????????????????????but I've got a funny feeling re woodworm. Don't laugh try cutting it with a carving knife hard to an edge and see if you can spot any woodworm holes the ultimate tell tale. Also you might see some fine wood dust on the floor/joists

 

[frenziedmonkey]

I'll try that, cheers.

Let's hope it's not woodworm though eh

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

why would it be on the rafter edges

Because it originally filled the void and has been partially removed when the roof was re-done. You can see where its been broken out in the photo.

eg

 

[lockjohn]

expanding foam
harmless

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

expanding foam
harmless

Absolute Crap. In this situation it is completely inappropriate and damaging.