A new trade association has published guidance for homeowners on how they can deal with spray foam installation after consumer groups advised homeowners not to install spray foam insulation because of the risks associated with incorrect installation.
In a joint letter to Miatta Fahnbulleh Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ali Rushanara MP, Minister for Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, HomeOwners Alliance (HOA) and national trade body Property Care Association (PCA) joined forces to raise awareness of the issues associated incorrectly installed spray foam installation. The joint letter asked for a roundtable discussion on the issue of spray foam insulation.
Now one of the signatories, the Property Care Association (PCA), has worked with the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA), Bangor University, Andy Wilson Financial Services and RPC, with input from a number of other organisations to produce a new consumer guide
Currently around 250,000 UK homes have spray foam insulation, which can be difficult and expensive to remove once applied. Many homeowners who have spray foam in their roofs have been unable to access a mortgage, or equity release, following its installation. Cases have also been reported of some vulnerable householders being targeted by rogue removal firms.
The guide explains some of the problems associated with spray foam insulation which, if incorrectly installed, can lead to condensation build-up, potentially causing timber rot or decay, mould and mildew growth or rust and corrosion to metal components. It also provides a checklist of steps that can be taken to establish if there is an issue with the installation and signposts readers to specialist advice.
“The guide is a collaborative effort, produced to help consumers understand what they should do if they are concerned about the spray foam in their roof and where to find trusted, expert help.”
said Sarah Garry, Chief Executive of the PCA. In addition to this latest guidance the PCA have worked with lenders and building experts to create the Sprayed Foam Insulation protocol which surveyors should follow when assessing sprayed foam in roofs, and in 2024 created a register so homeowners and lenders could be assured that the people assessing spray foam installations had the appropriate training.
Sarah Garry added:
“We will continue to engage with organisations including the HomeOwners Alliance and UK Finance to ensure this issue is addressed. That includes asking the government to convene a meeting of experts to consider whether spray foam should continue to be included within government grants and agree a process to support homeowners who have spray foam installed.”
“In the meantime, the new guide for homeowners will help them find expert advice and avoid untrained or rogue operators who may take advantage of vulnerable customers, causing even further damage to their homes.”
A copy of the guide can be found on the PCA website: www.property-care.org/resources/spray-foam-insulation-consumer-guide
