Trade body raises awareness of spray foam scam

They use the false credentials in order to pose as experts and persuade homeowners to commission costly removal work that may not be necessary.

Hannah Clarke is PCA’s Head of Membership. She said: “Spray foam scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

“We’ve had reports of homeowners being told they are on a ‘national database’ of properties that are likely to lose value if the insulation is not removed.

“In some cases, vulnerable customers, including pensioners, have been lulled into a false sense of security with so-called ‘surveyors’ presenting fake ID that includes the PCA logo, despite the fact that our members do not offer spray foam insulation removal services.

“We’ve even had reports from PCA members that fraudsters have impersonated them, going as far as producing fake reports in their name.”

In the UK around 250,000 homes have spray foam insulation and many of those householders are now struggling to sell or release equity, as well as being targeted by cold callers pushing them to remove it, or legal firms pursuing cases of mis selling.

While spray foam insulation can work well when properly applied, incorrect installation can lead to trapped moisture which may cause damp, mould and timber decay.

It is difficult and expensive to remove and, as a result, can become a barrier to homeowners being able to sell their property, as prospective buyers struggle to obtain a mortgage.

In a bid to address some of the issues this presents, the PCA set up a Sprayed Foam Inspection Protocol and created a register of spray foam surveyors who have the appropriate training and are audited, to give homeowners a route to get the condition of their spray foam insulation accurately assessed.

The national trade body also joined forces with Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA), Andy Wilson Financial Services, Bangor University and RPC to publish a consumer guide which signposts homeowners to appropriate resources and includes advice on sourcing a suitably competent surveyor, available at: Spray Foam Insulation Consumer Guide

Hannah Clarke added: “The problems we are now seeing highlight a much wider issue.

“While there is guidance available for assessing spray foam insulation, there is currently no recognised trade body or independently audited sector representing companies that remove it.

“That leaves homeowners trying to make important decisions in an unregulated marketplace, where it can be difficult to distinguish between competent contractors and businesses making misleading claims.

“The industry needs greater transparency, higher standards and clearer routes for consumers to identify businesses they can trust.

“The PCA does not currently represent companies carrying out spray foam removal.

“Our role is to provide homeowners with access to competent, independently assessed surveyors who can establish the condition of spray foam before any decisions are made.

“In many cases, an independent assessment should be the first step, rather than accepting advice from a company with a commercial interest in removing the insulation.”

The PCA believes consumers deserve access to competent, accountable specialists operating to recognised standards, and is continuing to work with industry and government stakeholders to improve confidence in this area.

Anyone concerned about a potential spray foam insulation scam can telephone the PCA on 01480 400000 for help.