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Trading Standards warn homeowners over spray foam installation

9:00 am, Monday, 22nd July 2024 - 3 months ago

Trading Standards

Following a previous warning, North East Lincolnshire Trading Standards have warned homeowners of the potential dangers of spray foam sellers.

Spray foam is a liquid foam that expands to fit the area available and sets to form an insulating layer. It is typically used to insulate roofs, lofts and attics. There are two main types of spray foam namely Open cell that remains soft after setting and Closed cell which becomes is rigid once set.

Trading Standards are not only seeing complaints of poor installation, where the installation does not meet the code of practice and standards set by the British Board of Agreement (BBA), but also in the way in which the product is sold.

A number of traders have been identified using false claims in relation to the true cost of the work, unrealistic amounts of heat loss that could be saved by using this product and claiming that your current standard loft installation is not suitable. 

In addition, a number of traders have also been identified failing to inform homeowners of material information, for them to make an informed decision whether or not to buy this product. These include failing to tell homeowners that on average 25% heat is loft through a roof in an uninsulated home, cheaper alternatives to insulate your home are available such as standard glass fibre loft insulation, the product may affect obtaining a mortgage on the and the product is not suitable for roof spaces that are no used to live in.

For those who have had the installation of spray foam, many are then further contacted by other companies who make claims the product requires to be removed, as it is damaging their home and offer to quote for this.  

Homeowners are urged to read the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveys guidance on spray foam insulation, published in March 2023 when deciding whether or not this product is suitable for their property.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “With high fuel costs and concerns about carbon emissions, it is understandable that homeowners are seeking ways to increase home energy efficiency.

“We are gravely concerned of a number of businesses who are taking advantage of this. We strongly advise that homeowners do not make rash decisions in to having this product and ensure that the treatment is suitable for their property by reading the guidance document produced by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors before agreeing to any work. It is also worth contacting your mortgage provider to establish whether this product would affect your mortgage or selling your property in the future.  

“Should any home owner wish to receive further advice, they are able to contact the Citizens Advice consumer help line on 0808 223 1133.”

For further information about home energy or to contact a member of the energy team, click here.

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