The Property Care Association (PCA) is planning a new membership category for contractors specialising in spray foam insulation removal amid concerns about standards and consumer protection.
The trade body says more than 250,000 UK homes contain spray foam insulation, which can cause problems where it has been incorrectly installed, including trapped moisture, damp, mould and timber decay.
Spray foam can also create difficulties during property transactions, with some homeowners encountering problems when buyers seek mortgage finance.
The PCA says the removal market is currently unregulated and warns that homeowners can face unnecessary or substandard work costing thousands of pounds.
CONSUMER CONCERNS
The organisation says some homeowners with spray foam have also been targeted by cold callers encouraging them to have insulation removed.
James Berry, Deputy CEO at the PCA, says: “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, even though at present, our members do not offer spray foam insulation removal services.”
The PCA has previously developed inspection protocols and consumer guidance and established its Spray Foam Assessor Register to improve consistency when existing installations are assessed.
NEW BENCHMARK
Its proposed membership branch would introduce defined competency and membership requirements for removal contractors alongside independent auditing, compliance monitoring, technical guidance and training.
The PCA is working with contractors, lenders, government and other parts of the property industry on the proposed framework.
Berry says: “The objective is not to regulate the market, but to provide an independently recognised benchmark that supports higher standards, helps consumers make informed choices and enables reputable contractors to demonstrate their commitment to competence and professionalism.
“We can provide a new level of consumer protection by making it easier for homeowners and property professionals to identify contractors who meet recognised standards, while helping to reduce poor practice and build long term confidence into the spray foam removal sector.”
The PCA will now consult on the proposals, beginning with a stakeholder meeting in September.
