Consumer guide to spray foam insulation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors doesn’t say how to remove it, despite scourge of cowboy firms
- Cowboy firms have burned and rotted property after installation
- The industry is unregulated, leaving homeowners with no clear guidance
Guidelines for spray foam insulation are published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), but do not include information on its removal.
About 250,000 homeowners have insulated attics with polyurethane foam to reduce energy bills.
But the industry is plagued by cowboy firms that have put properties at risk of fire, condensation and rot after installation.
Quick Fix: About 250,000 Homeowners Have Insulated Attics With Polyurethane Foam To Reduce Energy Bills
The industry is unregulated, leaving homeowners with no clear guidance. Rics reveals how to install the insulation effectively, but does not provide tips on how to remove it.
However, if you have the proper paperwork and risk assessment, your foam probably won’t need to be removed.
A mortgage lender or Rics expert can inspect your home to make sure the foam has been installed correctly. Find a Rics expert at ricsfirms.com.
How do you find a good insulation specialist?
• Many professionals will be able to do professional insulation work, but if you want more peace of mind, look for installers who are members of the NIA
• Employees who register with the NIA agree to abide by membership requirements and industry standards
• You can find a qualified insulation installer here
• You can also find professionals for cavity wall insulation at CIGA and the British Board of Agrément
Check if the merchant you are using has agreed to a code of conduct. CIGA’s professionals give a 25-year guarantee on the work delivered
a.cooke@dailymail.co.uk