A Foamidable Challenge: Tackling the impact of the mis-selling of spray foam insulation

A Foamidable Challenge: Tackling the impact of the mis-selling of spray foam insulation 1.74 MB

As the UK ramps up efforts to improve home energy efficiency, this report highlights a growing consumer crisis in the spray foam insulation market.

Key findings include:

  • The number of complaints our consumer service has seen has more than doubled in the last year

  • 1 in 3 people with spray foam insulation in their loft report having experienced problems

  • Issues include damp, timber damage, and ventilation failures

  • Affected homeowners face costs in exces of £50,000 for removal or roof repairs

  • Some are unable to sell or remortgage their homes as lenders become increasingly wary

Many cases involve cold calling, mis-selling, and rogue traders, and current protections are failing to prevent harm.

The report calls for urgent reforms, including:

  • A mandatory quality scheme for all low-carbon home upgrades

  • A single Ombudsman to provide redress

  • Stronger legal enforcement powers

  • Better access to free, independent advice

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