Ministers are facing a new call to take urgent action to help property owners with spray foam insulation problems.

The HomeOwners Alliance has joined forces with national trade body Property Care Association (PCA) to press for change.

There are an estimated 250,000 homes with polyurethane insulation, and many say they can’t sell their property as mortgage companies are unwilling to issue loans.

And there are reports that some householders are being targeted by rogue foam removal firms and no-win, no fee companies offering to pursue cases of mis-selling.

Warning issued

Last month, Miatta Fahnbulleh, a junior Energy and Net Zero minister, told Parliament there were systemic issues in the quality of the work carried out by insulation contractors.

And she said that 39 firms have been suspended from the government scheme after an audit, but spray foam contractors were not included.

Now, the HomeOwners Alliance (HOA) has issued a warning to homeowners to not install spray foam for the time being.

In a joint letter to Fahnbulleh and Housing Minister Ali Rushanara, the HOA and PCA have asked for a roundtable discussion.

We also call on the government’s assistance to stamp out the rogue spray foam removal companies.”

Paula Higgins, CEO at HomeOwners Alliance, says: “It can’t be that homeowners convinced to install spray foam at a significant personal financial cost, and in many cases with help of government grants, are now faced with bills for hundreds if not thousands of pounds to remove the product.

“We also call on the government’s assistance to stamp out the rogue spray foam removal companies who are scaring homeowners to remove the insulation.

Sarah Garry, CEO at the PCA, says: “These are the same problems as with solid wall insulation. But even when installed by legitimate firms and with the correct paperwork, lenders are still reluctant to lend where spray foam is present.”

Main picture: HomeOwners Alliance