A survey by the Property Care Association (PCA) has found that 35% of homes fitted with spray foam insulation had one or more defects and, as a result, a quarter require the insulation to be replaced or the property’s roof to be completely replaced.

The findings have prompted the PCA to join forces with the HomeOwners Alliance in calling for action.

Chief Executive of the PCA, Sarah Garry (main image), says: “We are calling on the Government to step in and help homeowners who find themselves in a position where they are stuck and unable to sell, are unable to access equity release products, are faced with hefty remediation bills for removal or are being targeted by unscrupulous spray foam removal firms.

The reality is that the situation is getting worse, not better.”

“Many of these homeowners are elderly and vulnerable, and the reality is that the situation is getting worse, not better.”

Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, says: “The current position is unfair to homeowners who have taken reasonable steps, and in many cases were encouraged by government grants, to install the product.”

It is an issue that has significant implications for the property market, with many lenders refusing mortgages on affected properties, making it very difficult for owners to either sell or remortgage.

There are around 250,000 homes in the UK that have spray foam insulation, which, if incorrectly installed, can lead to a build-up of condensation, which can cause timbers to rot, mould growth and metal corrosion.

Expert roundtable

The organisations have now sent a letter to Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for Energy Consumers and Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Housing, calling for a roundtable of property experts, lenders and equity release companies to address the issues.

Property owners with spray foam can find advice in the Spray Foam Insulation Consumer Guide, produced by the PCA and industry partners.