New spray foam framework ‘unhelpful’ for sellers

A claims management company has criticised a long-awaited document released by the Property Care Association (PCA) on the use of the controversial spray foam insulation product in energy efficient measures.

The PCA and the Residential Property Surveyors’ Association (RSPA) sparked controversy among valuers, spray foam installers and surveyors in 2021 after issuing guidance to recommend the removal of spray foam insulation at every property they visit.

The guidance has since been retracted pending a full review after a group of industry stakeholders, supported by the Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA), started collaborating to standardise installation procedures and develop inspection protocols.

A framework was released last month by the group “to assist property professionals and residential surveyors undertaking non-invasive visual inspections of spray foam applications to the inside of pitched roofs.”
 

The PCA said the second task is to create a framework where spray foam installers can be seen as providing a high-quality service, such as requiring a system of controls and product approval certificates.

But Hydrogard Legal Services has issued a statement warning this work has not gone far enough.

It said: “The expectation was that it would provide better control and regulation, around the installation of spray foam insulation.

“It is just a guide for building professionals and surveyors who are inspecting properties with spray foam insulation.

“The impression was this was going to have the backing of the Government in the recommendation of using spray foam insulation but in fact it is not approved or regulated by the Government.”

The statement queried how this would help homeowners who have installed spray foam on their property if they are currently trying to sell or get a mortgage.

It said: “In no way does it give any recommendations about the suitability of the product or if it is endorsed by the government. Therefore, does not support homeowners by regulation on training or who can purchase it.

“Will this help when selling a property or give confidence to mortgage companies? 

“The jury is out on that.”