The PCA said around 250,000 homes in the UK had spray foam insulation, which could cause trapped moisture if improperly installed, leading to damp, mould and timber decay.
It said the market was currently unregulated, leaving homeowners exposed to traders who may exploit them and charge them for work that is either unnecessary or below standard.
Homeowners may also face high costs to remove the incorrectly installed spray foam insulation, which could impact their mortgage options.
A recent study found that around a third of homes with spray foam insulation had defects.
James Berry, deputy CEO of the PCA, said: “We’ve had reports of homeowners being told they are on a ‘national database’ of properties that are likely to lose value if the insulation is not removed.
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“In some cases, vulnerable customers, including pensioners, have been lulled into a false sense of security with so-called ‘surveyors’ presenting fake ID that includes the PCA logo, even though at present, our members do not offer spray foam insulation removal services.”
Berry said the PCA held a “long-standing role” in supporting people who needed to remove the insulation and has developed inspection protocols as well as consumer guidance.
He added: “The introduction of the PCA Spray Foam Assessor Register has improved consistency in the assessment of installations and provided greater confidence for homeowners, lenders and property professionals in finding a professional they can trust.”
The PCA said it would continue to support the sector as more homeowners remove spray foam insulation, which has increased the number of specialist contractors.
It said its membership would provide competency requirements, independent auditing, compliance monitoring, technical guidance, training and representation.
Raising standards among contractors
Berry added: “The PCA is actively collaborating with contractors, government, lenders and the wider property sector to establish a recognised framework that raises standards and supports responsible business.
“The objective is not to regulate the market, but to provide an independently recognised benchmark that supports higher standards, helps consumers make informed choices and enables reputable contractors to demonstrate their commitment to competence and professionalism.
“We can provide a new level of consumer protection by making it easier for homeowners and property professionals to identify contractors who meet recognised standards, while helping to reduce poor practice and build long-term confidence into the spray foam removal sector.”
To ensure any new framework supports the needs of contractors, homeowners and mortgage lenders, the PCA is consulting on the proposals, starting with a stakeholder meeting in September.
The government is also reportedly seeking ways to reform the spray foam insulation sector, as part of its Warm Homes Plan, which launches in October.
